The Role of Virtual Training on the Students Creative Learning in Universities of Bojnourd, Northeast Iran

Abstract

Background: We aimed to assess the role of virtual training on the students' creative learning in the universities of Bojnourd, the capital city of North Khorasan province, northeast Iran.Material & Methods: This study is a practical descriptive-analytic study. 240 faculty members of different universities in Bojnourd were randomly selected using the simple randomization method during 2011-2012. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 38 questions in the Likert Scale. The questionnaire was validated by reviewing the literature and consulting with related experts. For calculating the reliability of the questionnaire, it was distributed among 25 individuals, other than the study population and it was 94% using Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: 149 faculty members were enrolled in this study. The participants did not differ significantly regarding age, sex, and duration of teaching. Blended computer-based learning (online and face-to-face) has the most effective role in creative learning. Other methods such as computer-based teaching and web-based teaching have less effectiveness. Moreover, faculty members have a positive attitude about the role of virtual training in creative learning.Conclusion: Since virtual training is effective in the creative learning of students, we suggest faculty members be trained accordingly. It also seems necessary to facilitate universities with essential digital equipment and web-based infrastructure