Using virtual teams to map digital new generation learning environments into tertiary online learning space

The sudden emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 is a reminder of our frailty, where the magnitude of the impact facing the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has become increasingly apparent. One way that we have effectively responded to this emergency educationally, has to become innovative in our relationship with technology. The value of Virtual Teams to globally collaborate is well known, and can be adopting to address student learning in the university online environment. In order to successfully embed a Virtual Team model into an online platform however, a framework to support its delivery is required. We suggest using a new generation learning environment (NGLE) design to meet this end. Our conceptual paper discusses how NGLEs can be mapped into online learning environments and illustrates how Virtual Teams can effectively align within a NGLE framework. Finally, we suggest a model for Virtual Teams for an online tertiary course, highlighting the importance of implementing a Virtual Team and NGLE approach in tertiary education.