Designing an Effective Model of Virtual Education Using Artificial Intelligence in the Educational System of Islamic Azad Universities of West Azerbaijan Province

Abstract

Higher education in the twenty first century has undergone extensive technological transformations. One of the most significant of these changes is the expansion of virtual education and its integration with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence. Virtual education is no longer merely an alternative to face to face instruction; rather, it has become a strategic approach within educational systems that can enhance learning quality, educational equity, and equal access to opportunities. Accordingly, the present study was conducted with the aim of designing an effective model of virtual education using artificial intelligence within the educational system of Islamic Azad Universities in West Azerbaijan Province. This research employed a sequential exploratory design, meaning that qualitative data were first collected and analyzed to identify the key dimensions and components. In the qualitative phase, the statistical population consisted of 15 experts in virtual education, educational technology, and key administrators of the Azad Universities in the province. Participants were selected based on criteria such as specialized knowledge, practical experience, credible research background, familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of virtual education, and the ability to provide analytical insights. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were used until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA 11 software. The coding process consisted of three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Ultimately, seven main dimensions of AI based virtual education effectiveness were identified: educational, technological, psychological, social, managerial, human, and organizational. Overall, the findings indicate that the effectiveness of AI based virtual education requires strategic synergy between data driven management, sustainable technological infrastructure, human capital empowerment, and organizational support. The proposed model can serve as a valid framework for the design, evaluation, and improvement of intelligent virtual education in Iranian universities.