The Feasibility of E‑Learning Implementation in an Iranian University

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the feasibility of e‑learning implementation in an Iranian comprehensive university (included medical and non‑medical fields) to provide appropriate solutions in this regard. To achieve this objective, seven research questions were formed. Surveying method was applied for data collection in this study. From the results, the readiness of the Iranian university to implement e‑learning was moderate to low. This means that the Iranian university is not prepared for this type of learning. Accordingly, five factors were evaluated of which three factors: human, infrastructural, and cultural factors were in moderate to low level, and two factors: pedagogical and support, were at a low level. Ten basic strategies for successful implementation of e‑learning were extracted at the Iranian university based on the studied five factors and they were presented according to the knowledge and research in the field of e‑learning in the world and in Iran. Some of these consisted of holding training courses at the university level, considering a special place for e‑learning in the university strategic plan, developing a mechanism for monitoring the activities of teaching and research in e‑learning environment for students and faculty, and allocating and spending an appropriate budget.