Pedagogy vs. Technocentrism in virtual universities

WITH THE CONTINUED ADVANCES in information technology and associated communication comes the interconnectivity of all businesses and all industries. Either by default or association, this process will have an effect on the traditional education system. The information age has encouraged the ubiquity of a seemingly endless supply of information that is there just waiting to be internalized by students who have the ability and the inclination to interrogate the vast range of information systems available. Futurists suggest that all facets of education will change. Virtual education, online teaching, global universities, demise of traditional teaching methods are just some of the terms used to describe this euphoria. Much has been written about new models of teaching and learning emerging, driven by accessible new media. Associated with these writings claims that the role of the teacher and trainer is becoming one of a facilitator of learning discovery are not uncommon. This paper will consider the relationship between pedagogy and technology in driving the changes to the education process in the 21st Century, and what outcomes will determine the efficacy of these new learning environments.