Abstract
The university systems have changed according to quantity and quality as a result of the rapid change of knowledge, though, we must not separate between technology and education. We also must use electronic networks and media to gradually replace traditional tools in education.
Jane (1999, p. 105) has stated that the amazing capriole in satellites, media, Internet applications, e-learning, distance learning and virtual universities has influenced education and forced challenges on them. Universities and educational organizations have an essential role in facing these challenges in order to accomplish their goals in training powerful human resources and specialized staffs in different fields to cover the Comprehensive Development and the needs of the future.
The current educational crisis, such as shortage of educators, the high demand on the higher education and the changing needs and scientific requirements of learners, require necessary searching for new technological formulas and methods; that can come over crisis, fulfil educational needs and get benefit of technological innovations in the field of Communications and Information Technology. One of these methods is virtual classroom that provide interactive privileges which are not available in the traditional classrooms.
In light of that and as a result of having many innovations about virtual classrooms in the educational field, the main question will be:
Using virtual classrooms and their functional requirements in learning applying sciences in Saudi universities?
From the main question we have the following sub-questions:
1. What is the meaning of virtual classrooms?
2. How available are the virtual classrooms in universities?
3. What are the functional requirements of virtual classrooms in learning applying sciences in universities?
The Importance of the paper:
The importance of this study emerges in its benefits in many aspects that are beneficial to whom are involved in the educational process and its all aspects which appear as follows:
1. This study contributes in recognizing the type of the virtual classrooms and their availability in universities.
2. This study contributes in knowing the reality of using virtual classrooms in universities.
3. This study contributes in recognizing the requirements of the educational environment in virtual classrooms in universities.
4. This study clarifies the functional requirements of virtual classrooms in universities.
5. This study is beneficial to university educators of undergraduate and postgraduate levels in developing applying sciences learning using virtual classrooms in universities.
6. This study contributes in developing education, e-learning and virtual universities in learning applying sciences to cope with new educational trends and convoy the time requirements.