Will the Real University Please Stand Up

1
Will the Real University Please Stand Up?

• Pal V. Rao, Ph.D., CDP
• Dean of Library Services
• Laura M. Rao, MBA, CDP
• Faculty, Computer and Office Information Systems
• Central Missouri State University
• Warrensburg, MO 64093

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Introduction

• In the future, universities need to operate in
  both real and virtual modes.
• Universities may not be viable without dual modes.

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Characteristics of Real University

• Been in existence for a couple hundred years
• Offers synchronous learning
• Provides degrees with brand name recognition
• Foundation education

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Characteristics of Real University

• Enjoyed a monopoly in higher education
• Generally has a large physical plant
• Provides physical face-to-face interaction
• Requires a physical classroom presence

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Characteristics of Virtual University

• Been in existence for less than 5 years
• Offers asynchronous learning
• Little if any degrees with brand name recognition
• On demand training

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Characteristics of Virtual University

• No physical plant
• No or little physical face-to-face interaction
• No or little classroom presence required
• Faculty visiting other facultys classrooms

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Why Be Concerned About the Virtual University?

• Todays and future learners are/will be
  different.

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Differences

• Freshman class of 2004 beginning of stay
  connected electronically generation
• Entire electronic communities being built
• 50 of working Americans wish to pursue a
  different career

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Differences

• 77 of Americans think college education is
  important
• More emphasis on life-long learning
• Educational institutions no longer have monopolies

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What Will It Be?

• The University of the future will be a
  combination of todays Real University and the
  Virtual University.

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Reasons

• Virtual University will be an extension of the
  Real University
• Virtual University provides ability to maintain
  lifelong relationships between learners
  providers
• A combination of synchronous and asynchronous
  learning will be offered

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Reasons

• Professors of Practice industry experts teach
  in virtual mode to Real University students
• Real Universitys brand name recognition
  important for survival of Virtual University

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Reasons

• Distance learning offerings becoming more
  consumer friendly
• Technology developed for Amazon.COM helping to
  deliver distance learning
• Barnes Noble online classes supplemental to
  traditional classes

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Reasons

• Virtual Reality Museum at Cornell for real world
  students to experiment in virtual world
• Combination of real university classes with
  virtual classes to accommodate geographically
  dispersed students
• Real University can expand access to education at
  a reasonable cost

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To Contact Us

• Web address for this presentation
• HTTP//LIBRARY.CMSU.EDU/DEANPAGE.HTM
• Pal V. Rao
• e-mail pal_at_libserv.cmsu.edu
• phone [phone]
• Laura M. Rao
• e-mail rao_at_cmsuvmb.cmsu.edu
• phone [phone]