Distance-learning: transcending the borders of time and space.

One of the more interesting innovations of the digital era is the use of technology by universities in their curriculums. The Internet enhances educational opportunities for busy executives by giving them the option to transcend time and space. In Latin America, Tecnologico de Monterrey's Virtual University has been a leader in online education since 1989. Patricio Lopez del Puerto, dean of Tecnologico de Monterrey's Virtual University, offers us more details about these programs.

What are the latest trends in online education and distance-learning?

In a world growing more global by the day, it is important that educational programs prepare their students to perform competitively. They need to develop an international perspective and skills such as flexibility, adapting to change, using technology and personal traits, such as team work, integrity and social responsibility.

Information and communications technologies and innovative educational models facilitate online education and make it is easier to access state-of-the art knowledge and international learning networks. Online education also promotes an environment that enables student to stay updated and acquire new skills with added flexibility in terms of time and space. Tecnologico de Monterrey's Virtual University has been offering these types of programs since 1989.

What does the Virtual University offer to its students?

Our online education program consists of graduate programs in the areas of business administration, information technology, engineering and humanities and social science. We also offer a vast variety of continuous education programs to fulfill the demand that comes from the private sector and the community at large.

What are the benefits of enrolling in an online program?

One of the benefits is that we can take state-of-the-art education to remote geographical locations. No matter where the students are, they will always have access to guidance from one of our experts.

Also, online education provides flexibility in terms of time and space, so that students are able to keep up with their studies at any time, in any place. The cost for students in the distance-education model is less, compared with the cost of the traditional face-to-face teaching-learning process. The students have the advantage of not incurring costs associated with transportation or relocating to another city.

Finally, and most important, the student will have the opportunity of interacting with fellow students from different countries and cultures, which further enriches the advantages of this unique learning process and helps foster strong collaborative networks.

How does one learn online? Please describe your teaching/learning process.

The educational model is centered on individual and collaborative learning. This model encourages the student to work as a team with their classmates, which in turn strengthens the learning process and increases the student's level of commitment and responsibility. The professor, acting as a facilitator for learning, designs experiences, exercises and activities that help and encourage students to look for knowledge on their own and also to work together collaboratively.

Are your on-line programs certified by any institution?

Yes, Tecnologico de Monterrey's education programs are certified and accredited by 14 national and international organizations.

What are the variables that one must consider to determine which program is better when comparing one institution from another?

The expertise of the faculty and staff is very important, along with the institution's mission and the international recognition of its programs. People are looking for knowledge and skills that will allow them to become more competitive internationally and overall improve the quality of life for themselves and their community.