Cyberspaces free from the constraints of theocracy

The continuing expansion of online higher education could help Iran to one day emerge from the shadows of theocracy and transform more seamlessly into a liberal democratic society, a conference has heard, writes Matthew Reisz for Times Higher Education.

“The Future of Iran: Education reform”, held in London on 12 November, heard that human rights education was blossoming online in response to constraints on free speech. Mariam Memarsadeghi, co-founder of Tavaana: E-Learning Institute for Iranian Civil Society, which has taught about 1,000 students over the past two years, argued that it was creating "an alternative public realm" through such projects. "We are not waiting for democratic change," she continued, "but working to ensure that the transition is durable and likely to lead to a more liberal style of democracy."
Full report on the Times Higher Education site