Presenting an E-learning Model for Khuzestan Universities of Medical Sciences

Relying on its global access and flexible design, e-learning offers important opportunities for continuing medical education. The aim of this study was to develop an e-learning model for medical universities in Khuzestan province. The method of this research in terms of the data collected was a mixed method exploratory study (i.e., qualitative and quantitative). To implement the qualitative phase of this research, data were obtained from studies on related topics and interviews with faculty members and experts in the field of information technology and virtual education at universities of medical sciences in Khuzestan province using snowball method. Because the sampling method was homogeneous, the study reached data saturation with 15 experts. In the quantitative phase, Delphi method was used to design the questionnaire according to the agreement of the experts (reliability of 0.7). Then, 250 questionnaires were randomly completed according to the principles of sample size determination in multivariate regression analysis in structural equation modeling. SPSS, AMOS, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to analyze the statistical data. The structural equation method was used to test the statistical assumption and confirm factor analysis. The statistical method used to test the questions in this study is structural equations modeling using AMOS software. The results showed that e-learning is affected by the following factors: the individual characteristics of learners, educational content and materials, management, expert staff, application of hardware and software, acceptance, the position of education, external (environmental) factors, and assessment.