Virtual Education in Pakistan: A perceived perspective of 'Education-for-All' at higher education level

Abstract

Virtual education is a mode of education that is an opportunity for learners through synchronous and asynchronous educational technologies. This study aimed to find out the perspective of virtual 'Education-for-All' in higher education in Pakistan. It could not be underestimated as it was a vast job opportunity and a second opportunity for individuals. The population of this study was postgraduate learners of the Virtual University of Pakistan. The sample was drawn by using multi-staged random sampling techniques. At the first stage, 15 campuses (three from the university's own and twelve from affiliated campuses) were selected. At the second stage, 30 postgraduate students from each selected campus were selected randomly to make a total of 450 for the sample. The data was collected through a questionnaire developed on a five-pointed Likert scale. The research findings showed that the virtual education mode ensures 'Education-for-All' facilities for learners beyond gender biasness, geographical boundaries, cultural barriers, and in-service individuals. It was recommended that virtual education should expand at a large scale to provide the opportunity to the majority of the population.