The Effectiveness of Virtual Training of Islamic Culture and Civilization Course on Attitude, Learning and Satisfaction of Students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background : Nowadays, E-learning is considered as a hot topic in higher education. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of virtual training of Islamic culture and civilization course on attitude, learning, and satisfaction of students in University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. Methods : In this quasi-experimental study with two groups, we studied 107 students who took the Islamic culture and civilization course in the second semester of academic year in 2014 - 2015. 50.47% of them were Medical students (19.62% face to face, 30.84% virtual) and 49.53% of them were nursing students (21.50% face to face, 28.04% virtual). In the intervention group, 63 students received virtual training using university education system, and in the control group, 44 students received face to face training. In both of the groups, the degree of learning was examined using a written test. A questionnaire was used in order to investigate satisfaction with the teaching method and attitude. The reliability of the researcher- made attitude measurement questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha (0.89) and its validity was confirmed through content validity. The Data was analyzed using SPSS software, version 16 and using T-tests. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results : The results showed that the two groups had a significant difference in terms of attitude (P < 0.001). The students were also more satisfied with the virtual training (P < 0.006). The rate of learning between the students of virtual and face to face training groups didn't show any significant difference (P < 0.199). Conclusions : Students were more satisfied with the virtual training method and they had a positive attitude towards the virtual training, but the rate of learning was similar in both of the methods. Therefore, it is recommended to use the virtual training courses as complementary courses in the face to face training methods.