Readiness for E-learning among the Academics of Abadan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding user e-readiness is important to any e-learning program's success. The aim of this study was to investigate the e-learning readiness of students, faculty members, and employees of Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on 187 academicians. The Academics' E-Readiness Questionnaire (ARQ) was used to evaluate e-learning readiness. Results: The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the mean rank of computer skills between students (82.5 ± 5.2), faculty members (140.1 ± 4.2), and employees (142.1 ± 3.9). So that the mean rank of faculty members and employees was significantly higher than that of students (P ≤ 0.001), the results of the Bivariate analysis showed that among the students, the number of workshops and seminars held on the topic of e-learning has a significant positive association with the mean rank of computer skills (P ≤ 0.001, r=0.343). Moreover, a Positive significant association between knowledge and attitude towards electronic education (r=0.172, P ≤ 0.001) was observed among the students. Besides, a significant negative association was found between work experience and attitude towards e-learning among faculty members (r=0.39, P=0.04). Conclusion: The expansion of e-learning can be achieved through increasing the attention to educational needs, existing Platforms, required infrastructures and facilities, knowledge and attitude of employees, faculty members, and students, and the reduction of the existing resistance to change among the experienced faculty members.