Design, implementation and evaluation of virtual education based on the change model in the Covid-19 pandemic and program evaluation: three-year experience of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences

Virtual education is an irreplaceable opportunity to face the limitations of face-to-face education, achieve the ideal of education for all and lay the groundwork for sustainable and balanced development in the country. The use of virtual education methods in medical sciences in recent years, especially with the prevalence of this disease in the country has increased significantly. This study expresses the training program and empowerment of teachers and students based on the Kern's change model and evaluates the training program of this period based on the Kirkpatrick Model.

This study is a cross-sectional study that was performed on 6 groups of students from different educational fields during the two years of implementing the virtual education program in Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. The research population consists of 1000 students of different fields in different group. The educational design and empowerment of professors and students has been examined through the stages of change and its review based on Kern's change model.  Also, the evaluation of the program was done using the Kirk Patrick model at different levels. Also, in this regard, quantitative-qualitative evaluation of students and professors was done by using the measurement of thermic learning scores and individual interviews and focused groups from different disciplines. The students' satisfaction score regarding the effectiveness of virtual education courses is from a minimum of 51.2 related to the organization of course materials to a maximum of 61.7 in the design of pages in the course of virtual training and the grades of professors, from a minimum of 70.9 in the area of ​​organizing course materials to a maximum of 3. 81 has been variable in the field of page design during virtual education. The grade point average of the student increased, but did not have significant values ​​in different semesters.

Examining the mentioned program, based on the Kirkpatrick model at different levels and then measuring the attitudinal/functional and behavioral changes, shows that it is necessary to draw optimal conditions for the future of education by using opportunities and avoiding threats. By using the experiences gained during these days, he improved the quality of education and promoted the experiences gained during this period.