virtual university--higher education 'on-line', The

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Summer 1999 by DiPiro, Joseph T

Southern Regional Electronic Campus (SREC). SREC (see http://wxvw.srec.sreb.org) was formed by the Southern Regional Electronic Board (SREB), which involves over 180 accredited educational (mostly public) institutions from 16 states. SREB was created in 1948 as the nations first interstate compact for education with a board consisting of the governors, legislators, and educators from each member state. SREC is a consortium of colleges that offers approximately 810 courses (including 95 graduate courses and 41 health-related courses) over the internet. The purpose of SREC is to provide a central point of information about electronically delivered degree and academic programs and individual courses, "an electronic marketplace" where students can "shop" for programs. Currently, 28 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered (including bachelor of science in nursing). Students link to specific colleges and universities, pay tuition and fees determined by the individual institutions. Most courses are delivered via internet but other formats include CD-ROM, videotape, satellite transmission, and E-mail. California Virtual University (CVU). CVU (See http://ww.california.edu) was created in 1997 independent of Western Governors University as a centralized vehicle for advertising and marketing distance education offerings by California post-secondary educational institutions. The purpose is to expand access and choice in the means of instruction and promote efficient use of scarce resources. CVU serves as a central point for information about distance learning courses. Students apply to and register with the individual institutions. To date 27,300 students have enrolled in over 1950 undergraduate and graduate courses (163 in the health professions and related sciences, including one pharmacology course). Over 111 institutions participate, offering over 100 degree or certificate programs (21 in the health professions and related sciences including bachelor of science in nursing). Similar to SREC, CVU promotes itself as "one-stop shop" for distance education.

National Universities Degree Consortium (NUDC). NUDC (see http://sc.edu/deis/NUDC) is a consortium of 12 large state universities (including the University of Oklahoma, University of Maryland, University of South Carolina Washington State University). The organization is managed by the member institutions and provides links to distance learning offerings at each of the institutions. The NUDC includes a wide range of course subjects (although few are in the health-related sciences) that use a variety of content delivery methods, including videotape, audiotape, and print. Programs are offered leading to certification, undergraduate degrees (18 programs), and masters degrees (about 50 programs).

The University AllianceTM (UA). UA (see http://wvv.universityalliance.com) is a Tampa-based organization formed by BiskTotaltape Publishing and includes private universities such as Regis University, Tulane University, University of Miami, and Georgetown University. The emphasis of this organization is on professional education through internet-based curricula. These programs offer certificates, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. At present, the program is a major provider of higher education to the military (through Saint Leo College).