Journal of Information Technology Impact

Distance education via the Internet has been greatly developed during recent years. Large numbers of educational institutions use the Web to develop programs that lead to academic degrees. Furthermore, a considerable number of companies use the Internet and Intranet in order to develop educational programs within the company. The use of the Internet for educational purposes has increased the number of educational programs offered in the framework of distance learning. However it should be noted that this new educational setting (and the educational programs offered through it), may function as an alternative educational form for those who cannot take part in traditional educational forms for various reasons. Usual common characteristic of these programs is that are products of a single institution. Education via the Internet allows for the development of flexible educational programs, which could be developed by more institutions. The success of an educational program either in its traditional setting or its virtual setting is determined by a number of factors. The comparative advantages of the Web based learning are the way of delivery of the courseware material, the development of effective communication (in the new electronic environment) among all partners involved in the educational process (tutors, students, technicians etc.), the use of modern pedagogical methods based on the constructivist approach (problem based learning, collaborative learning) and the possibility of access in on-line digital libraries and other multimedia educational resources. This paper presents a flexible distributed model of providing education via the Internet, adjusted to the needs of lifelong learning. This educational model is designed for users who want to continue their studies either for carrier development or to maintain their current job position or to redefine their position in the labor market.