Virtual University: Re-reading Existing Narrations

In the 21st century, higher education has overcome the limitations of time and space and a new tradition has developed within it. In this century, higher education has been introduced into the virtual world. It has been introduced in three forms: Intelligent virtual university, virtual university through face-to-face communication and virtual university based on asynchronous (usually written) communication. In the first form intelligent software replaces the teacher. In the second, the teacher overcomes space limitations through internet and an educational environment which simulates the real classroom. The teacher sees the students by using a webcam and is seen by the student in the same way. In virtual university’s third form the lesson is presented through asynchronous and preferably written communication. This can be whether traditional and limited to knowledge transfer; or having active interaction and communication as an essential part, developing a new paradigm in higher education and facilitating students move toward critical thinking level. In this article different forms of virtual university are analyzed and assessed. That takes place based on the Theory of Embodiment, phenomenology of perception and constructivism. Regarding the Embodiment theory university education in virtual environment will be discussed in general and the analysis will be assessed afterwards. In the analysis of the first form of virtual university intelligent software available are compared with real teachers. The second form of virtual university that is directed by using webcams is assessed based on the phenomenology of perception which is due to Merleau Ponty. After analyzing the third form of virtual university in both traditional and reformist modes, a reformist experience of virtual university will be described. The suggestions for developing an Iranian version of virtual university will be offered.