UNIWERSYTET WIRTU(RE)ALNY. ENTER

Pointing to virtual university as a means of implementing the idea of university in its contemporary stage of evolution, the author emphasizes its significance in the formation of the 21st century knowledge-based society. Outlining the essence of e-learning, one of the main EU initiatives aimed at creating the Europe of Knowledge, not only does the author pinpoint the various forms of virtual university, but also investigates the extent to which the principles are being implemented into the Polish educational system. The establishment of the virtual dimension of university affects the internal structure of the institution (i.e. students-personnel-administration) as well as its functioning in the external environment, which, according to the author, should facilitate the fulfilment of the goals set by the Bologna process, including lifelong learning. The author stresses the need for innovation, dialogue and partnership in the process of its continual development if the contemporary university is to become a major centre for intellectual and cultural advancement of the knowledge-based society.