The purpose of this study was to demonstrate an action model designed to
support college students in their international education and research, by utilizing
e-learning based online learning communities. This study identified the concepts and
key elements inherent to the success of internationalization in colleges and
universities, via a review of the relevant literature. This model is predicated on the
e-learning method, the use of which has been rapidly expanding throughout the
country, due in large part to the strong supports of the Korean government.
The study analyzed the features of e-learning focusing on its underlying concepts,
strengths and weaknesses, and success factors. It also examined the manner in which
e-learning might be applied to the internationalization of colleges and universities,
introducing a practical model which has been applied in an educational cooperative
project of by APEC. which is currently underway. This paper also outlines the core
elements and procedures of the e-learning based cooperative model for international
education and research, via the following steps: the formation of a research project
team, the derivation of research topics, the writing of an action plan, the online
sharing of team members' knowledge and resources, the sharing of the research
results at a college-wide onsite conference, and the submission of both an online
and a paper report.
Considering the current online infrastructure being instituted at Korean colleges
and universities, the e-learning based learning community model should be readily
applicable for college students' international education and research activities. In order
to make this model feasible for use in Korean colleges, it will be necessary to
develop administrative and academic systems to approve curricular development at
the department-level or major-unit-level, and to recognize and accredit students'
diverse individual academic activities.