Investigating the effective factors on tendency toward virtual education among the students of payame noor university in Kashan and Aran-Va-Bidgol county in 2017

Abstract

Aims: Understanding students' attitudes and perceptions toward virtual education is important in successful development of e-learning in higher education. The purpose of this research is to investigate the tendency towards virtual education among students of Payame Noor University. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 with the objective to find out perception of students about effective factors on their tendency towards virtual education. By applying Cochran formula for finite populations, sample size was calculated 92 students. Data were collected by a reliable and valid virtual education tendency questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the majority of respondents were in the age range of 20–29 years old and 53% of them were females. The majority of students (67%) believed that reducing visual communication was effective on the tendency toward virtual education. A lower percentage (30%), believed that the increase in students' academic level wasn't an effective factor in trend toward virtual education. overall 57% of students disagreed with the effect of reduction of costs on tendency towards virtual education. Conclusion: Most of the students stated that their tendency towards virtual education was due to the increase in their scientific level, it is suggested that the university authorities strengthen scientific foundations of the university. If so, more students are expected to enter virtual universities.

Keywords

• computer-based education
• internet-based education
• virtual education
• web-based education