CYBER LEARNING FROM REALITY THROUGH VIRTUALITY TO HOLOPORTATION: STATUS-QUO AND A PROPOSED MODEL FOR CLOSING THE GAP IN AFRICA

Although cyber learning is the large umbrella that covers different types and sequenced generations of technology-based learning, such as e-Learning, m-Learning, virtual reality and augmented reality. There are however new forms which may include in the near future mixed reality and holoportation technologies. This study aims at examining to what extent such learning environments are used in education and educational research in African countries. Most of the countries in the African continent are considered to be developing countries characterised by the population growth, by the growing demand for education and by facing economical challenges, especially in education. The most important of which is the lack of material and qualified human resources. This requires adopting new teaching methods that based on the communications revolution, the Internet and educational applications of modern technology, which could facilitate the cooperation in this field among the educational systems in this continent, and may contribute to solve many problems and keep up the pace with developments, challenges and even help crisis-stricken countries in rebuilding their educational systems. In addition to reviewing the evolution of cyber learning concepts, this study analyses some of the African continent’s leading research and presents a proposed model to show how economic alternatives could be an outcome of productive learning in virtual learning environments to overcome the shortcomings of material aspects and close the growing gap in developing countries.