A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a training opportunity to understand and solve optimally. The technique establishes a virtual university by connecting a virtual university server and one or more users, selects a destination within the virtual university server to interact with the one or more users, couples the one or more users through the virtual university server based on the selected destination. The interaction techniques include rules for one to one correspondence and one to many. The destinations include a virtual classroom, administrative offices, virtual library and virtual student union. Additional support is provided for distributing grades, tests, homework materials, directory information and other classroom materials electronically.