Abstract:

Nowadays, the rapid development of information and communication technologies has become a real challenge for higher education. Indeed, it is one of the leading factors that affect current teaching methodology. Overall, it can be said that the development of the Internet and mobile devices has created new opportunities for teaching and learning, not only using traditional media and websites, but also by providing various web and mobile applications.

One possibility raised by applying this technology is that universities may offer flexible forms of education as full-time or part-time study with the need of students making a physical appearance only in the final or diploma exams, regardless of the level of studies. Distance learning is especially attractive when there is a problem with regular classes attendance or there is a need to relocate during studies, as students can decide when and how much time they devote to learning through Internet classes. This is also an ideal offer for professionally active people who want to expand their qualifications. Moreover, the cost of online studies is lower than traditional studies. However, this learning method requires a lot of self-discipline and organizational skills.

These forms of education are ideal for people who have to expand their knowledge in Computer Science or related fields. The results show that the teaching and learning processes can be improved by e-learning systems. Of note, this approach is well accepted by students.

The main purpose of this research is to make the reader aware of and to evaluate two post-graduate study offers available in Poland’s universities: Web and Mobile Applications (Computer Science) and Geographical Information Systems (Geoinfromatics). Both studies are taught online (through the web), using educational platforms as the way to exchange knowledge. They provide application-oriented knowledge and proffer innovative solutions based on relevant concepts and methods. The package includes a programme for evaluating student performance electronically. The technology of e-learning is becoming progressively innovative. This has several positive effects: this makes e-learning systems friendlier and diminishes well-known technology barriers.

The research seeks to lay out how online teaching and learning processes and their adoption and implementation should come about so as to provide maximal benefit to the students in lifelong learning. The premise is that lifelong learning based on e-learning and harnessing emerging mobile-learning technologies will experience consistent expansion and acceptance.

Keywords:

Life-long learning, post-graduate education, computer science, information technologies, e-learning, new trends, higher education.