The Future
As the quality, convenience and cost-effectiveness of distance delivery continues to improve, distance courses will take an ever- increasing share of the educational market. To date ShirWin's emphasis has been on trying to match the quality of instructional models, to the convenience and cost effectiveness if this approach to education.
As the technology continues to advance, courses will also become increasingly interactive in nature. Today's simulations will be superseded by "virtual" learning environments where students will complete their cases through role-playing exercises in real time. Virtual reality programming will allow us to create an even richer learning environment. Role-playing cases may involve more than one participant at a time. Instructors may also actively monitor learning sessions. Virtual learning environments, like one illustrated above will further enhance the learning process.
ShirWin's research team is continuing to investigate opportunities to develop and apply these types of advancements in virtual technology. One example is ShirWin's work to recognize where technological advancements in one field can be drawn into the education environment. Role-playing cases can be designed to test many educational concepts.
Virtual learning environments represent the next stage in the application of ShirWin's constructivist-learning model. Personal connections will be created and learners will immediately feel and experience firsthand the implications of decisions they make while completing their cases.
If the most memorable learning experiences are those that are personally felt and experienced, then these new virtual connections will be a real part of the learning environment. Learning within a virtual environment will be more meaningful; it will also be more challenging and entertaining.
Consistent with the goals of ShirWin's current simulation inspired instructional system, it is anticipated that these new virtual learning environments will further improve student motivation. Attrition rates will drop, retention rates will increase and student performance on examinations will ultimately improve.