Explaining the Role of Medical Teachers in Electronic Learning Environments

E-learning environments are now increasingly used by medical schools around the world. In designing any electronic learning environment, attention to different components such as learner characteristics, teacher's role, curriculum approach, teaching-learning process, content and educational media should be considered by designers. In this regards, the role of teachers and presentation of new educational roles for him and having teaching skills in the virtual environment is very important. This study aimed to explain the role of medical teachers of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in electronic learning environments.

This qualitative study was conducted with content analysis approach during 14 months (the year 2021-2022) on 15 medical teachers and medical students who were selected by the purposive sampling method. Data were collected using semi- structured interviews and were coded through MAXQDA20 software. Categorization of codes and extraction of classes were done according to the guided content analysis approach based on Graneheim and Lundman. The Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to ensure the rigor.

Analyzing the statements of the participants led to the identification of the professor's presence-cognitive theme in electronic learning environments. The main classes included appropriate teaching process in the e-learning environment (subcategories include: using virtual education in appropriate courses, designing appropriate teaching content, revision in students evaluation and using appropriate teaching methods to facilitate learning), and the teacher's participation in creating a sense of belonging to the e-learning environment (subcategories include: the effective presence of the teachers, the social presence of the teachers, the educational leadership and creating a sense of belonging in the students).

According to the results of the study, acquisition of virtual teaching skills, cognitive presence of teachers in e-learning environments and attention to the formation of a sense of belonging to the environment in students are the most important roles of medical teachers in e-learning environments. University administrators should provide sufficient resources to manage new educational environments, remove administrative and structural barriers, and motivate faculty members to use electronic education systems.