Exploring e‐education applications: a framework for analysis

As a result of the convergence of computing and communications in the information age, there have been repeated calls for institutions of higher education to embark on needed changes. Some believe that higher education must transform itself, or make radical shifts, to operate effectively in this era. Much has been learned from the business and government sectors about the power of information technology to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness, and to enable radical transformation. This study looks at approaches that have been used to classify e‐commerce and e‐government IT applications and explores their relevance to higher education. The study develops an e‐education framework that analyzes applications in higher education in terms of their application category and phase. By developing a framework for analysis based upon lessons learned in e‐commerce and e‐government, the study can provide another way of viewing an institution’s IT portfolio and for mapping future application possibilities.