Iranian Journal of Medical Education

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Introduction: With regard to general benefits of e-learning in medical education, and the necessity of paying attention to it, this study was to assess the strength and weak points of web-based teaching in medical mycology course. Methods: In this descriptive comparative study conducted on pharmacy students in the first semester of 2009-2010, parallel to attendance and the traditional teaching sessions (classroom training) for medical mycology, web-based training was simultaneously used. At the end of the semester, the effect of web based learning was investigated through comparison of the grade averages of students in experiment and control groups. The students’ viewpoints on the advantages, disadvantages, students’ interest, educational motivation,and the ability and capability of virtual education were also surveyed, using a researcher-made questionnaire. Results:Comparison of mean final test scores at the end of the course in experiment and control groups (16.83 vs 17) showed no significant difference between students’ learning in blended style,and traditional groups. In the survey, students indicated the advantages of web based learning as: constant teacher- sudent communication (91%), distance education and scientific exchage (79%), access to up to date world electronic sources (75%),and no time and place limitations (54%). The disadvantages and limitations were indicated as low university facilities and resourses, low speed of internet, and not easy and allowable access of all to internet. Conclusion: Despite the satisfaction expressed by the students from web-based education, comparison of students’ grade averages in experiment and control groups, revealed and evidence for lack of success in web based education.So, different aspects of e-learning, including computer literacy, infrastructure of telecommunications, the culture of Internet use, leisure and entertainment aspects of Internet content, and curriculum, should be revisited.

Keywords: E-learning, Virtual learning, Distance education, Web-based Education, Assessment, Mycology.

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