Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of e-Learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Medical Education, Virtual University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Support services are a very important element for all educational institutions. The
aims of this study were to explore the components of the student support system in blended learning
for universities of medical sciences in Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was performed qualitative with exploratory
approach. The tool used to collect data was a semi‑structured interview, after conducting interviews
with 17 e-learning experts and specialists of universities of medical sciences, we reached information
saturation. The study was conducted at Aja University of Medical Sciences in Tehran in 2020. Data
analysis was performed as Thematic Content Analysis by Attride‑Stirling method.
RESULTS: From the content analysis of the interviews, 6 main themes and 19 sub‑themes were
obtained. Main themes included “Scientific- cognitive Support”, “Systematic Support”, “Human
Resource Support”, “Emotional Support”, “Technical Support” and “Financial- economic Support”.
CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, 6 basic components and its subcomponents of
the student support system were obtained. It is suggested that the educational officials of medical
universities with blended learning use the results of this study in setting up their student support
system for academic success in e‑learning and medical students.
Keywords
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