Developing a Conceptual Model of Self-Directed Learning in Virtual Environments for Medical Sciences Students

Authors

  • Zohrehsadat Mirmoghtadaie Department of e-learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management
  • Mohsen Keshavarz Department of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences
  • Noushin Kohan Department of Medical Education, Smart University of Medical Sciences
  • Soleiman Ahmady School of Management and Medical Education, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v24i2.7024

Keywords:

self-directed learning, virtual learning environment, medical student, student

Abstract

Identification of key factors affecting the self-directed learning process in the virtual environment of medical education is vital. In this article, we designed a model that describes the self-directed learning process in the virtual learning environment for post graduate students of medical sciences in Iran. This study was carried out in two steps: first, using a qualitative study, we explored the formation of a self-directed learning process in the virtual environment. Second, a review of the literature was conducted to identify the conceptual models. Finally, based on the results, a self-directed learning model for virtual learning was developed. A total of 25 people were research participants in the qualitative part, and individual interviews were conducted with both faculty members and students. There were 1,049 codes, 80 subcategories, 15 categories, and 5 themes extracted from the interviews and through analysis. The themes included (a) backgrounds and requirements, (b) support, discipline, and coordination of the educational system, (c) students’ effort to manage to learn, (d) efficiency, attractiveness, and organization of educational environments and context, and (e) personal excellence, growth, and development. The self-directed learning process in virtual environments consists of some elements and structures, and a description of the relationship between these elements can be the basis of educational planning to develop and compile an effective evaluation of this skill.

Author Biographies

Zohrehsadat Mirmoghtadaie, Department of e-learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management

Dr. Zohrehsadat Mirmoghtadaie is an assistant professor of e-learning in medical education at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. She gained her Ph.D. in medical education. Her academic interest areas are open and blended Learning, medical education futures, e-learning, and content production in medical education. She is the head of the e-learning department and has ample experience in content production.

Mohsen Keshavarz, Department of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences

Dr. Mohsen Keshavarz has a Ph.D. in virtual education planning. He is a faculty member of Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences now. His research interests include online and virtual learning, blended learning, telemedicine, new educational technologies, e-health, and multiple literacies in online environments. He has published several articles on virtual education in international Journals such as IRRODL. He is an energetic advocate of distance learning in his home country of Iran, having translated Tony Bates’s book Teaching in a Digital Age to Persian and several other projects, some with international collaborators. He has recently been introduced by Leaders & Legends of Online Learning as an international figure in online learning.

Noushin Kohan, Department of Medical Education, Smart University of Medical Sciences

Dr. Noushin Kohan is an assistant professor of the Department of Medical Education at Smart University of Medical Sciences. Dr. Kohan gained her Ph.D. in medical education. Her academic interest areas are open and distance learning, e-learning, and leadership and management in medical education. She has many articles published in international indexes.

Soleiman Ahmady, School of Management and Medical Education, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Dr. Soleiman Ahmady is a professor of Medical Education at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. He has many articles on medical education and virtual education.

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Published

2023-05-31

How to Cite

Mirmoghtadaie, Z., Keshavarz, M., Kohan, N., & Ahmady, S. (2023). Developing a Conceptual Model of Self-Directed Learning in Virtual Environments for Medical Sciences Students. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 24(2), 37–52. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v24i2.7024

Issue

Section

Research Articles