This paper deals with the concept of informal learning in virtual communities on the Internet. Initially we discuss the need for continuing education and its relation with informal learning. Virtual communities are next defined and then compared to real communities. Case studies are employed, focused on some specific kinds of virtual communities. We examine how they operate, how their members i...

Online Education, E-learning, and M-learning Online education: There are many terms for online education. Some of them are: virtual education, Internet-based education, Web-based education, and education via computermediated communication (CMC). The following definition of online education is based on Desmond Keegan’s (1988) definition of distance education. Hence, online education is character...

This paper investigates the role of virtual reality and web technologies in the field of dietetics education. Within this frame, special emphasis is given on the building of web-based virtual learning environments so as to successfully fulfill their educational objectives. In particular, basic pedagogical methods are studied, focusing mainly on the efficient preparation, approach and presentati...

With the rapid expansion of graduate students, higher demand of using information technology in graduate education arises. Based on the analysis of the problem existing in the traditional graduate educational programs, we propose the microblogging virtual learning team for graduate education. We also explore the advantages and characteristics of microblogging virtual learning in project learning.

Virtual engineering technology has undergone rapid progress in recent years and is being adopted increasingly by manufacturing companies of many engineering disciplines. There is an increasing demand from industry for qualified virtual engineers. The qualified virtual engineers should have the ability of applying engineering principles and mechanical design methods within the commercial softwar...

Although geographic information system (GIS) education has been spread widely, it becomes increasingly apparent that twodimensional maps cannot be precisely present multidimensional and dynamic spatial phenomena. It seems that merging GIS and Virtual Reality (VR) is a way to deal with these issues in terms of GIS classroom teaching. Virtual learning environment is the simulation of teaching met...

One of the most successful and useful implementations of 3D virtual worlds is in the area of education and training. This paper discusses the use of virtual worlds in education and describes an innovative 3D visualization design project using one of the most popular virtual worlds, Second Life. This ongoing project is a partnership between IBM and three universities in the United States: the Un...

An adaptive system is one that adjusts its operation to the user taking this as essential unity in their performance. Starting from this premise can be deduced the importance of the user model for such systems since the characteristics and goals of the person who interacts with the system will be directly reflected in a change of strategy in the operation. This article refers to the creation of...

Global trends in higher education point to significant changes taking place. The gradual shift is caused by numerous factors such as rapidly improving technology, an increase in population numbers and socio-economic factors. The Internet has brought global information dissemination to the doorstep, introducing the concept of distributed learning and free access to knowledge. This, combined with...

Development and wide availability of computer networks generated development of software systems for automation in higher education environments especially to replace conventional distance learning. The authors of this paper studied one of the model based approaches and methodologies in this area and analyzed the possibilities and difficulties of introduction of model based distance learning in...