Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The challenges of E‑learning system: Higher educational institutions perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Leila Shahmoradi
. Vahid Changizi 1
. Esmaeil Mehraeen
. Azadeh Bashiri
. Behrooz Jannat 2
. Mahsa Hosseini

1 Department of Technology of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

2 Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The development of information technology (IT) in education has led to the
expansion of new teaching and learning methods at universities. Implementation of E‑learning
programs at Iran’s universities as well as assessing the prerequisites and level of preparation of
learners to attend E-learning environments require extensive study. Therefore, this study examined
to investigate the challenges of E‑learning system at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
METHODOLOGY: This study was a descriptive and cross‑sectional one that conducted in 2016_2017.
The statistical populations were all of the students that have an E‑learning course in Tehran University
of Medical Sciences, from whom, 300 were selected to participate in the study using a stratified
random sampling method. The tool of the study was a researcher‑made questionnaire. The data
were analyzed through SPSS software.
RESULTS: According to the findings of this study, about half of the participants (40%) had problems
accessing the technology, and only 26.4% of the participants had good preparation for the use of
E‑learning system. Furthermore, a significant difference was found between the challenges of skill
and culture of the participants (P value = 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Success in the implementation of E‑learning educational system as one of the main
approaches in managing knowledge and educational needs of higher education organization will not
be achieved without identifying the different skill, technical and cultural challenges. To overcome this
challenge, establishing IT infrastructure and standards, using experiences of the leading countries
in the field of E‑learning, creating proper culture, and familiarizing learners and teachers to the
development and use of E‑learning materials are necessary.

Keywords

E‑learning
E‑learning preparation
challenges
information technology
1. Zagrodi B, Bordbar A, Elghaee T. Review of prerequisites and
the feasibility of e‑learning projects in Fasa University of Medical
Sciences. Journal of Medical Education Development Horizon.
2010;4:11‑17.
2. Hoseyni Z, Salehi M. Student blog design and impact on students’
attitudes to optimize the learning process and its relation to
dimensions of Total Quality Management in Education (TQM in
teaching)‑Modular MPH students of Tehran University. Iranian
Journal of Medical Education. 2009;3:114.
3. Kheyrandish M. Feasibility pattern of executing virtual education.
Educ Strategy Med Sci. 2011;4:137‑142.
4. Lee J. Faculty and Administrator Perceptions of Instructional
Support for Distance Education. Int J Instr Media. 2002; 29:27‑45.
5. Shahnavazi A, Mehraeen E, Bagheri S, Miri Z ,
Mohammadghasemi M. Survey of Students Readiness to Use
of E‑learning Technology. Journal of Paramedical Science and
Rehabilitation. 2017;6:60‑66.
6. Dargahi H, Ghazisaeedi M, Ghasemi M. Electronic teaching
position at the University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Payavard
Salamat. 2007;1:20‑29.
7. Majidi A. E‑Learning: History, features, infrastructure and
barriers. National Studies of Library and Organized information.
2009;78:9‑26.
8. Rezaee rad, M. Review the readiness of teachers to use e‑learning
Payam Noor University. Research in lesson plan. 2012;9: 110‑116.
9. Kamalian A, Fazel A. Review prerequisites and feasibility of the
implementation of e‑learning system. Journal of Technology of
Education. 2010;4:13‑27.
10. Zare M. Challenges related to the development of e‑learning at
the University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The Journal of Medical
Education and Development. 2014;10(4): 500‑503.
11. Tarus J, Gichoya D, Muumbo A. Challenges of Implementing
E‑Learning in Kenya: A Case of Kenyan Public Universities.
The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed
Learning. 2015;16:120‑141.
12. Hetty Rohayani AH, Kurniabudi, Sharipuddin. A Literature
Review: Readiness Factors to measuring e‑Learning Readiness
in Higher Education. Procedia Comput Sci. 2015;59:230‑234.
13. Andersson A. Seven major challenges for e‑learning in developing
countries: Case study eBIT, Sri Lanka. Int J Educ Dev Using Inf
Commun Technol. 2008;4:45‑62.
14. Masoodi T, Nikfarham Z. A comprehensive survey of knowledge,
attitude and skills of dental students of Mashhad University of
Medical Sciences learning through electronic system. Iranian
Journal of Medical Education. 2009;3:90.
15. Garrison DR, Kanuka H. Blended learning: Uncovering its
transformative potential in higher education. Internet High Educ.
2004 1;7:95‑105.
16. Ruiz GJ, Mintzer MJ, Leipzig RM. The Impact of E‑Learning in
Medical Education. Acad Med; 2006:81:207.
17. Asghari M, et al. The Challenges of E‑Learning Faces in Medical
Sciences Education from the Viewpoints of the Academic Staff.
Future Med Educ J. 2012;2:8‑12.
18. Cavanaugh CS, Barbour MK, Clark T. Research and practice
in K‑12 online learning: A review of open access literature.
The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed
Learning. 2009;10:1‑22.
19. Welle‑Strand A, Thune T. E‑learning policies, practices and
challenges in two Norwegian organizations. Eval Program Plann.
2003;26:185‑92.
20. De Freitas S, Oliver M. Does E-learning Policy Drive Change in Higher Education?: A case study relating models of organisational
change to e-learning implementation. Journal of Higher Education
Policy and Management. 2005;27:81‑96.
21. Clark RC, Mayer RE, Thalheimer W. E-learning and the science
of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of
multimedia learning. Perform Improv Advis. 2003;42:41‑3.
22. Li CS, Irby B. An overview of online education: Attractiveness,
benefits, challenges, concerns and recommendations. Coll Stud J.
2008;42: 449.
23. Olaniran B. Challenges to implementing e‑learning in
lesser‑developed countries. Globalized e‑learning cultural
challenges. 2007:18‑34.
24. Van Dijk J, Hacker K. The digital divide as a complex and dynamic
phenomenon. Inf. Soc. 2003;19:315‑26.
25. Warschauer M. Technology and social inclusion: Rethinking the
digital divide. MIT press; 2004, pp. 293‑295.
26. Clark R, & Lyons C. Graphics for learning. 2nd ed. New York:
Wiley & Sons, 2004.
27. Olaniran BA. Discerning culture in e‑learning and in the
global workplaces. Knowledge Management & E‑Learning: an
International Journal. 2009;1:180‑95.
28. Zhang D, Nunamaker JF. Powering e‑learning in the new
millennium: an overview of e‑learning and enabling technology.
Inf Syst Front. 2003;5:207‑18.
29. Shahmoradi L, Safadari R, Jimma W. Knowledge management
implementation and the tools utilized in healthcare for
evidence‑based decision making: a systematic review. Ethiop J
Health Sci. 2017;27:541‑58.
30. Shahmoradi L, Ahmadi M, Sadoughi F, Piri Z, Gohari MR.
A comprehensive model for executing knowledge management
audits in organizations: a systematic review. The health care
manag. 2015;34:28‑40.
31. Martin J. Developing Course Material for Online Instruction of
Adults. J Online Learn Teach. 2009;5:364.
Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 8, Issue 9
September 2018
Pages 1-6

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us