The Future of Education
Challenges of Virtual Education: the Narrative of What is not Learned in the Virtual University
Mahmoud Farhadimahali, Allame Amini University (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
Abstract
The movement towards new approaches in higher education has required many universities in the world to use virtual education technology in providing courses. This research seeks to analyze the phenomenon of virtual education and examine its challenges in Iranian universities. Using the phenomenological research method, purposeful sampling and semi-structured in-depth interview tools, the subjective perceptions of 80 lecturers of Iran's virtual universities. , was analyzed. After the 80 interviewes, theoretical saturation was achieved. The data was analyzed using the coding method and the validity of the findings was obtained with the three criteria of acceptability, reliability and verifiability. The results of the research show the challenges of virtual education in Iranian universities in the three main axes of education, creativity and It showed power relations. In the virtual environment, due to the lack of face-to-face communication and the student's example from the teacher and others, the field of education is not very available. The virtual student does not face the possibility of observing the teacher's daily reactions and imitating his moral and educational style. The focus of education on memorization and not paying attention to learning at higher levels has weakened the possibility of fostering creativity, virtual education has made the relationship between professor-student and student-student more democratic, but it still keeps the relationship with the university and the relationship between professors at a minimum level. According to the findings of the research, the lack of face-to-face communication should be compensated with conditions such as making the learning environment more interactive with the capability of visual technologies. Education based on problem solving, allowing spontaneous and creative ideas from students, immediate feedback from professors and increasing mutual thinking among professors can improve the dynamics of the virtual education environment.
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Keywords |
Virtual university , Education , Creativity , Interpersonal relationships , Phenomenological research method. |
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References |
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