Web-Based Education in the 21st Century: A Transnational Perspective

Abstract

As with any emerging educational endeavor, the quality of instruction and content varies widely, as do the goals and motivations of the students. In this chapter, we look at the Web-based distance education strategy for academia from a transnational perspective. The key philosophies and principal characteristics of a transnational organization are discussed, and their lessons for Web-based education are extracted for a transnational model for Web-based education. The parallels between industry and academia are drawn with respect to virtual organizations. The implementation strategies of transnational firms provide some valuable lessons for academia involved with Web-based education, as they strive to achieve higher degrees of coordination with low control dispersed throughout the organization. The five dimensions of a transnational strategy taxonomy are applied to transnational Web-based distance education initiatives. Finally, we take a closer look at some predictions for teaching and learning using Web-based education in higher education as extrapolations of current trends. However, we know that we will also be surprised by new developments, just as the growth of the Internet surprised us all. Commencement ceremonies are the starting point to lifetime learning in the digital/knowledge economy.