Technology has enabled the spread of education through courses which can now be accessed via the Internet, on smart phones, the social media and e-books.

The advent of the virtual university now means that students can go for higher education programs through the electronic media, typically the Internet. Some are bricks-and-mortar institutions that provide online learning as part of their extended university courses while others solely offer online courses. They are regarded as a form of distance education.

The goal of virtual universities is to provide access to education to a section of the population which is unable to attend a physical campus because either they live too far away or they cannot adhere to the strict regimen of a curriculum delivered over a specific period of time. The distance learning mode allows them the flexibility to study at home, at their own pace and at a time which is convenient for them.

A number of Saudis and expats workers in the Kingdom say that private companies recognize virtual universities because of the high quality of their courses and for the practical experience they offer. However, companies do insist that the courses be internationally recognized.

“I am an engineer in a private construction company, but I am planning to enroll in an MBA program in a British university. Virtual education programs present a good opportunity to support my experience in the private sector,” Ali Rabea, a Jordanian resident in Jeddah, told Arab News.

There are many major universities, especially in the West, that provide online facilities to overseas students encouraging them to enroll in masters or doctoral programs.

British universities have a long experience in providing online programs. Recently, a number of American universities have also announced that they are intending to provide educational programs via the Internet.

“Every year my employer selects some of our staff to enroll in business courses provided by major American or British universities. We have the added incentive of being promoted after getting the certificate,” Hazem Ismaeel, a Lebanese worker, told Arab News.

There are some organizations that are called “virtual” because they appear only on the Internet without a physical location. However, there are other virtual universities which can be organized through specific or multiple physical locations and centers without actual campuses to have their programs delivered through various technological means such as Web pages, e-mail and other networked sources.

But there are a lot of virtual universities globally which are dubious as they simply sell certificates and do not adhere to academic standards. They need to be accredited by official organizations or governmental bodies before their courses can be approved.