Technology is seen as having much to offer in meeting these challenges, whether in delivering efficiency gains, promoting quality or in supporting distance learners. However, the focus so far has been primarily institutional, the virtual nature of the campus conceived primarily in terms of the relationship between the institution and its own students. The concept of a shared virtual learning environment, supported by a consortium of institutions, needs to be more rigorously developed. The result should be a more comprehensive learning environment than would otherwise be possible. This project is looking at the contribution which virtual or remote laboratories could make to the new learning environment.
Some labs can be a hybrid of the two types.
We are also looking at some more general SVLE issues, such as providing student support, collaboration and administrative issues. The outcome will be a recommended development strategy to the Yorkshire and Humberside Universities Association detailing costs, benefits and risks. The report will have a highly practical orientation and will provide the basis for immediate policy decisions. The initial JISC-funded scoping study runs for one year to the end of August 1997. Two members of the Computer Science Department at The University of Hull are working on this project.