The Elements and Characteristics of Blended Education in Payam Noor University

The current research was conducted with the aim of identifying the elements and characteristics of blended learning in Payam Noor University. The approach of the research is qualitative with an analytical-exploratory method. In order to collect data, relevant sources and documents were collected, and from the total sources obtained, 89 sources were selected and after removing unrelated sources, 54 sources were selected for review. Also, a semi-structured interview with 25 experts inside and outside Payam Noor University was conducted in a targeted manner, and the collected data was examined and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results obtained for answering the research questions related to the elements and features of combined education in Payam Noor University which were 8 elements including: orientation (goals and policies), content, teaching strategies, teachers and learners and their activities, materials and resources, time, place and educational and evaluation environments; and 7 features including: technical, educational, communication, assessment and feedback, resources and facilities, managerial. Since there is not enough complete and comprehensive elements and components available for combined education in Payam Noor University, this model could be employed as an effective design context and practical to be used in the university.