E-learning transforms higher education

Abstract

E-learning plays a key role in the innovation process of universities. The development and integration of learning technologies into higher education has been pushed forward by an alliance of policy makers, technology investors and university management. The concept of e-learning includes a variety of aspects that in its combination cause a fundamental organisational change in the higher education sector. These aspects are amongst others the technologial progress of e-learning applications, the profit interests of the involved companies and actors, the different business models and organisation strategies for e-learning, the changing role of the teachers and the learners in virtual learning environments and last but not least the importance of media pedagogy for the future development and sustainable integration of e-learning into Higher Education.