Identifying and examining the e-learning Competencies for students in higher education

Subject Areas : Education

fatemeh narenji thani ¹ (Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
javad pourkarimi ² (Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
fatemeh tizhoosh jalali ³ (Masters, Educational Administration, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Iran.)

Received: 2020-11-29 Accepted : 2021-08-14 Published : 2021-06-22

Keywords: higher education, Competency, e-learning, University of Tehran,

Abstract :

Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to identify the competencies of learners in the e-learning environment at the University of Tehran. The research method was applied on purpose, and data collection is a mixed method. In the first part, using a qualitative approach and documentary research method, 41 components were identified, and then 18 components with the highest frequencies were selected.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population has been included all students of the University of  Tehran who had the experience of studying in an online learning environment, then 308 individuals were selected as a sample using a random sampling method. In the second part, using a quantitative approach and descriptive-analytical research method, the researcher-made questionnaire is based on 18 components identified in the previous step were classified into four categories and included 78 items. Experts examined the questionnaire’s validity, and we used Lisrel for structural validity, and its reliability was obtained for 0.94 by Cronbach’s alpha. On the other hand, we used SPSS and LISREL software to analyze the findings, and single-variable t-test, independent t-analysis and factor analysis were used.
Findings: Results of the data analysis show that: 1- According to confirmatory factor analysis, all test items show a desirable level, which means the proposed model has a good fit 2. Among the 18 components identified, all components except the component of previous experiences related to IT are at a higher than average level. 3- According to students, it was placed in the priority among the 18 components of computer skills (hardware and software), and the self-assessment component has the lowest priority.
Conclusion: It seems that to have a proper e-learning environment university and faculties should pay more attentions to the students’ need and priorities.
 

References:

1-Aali, M., Narenji Thani, F., Keramati, M. R., & Garavand, A. (2020). A Model for Effectiveness of E-learning at University. Journal of Information Technology Management, 12(4), 121-140.

2-Abili kh., Narenji F., Mostafavi Z. (2018) . Identifying the competencies of teaching assistants in the e-learning teaching process: Qualitative research. Quarterly Journal of Training & Development of Human Resources,5(16), 1-20. Persian

3-Alikhani, M., Chizari, M., Bijeni, M., & Abbasi, A. (2018). Elements of basic qualification of agricultural educators when teaching students with special needs. 7th national congress of extension and training of farmers in natural resources and sustainable environment, Bu-Ali Sina University

4-Arango-Morales, A. J., Delgado-Cruz, A., & Tamayo-Salcedo, A. L. (2020). Digital Competence of Tourism Students: Explanatory Power of Professional Training. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 10(1), 310-326.

5-Arkorful V, & Abaidoo N (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages and disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning; 12 (1): 29-42 http://itdl.org/Journal/Jan_15/Jan15.pdf#page=33

6-Arthur-Nyarko, E.(2017).Learner Demographic, Resource Characteristics, and Responsiveness to eLearning Delivery in Selected Distance Education Institutions in Ghana.

 

7-Astafieva, M. M., Zhyltsov, O. B., Proshkin, V. V., & Lytvyn, O. S. (2020). E-learning as a mean of forming students' mathematical competence in a research-oriented educational process.

 

8-Beaudoin, M., Kurtz, G., & Eden, S. (2009). Experiences and opinions of e-learners: What works, what are the challenges, and what competencies ensure successful online learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, 5(1), 275-289.

 

9-Bhat,A.(2020).An Overview of Digital Competence the Vital 21st-CenturySkill for Teachers and Students, Mukt Shabd Journal, 6(1) , 6-18

 

10-Bhagat, K. K., Wu, L. Y., & Chang, C. Y. (2019). The impact of personality on students' perceptions towards online learning. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 35(4).

 

11-Boyatzis, R., & Boyatzis, R. E. (2008). Competencies in the 21st century. Journal of management development, 2(1) , 5-12

 

12-Cigdem, H. (2014). Effects of students’ characteristics on online learning readiness: A vocational college example. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 15(3), 80-93.

 

13-Dilmaç, S. (2020). Students’ Opinions about the Distance Education to Art and Design Courses in the Pandemic Process. World Journal of Education, 10(3), 113-126.

14-Draganidis, F., & Mentzas, G. (2006). Competency based management: a review of systems and approaches. Information management & computer security,12(1),51-64

15-Fondo, M., & Withanachchi, S.(2019). Crossing Borders in Business and Economics Classrooms: Implementing Telecollaboration to Advance Diversity and 21st Century Skills. In Proceedings of the International Association for Business and Society, 30, 110-118.

16-Handke, L., Costa, P. L., Klonek, F. E., O’Neill, T. A., & Parker, S. K(2020. Team perceived virtuality: an emergent state perspective. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology,29(5),1-15.

17-Hodges, A. H. (2009). Corporate e-learning: How three healthcare companies implement and measure the effectiveness of e-learning (Doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama Libraries).of e-learning [Doctoral dissertation], University of Alabama Libraries.

 

18-Hosseini, H.(2013). Disorders of e-learning system in Iran and solutions to solve it. Educational Monthly-Education Information, 100. Persian

19-Ibrahim, M., Heidjen, B.(2019). Learner Characteristics’ Factors and their Relationship with Drop-Out in Distance Learning: The Case of the Arab Open University in Saudi Arabia Riyadh Branch, scientific research publishing,10(2),199-212

20-Infante-Moro, A., Infante-Moro, J. C., & Gallardo-Pérez, J. (2019). The importance of ICTs for students as a competence for their future professional performance: The case of the faculty of business studies and tourism of the University of Huelva. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research (NAER Journal), 8(2), 201-213.

 

21-Kim, D. M., & Lee, T. W. (2019). A Study on Development of the Digital Competence Measurement Tool for University Student. Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information, 24(12), 191-199.

 

22-Kołodziejczak, B., & Roszak, M. (2017). ICT competencies for academic e-learning. Preparing students for distance education-authors’ proposal. International Journal of Information and Communication Technologies in Education, 6(3), 14-25.

 

23-Lee, Y., & Choi, J. (2011). A review of online course dropout research: Implications for practice and future research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 59(5), 593-618.

 

24-Ley, K., & Young, D. B. (2001). Instructional principles for self-regulation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 49(2), 93-103.

 

25-Liu, Y., & Wang, H. (2009). A comparative study on e‐learning technologies and products: from the East to the West. Systems Research and Behavioral Science: The Official Journal of the International Federation for Systems Research, 26(2), 191-209.

26-López-Meneses, E., Sirignano, F. M., Vázquez-Cano, E., & Ramírez-Hurtado, J. M. (2020). University students’ digital competence in three areas of the DigCom 2.1 model: A comparative study at three European universities. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 36(3), 69-88.

27-Majidi, A.(2009). E-learning, history, features, infrastructure and barriers. Book Quarterly, 20 (78). Persian

28-Maksyutova, N.,Zolotyh, N.(2020).Digital Competence of college students. Knowledge Management & E-Learning,12(1),17-28

29-Masinde, M..(2018). Influence of learner characteristics on information communication technology distance education programmes . university of science and technology, 9(1),47-63

30-McCullum, K.(2020).Top Characteristics & Habits of Successful Online Students ,community for accredited online schools https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/successful-online-student-characteristics/

31-Mir Kamali, F. (2016). Investigating the situation of factors related to e-learning in Mehr Alborz Higher Education Institute. Master Thesis, Mehralborz Higher Education Institute. Persian

32-Mirke, E., Kašparová, E., & Cakula, S. (2019). Adults’ readiness for online learning in the Czech Republic and Latvia (digital competence as a result of ICT education policy and information society development strategy). Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences (PEN), 7(1), 205-215.

33-Musso, M. F., Boekaerts, M., Segers, M., & Cascallar, E. C. (2019). Individual differences in basic cognitive processes and self-regulated learning: their interaction effects on math performance. Learning and individual Differences, 71, 58-70.

34-Ojaghi, N. O., Esmaeili, Z., Sarmadi, M. R., & Saeidipour, B. (2017). Identify and Analyze The Components Affecting The Students’ Retention in E-learning Environment.

 

35-Parkes, M., Reading, C., & Stein, S. (2013). The competencies required for effective performance in a university e-learning environment. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 29(6).

 

36-Pham, Q. T., & Huynh, M. C. (2018). Learning achievement and knowledge transfer: the impact factor of e-learning system at Bach Khoa University, Vietnam. International Journal of Innovation: IJI Journal, 6(3), 194-206.

 

37-Pham, Q. T., & Tran, T. P. (2020). The acceptance of e-learning systems and the learning outcome of students at universities in Vietnam. Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, 12(1), 63-84.

 

38-Puspitasari, K. A., & Oetoyo, B. (2018). Successful students in an open and distance learning system. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 19(2), 189-200.

39-Regmi, K., & Jones, L. (2020). A systematic review of the factors–enablers and barriers–affecting e-learning in health sciences education. BMC medical education, 20, 1-18.

40-Richter, T., & Adelsberger, H. H. (2011, June). E-Learning: Education for Everyone? Special Requirements on Learners in Internet-based Learning Environments. In EdMedia+ Innovate Learning (pp. 1598-1604). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

 

41-Safaee  Movahed S. and Mohabbat.H  [Translation of  E-Learning]Naidu S. (Author).  . Tehran: Iran Industrial Research & Training Center . 2011.  [in Persian].

 

42-Sáiz, F. B., Bernath, U., & Sangra, A. (2006). e‐Competence of Online Students of the Humanities at UOC. ASF Series, 13, 71-90.

 

43-Sánchez-Caballé, A., Gisbert Cervera, M., & Esteve-Mon, F. M. (2020). The digital competence of university students: a systematic literature review.

 

44-Rooij, S. W., & Zirkle, K. (2016). Balancing pedagogy, student readiness and accessibility: A case study in collaborative online course development. The Internet and Higher Education, 28, 1-7.

 

45-Seraji, F.(2013). Identification and classification of skills required by virtual students. Two scientific-research quarterly journals of Shahed University,20 (2), 90-75

 

46-Seraji, F; Yar Mohammadi Wasel, M.(2011). Preparation and validation of tools for measuring the readiness of the learner to enter electronic courses. Educational Size Quarterly,3(1),4-12[in Persian]

 

47-Sugawara, R., Okuhara, S., & Sato, Y. (2020). Study about the Aptitude-Treatment Interaction between Learning Using the e-Learning System and Learning Type of Learner. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 10(7), 488-493.

 

48-Sunkara, V. M., & Kurra, R. R. (2017). An analysis of learner satisfaction and needs on e-learning systems. International Journal of Computational Intelligence Research, 13(3), 433-444.

 

49-Vandana, M., & Omidian, F. (2011). Examining students’ attitudes towards e-learning: A case from India. Malaysian Journal of Educational Technology, 11(2), 13-18.