The ITESM’s Virtual University and the Educational Models for the 21st Century

Abstract

Space technology, like communications satellites, can be used to broadcast educational programs simultaneously in many classrooms whereas, comparatively speaking, terrestrial communications might be considerably more expensive. Many universities have started branches that offer virtual education programs with a specific model for learning. In México, the ITESM system, a private educational vanguard, offers such virtual courses through the Virtual University, a system which offers many working models for accomplishing the learning process in students. These models present a large use of virtual platforms for interactions as well. Strategic Educational planning at the beginning of the next century will include the development of nearly 100% virtual courses, by using combined communications satellites and fiber optic media.

The Virtual University of the Monterrey Institute of Technology brings together a system of educational teaching - learning processes which operate utilizing the most advanced technologies in telecommunications, electronic networks, and multimedia. It offers courses at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, as well as continuing education programs as part of the Virtual University’s commitment to supporting all of the Monterrey Institute of Technology’s campuses. It extends educational services to México, Latin America, USA, and Canada.

The Virtual University of the Monterrey Institute of Technology strives to be an institution for excellence, innovation, and prestige that complies with the highest international academic standards by using the most advanced technologies in telecommunications, electronic networks and multimedia. This paper presents the space and terrestrial technology used in reaching this commitment, the programs offered, learning models, platforms, structure, expanding regions, constraints, and the future goals for the “global university”