"Over the last decade online education has emerged as a way for students and faculty to collaborate more freely, attain greater flexibility, and utilize new media to learn. The burning debate lies in whether online educational options are harmful to traditional education or offer endless benefits necessary to accommodate a 21st century learner. Supporters of virtual learning environments suggest that 21st century learners require the construction and creation capabilities offered through Web 2.0 to succeed while critics suggest that asynchronous interactions are not engaging and rigorous enough for higher education. A balanced online environment should provide a blend of both asynchronous and synchronous opportunities, which promote communication and collaboration among classmates and instructors."
Via Dr. Susan Bainbridge
An interesting article by Sarah Reese, in which she discusses benefits and drawbacks of the current online education hype, and suggests requirements for the virtual learning environment in modern higher education. Not really evidence-based, but a good argumentation nevertheless.
El aprendizaje en los EVA de la educación superior, parece proponer este libro, debe combinar interacciones sincrónicas y asíncronas. En conjunto logran el compromiso y la profundidad requeridas.