Zou C. Virtual university of an educational phenomenon of information society

The philosophical conceptualization of the phenomenon of virtual university is performed in terms of information society formation. The virtual university is defined as an educational phenomenon of information society one's purpose is the production and dissemination of knowledge and information for educational purposes through information and communication technologies. The virtualization of university is accompanied by the formation of "space of knowledge simulacra " which people of information age need to familiarize. The axiological principles of the university are analyzed in the context of their virtualization. Particular it is shown that the development of the information society produces the need of re-actualization and rethinking of educational content and its valuable components. Virtual university needs to be built taking into account new moral values and needs of the individual and society. It is grounded the need to expand the search field of innovation outside of Europe. It also looks productive by involving of higher education experience of advanced Eastern countries. Particularly, author discovers the potential of Chinese higher education, which is based on careful monitoring and active government support. The futurology of education is studied in the context of one's "virtual" transformation. It is shown the importance of foresight of consequences (possible and desirable) reforms, because they have lasting impact on society. It requires the constant philosophical reflection of education modernization strategies/