Iranian Journal of Medical Education

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Introduction: E-learning is one of the usual educational methods all over the world. Rapid technological advances and easy access to Internet have had an effective role in the development of this method. The only factor needing more investigation is students' performance towards e-learning. This study was designed to compare the effect of two methods of e-learning and lecture on students' learning in the department of Health and Management of Mashad University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 191students of different disciplines in the department of Health and Management. During the term, half of the courses were presented by lecture and the other half through e-learning. At the end of the term, the students' opinion toward the educational methods was asked using a researcher-made questionnaire. The exams covering the contents of both educational methods was administered in sparated sheets at the same time. The Data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA through SPSS. Results: There was no significant difference between students' mean scores in attendance and e-learning courses. E-learning course was optimal regarding goal achievement and educational needs fulfillment, content, methodology, sequence, material and evaluation. There was a significant relationship between students' computer skills and their success in working with e-learning system as well as their scores on the on-line final exam (P=0.001). Conclusion: E-learning is a new and successful teaching method which needs continuity, enough time, and enhanced access to computer and internet in the whole society, in order to achieve its final goals. It is recommended to present some introductory courses in computer and internet for first term students to be able to overcome the problems of using e-learning system.

Keywords: E-learning, mixed education, computer, virtual education

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