Design and development of a governance model for a virtual university in the higher education system of health sciences
Articles in Press, Corrected Proof Available Online from 15 September 2024
Articles in Press, Corrected Proof Available Online from 15 September 2024
This article examines the development of a conceptual framework for virtual universities within higher health education. The research aims to identify key components of an effective virtual university, analyze existing models, and develop a comprehensive framework.
The study was conducted in stages. A systematic review using BEHEMOTH methodology identified 13 existing virtual university models and extracted themes. Qualitative interviews with 7 experts identified additional topics.
The results from the systematic review and interviews were then synthesized to identify the basic elements and their relationships in a virtual university governance model. Key themes reflecting major aspects of virtual universities were organized.
Finally, a framework consisting of 5 main subsystems was proposed: strategic planning, educational pedagogy, intelligent technologies, central support services, and contextual factors. Implementing this framework is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and reach of virtual universities by adopting a more interactive approach. It provides guidance to develop virtual offerings and remain relevant in the digital age.