Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

Explaining the Concept and Dimensions of Professional Functions in Online Learning System of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Year 2019, Volume: 20 Issue: 4, 61 - 72, 01.10.2019
https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.640510

Abstract

The increasing growth of technology affects all aspects of life, including the system of education, and requires the implementation of a new education system. Since Electronic-learning (E-L) is a new and mutated form of education in Iran, its professional functions approach is different from that of traditional education. The present article aims to explain the concept and dimensions of professional functions in this field. Through a qualitative study, method and data source triangulation were used. To do so, the data sources were the professors, scholars, students, and graduates of this educational system in the field of medical sciences. To triangulate the methods, in-depth semi-structured interviews as well as focus groups, note-taking and reminders were used. The purposeful sampling consisted of 10 professors and scholars. Fifteen students and graduates participated in the four-session focus group discussions purposeful, and the sample consisted of 10 professors and scholars as well as seven students and graduates, and a total of 15 students and graduates were willing to participate in the focus group discussions. Inductive content analysis was used for the analysis of data. Three themes arose from the study as follows: E-learning prerequisites, E-Leaning enabling factors, and E-Learning obstacles. Each of the themes is explained along with the relevant categories and subcategories. Discovering the dimensions and elements affecting professional functions in the E-Lsystem of medical sciences, this study provided documented meanings and dimensions of this phenomenon beyond the conventional sense. These dimensions can have direct or indirect impacts on professional functions in this field.

References

  • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The virtual education system (popular myth & future reality in Pakistan). Beqiri, M. S., Chase, N. M., & Bishka, A. (2009). Online course delivery: An empirical investigation of factors affecting student satisfaction. Journal of Education for Business, 85(2), 95-100. Blin, F., & Munro, M. (2008). Why has not technology disrupted academics’ teaching practices? Understanding resistance to change through the lens of activity theory. Computers & Education, 50(2), 475-490. Busikova, A., & Melicherikova, Z. (2013). Ethics in E-Learning. International Association for Development of the Information Society. Carril, P. C. M., Sanmamed, M. G., & Selles, N. H. (2013). Pedagogical roles and competencies of university teachers practicing in the e-learning environment. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 14(3), 462-487. Chickowski, E. (2005). General information, develop an IT ethics policy. Your Policy Begins Where The Low Ends, 27(20), 1-17. Communities, C. (2001). The eLearning action plan-designing tomorrow’s education. Davis, N., & Rose, R. (2007). Research Committee Issues Brief: Professional Development for Virtual Schooling and Online Learning. North American Council for Online Learning. Dobrow, S. R., & Higgins, M. C. (2005). Developmental networks and professional identity: A longitudinal study. Career Development International, 10(6/7), 567-583. Ellaway, R. (2011). E-learning: is the revolution over? Medical Teacher, 33(4), 297-302. Elo, S., & Kyngas, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of advanced nursing, 62(1), 107-115. Garrett, R. K., Carnahan, D., & Lynch, E. K. (2013). A turn toward avoidance? Selective exposure to online political information, 2004–2008. Political Behavior, 35(1), 113-134. Gragg, J. B. B., Goodyear, R., Scheier, L., & Krafft, L. (2016). Using Multivariate Concept Mapping to Examine Counselor Educators’ Implicit Model of The Profession’s Functions. The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology, 5(1). Guba, E. G. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Ectj, 29(2), 75. Higgs, A. (2012). E-learning, ethics and ‘non-traditional’students: Space to think aloud. Ethics and Social Welfare, 6(4), 386-402. Holt, M. C., & Roff, S. (2004). Development and validation of the anesthetic theatre educational environment measure (ATEEM). Medical Teacher, 26(6), 553-558. Huang, H. M. (2000). Instructional technologies are facilitating online courses. Educational technology, 41-46. Hung, H. T., & Yuen, S. C. Y. (2010). Educational use of social networking technology in higher education. Teaching in higher education, 15(6), 703-714. Khan, B. (2005). Learning features in an open, flexible and distributed environment. AACE Journal, 13(2), 137-153. Lai, H. J. (2011). The Influence of Adult Learners’ Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Network Literacy on Online Learning Effectiveness: A Study of Civil Servants in Taiwan. Educational Technology & Society, 14(2), 98-106. Lemley, M. A., & Lessig, L. (2000). The end of end-to-end: Preserving the architecture of the Internet in the broadband era. UCLa L. Rev., 48, 925. 72 Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Establishing trustworthiness. Naturalistic inquiry, 289, 331. Lucas, G. R. (2017). Ethics and Cyber Warfare: The Quest for Responsible Security in the Age of Digital Warfare. Oxford University Press. Lynch, M. M. (2002). The online educator: A guide to creating the virtual classroom. Routledge. May, K. A. (1991). Interview techniques in qualitative research: Concerns and challenges. Qualitative nursing research: A contemporary dialogue, 188-201. Mishna, F., Khoury-Kassabri, M., Gadalla, T., & Daciuk, J. (2012). Risk factors for involvement in cyber bullying: Victims, bullies and bully–victims. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(1), 63-70. Moraveji, N., Morris, M., Morris, D., Czerwinski, M., & Henry Riche, N. (2011, May). ClassSearch: Facilitating the development of web search skills through social learning. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 1797-1806). ACM. Oermann, M. H. (1994). Professional nursing education in the future: Changes and challenges. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 23(2), 153-159. Pawlina, W. (2006). Professionalism and anatomy: How do these two terms define our role? Clinical anatomy, 19(5), 391-392. Porter, S. (2003, September). The three e’s: enabling environments for everyone: E-learning and the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). In Interact (Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 19-26). Powell, A., Rabbitt, B., & Kennedy, K. (2014). iNACOL Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework. International Association for K-12 Online Learning. Rhema, A., & Miliszewska, I. (2010). Towards e-learning in higher education in Libya. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 7(1), 423-437. Salmon, G. (2004). E-moderating. Routledge. Samdal, O., Wold, B., & Bronis, M. (1999). Relationship between students’ perceptions of school environment, their satisfaction with school and perceived academic achievement: An international study. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 10(3), 296-320. Sandholtz, J. H. (1997). Teaching with technology: Creating student-centered classrooms. Teachers College Press, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1234 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027. Spinello, R. (2010). Cyberethics: Morality and law in cyberspace. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Svensson, L. G. (2006). New professionalism, trust and competence: Some conceptual remarks and empirical data. Current sociology, 54(4), 579-593. Thang, S. M., Nambiar, R. M., Wong, F. F., Jaafar, N. M., & Amir, Z. (2015). A clamour for more technology in universities: What does an investigation into the ICT use and learning styles of Malaysian ‘Digital Natives’ tell us? The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 24(2), 353-361.
Year 2019, Volume: 20 Issue: 4, 61 - 72, 01.10.2019
https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.640510

Abstract

References

  • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The virtual education system (popular myth & future reality in Pakistan). Beqiri, M. S., Chase, N. M., & Bishka, A. (2009). Online course delivery: An empirical investigation of factors affecting student satisfaction. Journal of Education for Business, 85(2), 95-100. Blin, F., & Munro, M. (2008). Why has not technology disrupted academics’ teaching practices? Understanding resistance to change through the lens of activity theory. Computers & Education, 50(2), 475-490. Busikova, A., & Melicherikova, Z. (2013). Ethics in E-Learning. International Association for Development of the Information Society. Carril, P. C. M., Sanmamed, M. G., & Selles, N. H. (2013). Pedagogical roles and competencies of university teachers practicing in the e-learning environment. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 14(3), 462-487. Chickowski, E. (2005). General information, develop an IT ethics policy. Your Policy Begins Where The Low Ends, 27(20), 1-17. Communities, C. (2001). The eLearning action plan-designing tomorrow’s education. Davis, N., & Rose, R. (2007). Research Committee Issues Brief: Professional Development for Virtual Schooling and Online Learning. North American Council for Online Learning. Dobrow, S. R., & Higgins, M. C. (2005). Developmental networks and professional identity: A longitudinal study. Career Development International, 10(6/7), 567-583. Ellaway, R. (2011). E-learning: is the revolution over? Medical Teacher, 33(4), 297-302. Elo, S., & Kyngas, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of advanced nursing, 62(1), 107-115. Garrett, R. K., Carnahan, D., & Lynch, E. K. (2013). A turn toward avoidance? Selective exposure to online political information, 2004–2008. Political Behavior, 35(1), 113-134. Gragg, J. B. B., Goodyear, R., Scheier, L., & Krafft, L. (2016). Using Multivariate Concept Mapping to Examine Counselor Educators’ Implicit Model of The Profession’s Functions. The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology, 5(1). Guba, E. G. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Ectj, 29(2), 75. Higgs, A. (2012). E-learning, ethics and ‘non-traditional’students: Space to think aloud. Ethics and Social Welfare, 6(4), 386-402. Holt, M. C., & Roff, S. (2004). Development and validation of the anesthetic theatre educational environment measure (ATEEM). Medical Teacher, 26(6), 553-558. Huang, H. M. (2000). Instructional technologies are facilitating online courses. Educational technology, 41-46. Hung, H. T., & Yuen, S. C. Y. (2010). Educational use of social networking technology in higher education. Teaching in higher education, 15(6), 703-714. Khan, B. (2005). Learning features in an open, flexible and distributed environment. AACE Journal, 13(2), 137-153. Lai, H. J. (2011). The Influence of Adult Learners’ Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Network Literacy on Online Learning Effectiveness: A Study of Civil Servants in Taiwan. Educational Technology & Society, 14(2), 98-106. Lemley, M. A., & Lessig, L. (2000). The end of end-to-end: Preserving the architecture of the Internet in the broadband era. UCLa L. Rev., 48, 925. 72 Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Establishing trustworthiness. Naturalistic inquiry, 289, 331. Lucas, G. R. (2017). Ethics and Cyber Warfare: The Quest for Responsible Security in the Age of Digital Warfare. Oxford University Press. Lynch, M. M. (2002). The online educator: A guide to creating the virtual classroom. Routledge. May, K. A. (1991). Interview techniques in qualitative research: Concerns and challenges. Qualitative nursing research: A contemporary dialogue, 188-201. Mishna, F., Khoury-Kassabri, M., Gadalla, T., & Daciuk, J. (2012). Risk factors for involvement in cyber bullying: Victims, bullies and bully–victims. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(1), 63-70. Moraveji, N., Morris, M., Morris, D., Czerwinski, M., & Henry Riche, N. (2011, May). ClassSearch: Facilitating the development of web search skills through social learning. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 1797-1806). ACM. Oermann, M. H. (1994). Professional nursing education in the future: Changes and challenges. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 23(2), 153-159. Pawlina, W. (2006). Professionalism and anatomy: How do these two terms define our role? Clinical anatomy, 19(5), 391-392. Porter, S. (2003, September). The three e’s: enabling environments for everyone: E-learning and the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). In Interact (Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 19-26). Powell, A., Rabbitt, B., & Kennedy, K. (2014). iNACOL Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework. International Association for K-12 Online Learning. Rhema, A., & Miliszewska, I. (2010). Towards e-learning in higher education in Libya. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 7(1), 423-437. Salmon, G. (2004). E-moderating. Routledge. Samdal, O., Wold, B., & Bronis, M. (1999). Relationship between students’ perceptions of school environment, their satisfaction with school and perceived academic achievement: An international study. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 10(3), 296-320. Sandholtz, J. H. (1997). Teaching with technology: Creating student-centered classrooms. Teachers College Press, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1234 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027. Spinello, R. (2010). Cyberethics: Morality and law in cyberspace. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Svensson, L. G. (2006). New professionalism, trust and competence: Some conceptual remarks and empirical data. Current sociology, 54(4), 579-593. Thang, S. M., Nambiar, R. M., Wong, F. F., Jaafar, N. M., & Amir, Z. (2015). A clamour for more technology in universities: What does an investigation into the ICT use and learning styles of Malaysian ‘Digital Natives’ tell us? The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 24(2), 353-361.
There are 1 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Zohrehsadat Mırmoghtadaıe This is me 0000-0002-3267-9121

Soleiman Ahmady This is me 0000-0003-0055-1606

Noushin Kohan This is me 0000-0002-8163-742X

Tayebeh Rakhshanı This is me 0000-0003-3693-8802

Publication Date October 1, 2019
Submission Date September 8, 2018
Published in Issue Year 2019 Volume: 20 Issue: 4

Cite

APA Mırmoghtadaıe, Z., Ahmady, S., Kohan, N., Rakhshanı, T. (2019). Explaining the Concept and Dimensions of Professional Functions in Online Learning System of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Content Analysis. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20(4), 61-72. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.640510