Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences
Background: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have had an increasing trend globally during the last two decades. They are emerging as flexible and complementary tools in open education. Nevertheless, their development demands substantial resources, and challenges persist in effectively involving f...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ijvlms.sums.ac.ir/article_49961_5adefb592a57ea728c747ea012fdb100.pdf |
| _version_ | 1797234117798002688 |
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| author | Azita Barzekar Nasim Salehi Zahra Karimian Manoosh Mehrabi |
| author_facet | Azita Barzekar Nasim Salehi Zahra Karimian Manoosh Mehrabi |
| author_sort | Azita Barzekar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have had an increasing trend globally during the last two decades. They are emerging as flexible and complementary tools in open education. Nevertheless, their development demands substantial resources, and challenges persist in effectively involving faculty. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing MOOCs development based on e-learning experts’ perspectives within the Iranian universities of medical sciences.Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in 2022 using the content analysis method. Purposeful sampling was used to select experts authorized in e-learning within Iranian medical sciences universities with at least two years of experience. Sampling continued until data saturation (n: 15). Data was collected using a semi-structured interview administered through online written approaches. Thematic analysis techniques were applied, involving the identification of codes. The data was analyzed at the level of open coding (items), axial coding (components), and selective coding (concepts) in a round-trip process.Results: Thematic analysis resulted in 28 codes, 12 themes, and 4 categories. Influential factors on MOOCs development and engagement included: 1) structural factors (rules/regulations, clarity, structure); 2) human resources (empowerment, support, attitude, motivation); 3) cultural factors (symbols, unity); and 4) political factors (equity, participation, and negotiation, profit).Conclusion: The development of successful MOOCs programs encompasses various factors, including cultural, human resource, political, and structural elements to empower and actively engage faculty members in MOOCs. Restructuring may be required regarding the multivariable changes to consider open, online education as a part of innovative educational pathways in universities. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T16:26:58Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-82ead422c19648b5b710ef808fde355c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2476-7263 2476-7271 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T16:26:58Z |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | Shiraz University of Medical Sciences |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-82ead422c19648b5b710ef808fde355c2024-03-30T19:51:12ZengShiraz University of Medical SciencesInterdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences2476-72632476-72712024-03-01151334710.30476/ijvlms.2024.101164.128049961Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical SciencesAzita Barzekar0Nasim Salehi1Zahra Karimian2Manoosh Mehrabi3Department of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, Virtual School and Center of Excellence in E-Learning, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranSchool of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, WA, Southern Cross University, Faculty of Health, QLD, AustraliaDepartment of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, Virtual School and Center of Excellence in E-Learning, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranDepartment of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, Virtual School and Center of Excellence in E-Learning, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranBackground: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have had an increasing trend globally during the last two decades. They are emerging as flexible and complementary tools in open education. Nevertheless, their development demands substantial resources, and challenges persist in effectively involving faculty. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing MOOCs development based on e-learning experts’ perspectives within the Iranian universities of medical sciences.Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in 2022 using the content analysis method. Purposeful sampling was used to select experts authorized in e-learning within Iranian medical sciences universities with at least two years of experience. Sampling continued until data saturation (n: 15). Data was collected using a semi-structured interview administered through online written approaches. Thematic analysis techniques were applied, involving the identification of codes. The data was analyzed at the level of open coding (items), axial coding (components), and selective coding (concepts) in a round-trip process.Results: Thematic analysis resulted in 28 codes, 12 themes, and 4 categories. Influential factors on MOOCs development and engagement included: 1) structural factors (rules/regulations, clarity, structure); 2) human resources (empowerment, support, attitude, motivation); 3) cultural factors (symbols, unity); and 4) political factors (equity, participation, and negotiation, profit).Conclusion: The development of successful MOOCs programs encompasses various factors, including cultural, human resource, political, and structural elements to empower and actively engage faculty members in MOOCs. Restructuring may be required regarding the multivariable changes to consider open, online education as a part of innovative educational pathways in universities.https://ijvlms.sums.ac.ir/article_49961_5adefb592a57ea728c747ea012fdb100.pdfe-learninge-contenteducationdistancemassive open online coursesmedical |
| spellingShingle | Azita Barzekar Nasim Salehi Zahra Karimian Manoosh Mehrabi Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences e-learning e-content education distance massive open online courses medical |
| title | Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences |
| title_full | Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences |
| title_short | Exploring the Factors Influencing Massive Open Online Courses Development: A Qualitative Study of E-Learning Experts’ Perspectives on Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences |
| title_sort | exploring the factors influencing massive open online courses development a qualitative study of e learning experts perspectives on iranian universities of medical sciences |
| topic | e-learning e-content education distance massive open online courses medical |
| url | https://ijvlms.sums.ac.ir/article_49961_5adefb592a57ea728c747ea012fdb100.pdf |
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