Evolution of e-Learning in Iran's Medical Sciences Universities: Formation of Virtual University of Medical Sciences

Since the beginning of the third millennium, the word e-learning has been used and is still expanding. Today, the term refers to the use of online technologies to strengthen the teaching-learning process and gain knowledge and skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of electronic learning in Iran's medical sciences universities and the introduction of Virtual University of Medical Sciences. The present study is a case study using a documentary analysis and review of texts including a series of articles published in the field of electronic learning in Iran, as well as a collection of approvals of the High Council for Medical Planning and the Council for the Development of Medical Sciences Universities and Virtual University of Medical Sciences. Virtual University of Medical Sciences has been established in 1394 to promote the education, research, production and promotion of science and the extension of knowledge boundaries in the field of cyberspace and in pursuit of the goals of the development plan and innovation in medical education. The university is also committed to helping the development of virtual education in medical science universities and the development of necessary infrastructures for all universities in the country. Virtual virtual medicine university has taken steps to develop electronic learning, realization of educational justice and creation of virtual educational opportunities. It seems that in case of the support and fulfillment of the missions of this university, we will see more development in the field of e-learning at the level of medical universities of the country.