Educación Superior Virtual en América Latina: Perspectiva Tecnológica-Empresarial

Abstract

This article focuses on the emergence of the virtual higher education phenomenon in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fact that this growing phenomenon now goes far beyond the mere use of hardware and software is discussed. For this, a set of organizational and negotiation criteria, aimed to guarantee the efficient use of information technology and telecommunication tools starting from a technology-enterprise vision. Additionally, the potential capacity of the educational models, in-campus, virtual and distance education to adapt, to grow and to correct themselves auto perfect themselves to create in this way their own technological system (orgware). Finally, the consequences of not understanding the organizational dimension that must be considered when adapting telecommunications and information technologies, are discussed. It is concluded that further details on the development and present situation of virtual higher education and that universities must establish the methodologies and management policies to clarify the limits between virtual and in-campus education.