Assess the readiness of e-learning in the students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences

E-learning is one of the achievements of the virtual world as a phenomenon of the third millennium of human civilization. Learning based on new information technologies, it addresses many of the deficiencies of the educational system and causing major changes in the education system. In order to implement this new training, this study was done to assess the students’ readiness of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. In a cross-sectional study, readiness’s of 120 students selected by random stratified sampling were investigated. Data collected instrument included demographic and standard e-learning readiness watkins questionnaire. Readiness was calculated in three low, moderate an good level. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The results showed that the majority of students had a good level of readiness. Readiness of students in 4 areas access to Technology, motivation, ability to learn through media, online group discussions were moderate and in the area of communication skills, major factor of success in e-learning were good. Level of readiness had significantly associated with students’ study course (0.001) and level of education (0.006) while this relationship with the students’ sex, age, and Semester was not significant. Despite the fact that the majority of students had good readiness it should be considered readiness of other factors such as organizations, managers, and teachers. Regarding the relationship between demographic factors and readiness, the appropriate intervention to improve the level of readiness, especially at the undergraduate students is necessary.