A Systematic Review of E-Learning in the Context of Iran: Where Does English Language Teaching Stand?
Subject Areas : Journal of Studies in Learning and Teaching EnglishPeyman Nouraey 1 , Mohammad Bavali 2 , Fatemeh Behjat 3
1 - Ph.D. Candidate, Department of English Language, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
2 - Department of English Language, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
3 - Department of English Language, Abadeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abadeh, Iran
Keywords: Online education, E-Learning, Systematic Review, English language education, Teaching English as a Foreign Language,
Abstract :
The first traces of e-learning in Iran dates to 2004, although this was not implemented until 2005. The present systematic review aimed at finding out where e-learning stands within the field of English language education also referred to as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Data were collected through two main sources. The first source was MetSearch (Cardiff Metropolitan University’s e-library) which covers several reputable databases, yet we specifically looked into ProQuest Central, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The second source was Google Scholar which includes more publications but is less structured. Our search terms were e-learning OR elearning AND Iran OR problems OR challenges OR opportunities. We investigated a period of 15 years (i.e., between 2008 and 2022). Only peer-reviewed original articles written in English and addressing the challenges, problems, or opportunities related to e-learning in Iran were included. Our final search led to 12 original articles focusing on the aforementioned areas of e-learning. The findings revealed that the literature highly lacked studies related to e-learning in the area of TEFL in Iran. The included studies were mostly related to medicine and medical sciences, nursing, agriculture, technology, and sciences. With the increasing usage of e-learning among TEFL students and educators, especially after the strike of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers need to fill the huge gap that exists in the literature.
Abbasi Kasani, H., Shams Mourkani, G., Seraji, F., Rezaeizadeh, M., & Abedi, H. (2020). E-learning challenges in Iran: A research synthesis. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 21(4), 96-116. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i4.4677
Abdekhoda, M., Dehnad, A., Mirsaeed, S. J. G., & Gavgani, V. Z. (2016). Factors influencing the adoption of e-learning in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 30, 457.
Afshari, P., Abedi, P., Eslami, K., Rokhafrooz, D., Maraghi, E., & Beheshtinasab, M. (2020). The views of medical students about e-learning during pandemic of COVID-19 in Iran. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-47582/v1
Aghakhani, K., & Shalbafan, M. (2020). What COVID-19 outbreak in Iran teaches us about virtual medical education. Medical Education Online, 25(1), 1770567. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2020.1770567
Ahmadpour, A., & Mirdamadi, M. (2010). Determining challenges in the application of e-learning in agricultural extension services in Iran. American-Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Science, 9(3), 292-296.
Alizadeh, I. (2012). Challenges of employing e-learning for teaching language: A case of teaching English in Iran. E-Learning and Digital Media, 9(4), 426-438.
Anderson, T. (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. Athabasca University Press.
Aparicio, M., Bacao, F., & Oliveira, T. (2016). An e-learning theoretical framework. Educational Technology and Society, 19(1), 292-307.
Bagheri, M. S., Yamini, M., & Riazi, A. (2009). Motivational and learning strategies of Iranian EFL learners exposed to an e-learning program. TESOL Quarterly: Journal of Teaching Language Skills, 58(4), 1-35.
Bain, J. D., McNaught, C., Mills, C., & Lueckenhausen, G. (1998). Describing computer-facilitated learning environments in higher education. Learning Environments Research, 1(2), 163-180. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009905832421
Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudran (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71-81). Academic Press. http://www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Bandura/BanEncy.html
Bates, T. (2012, August 5). What’s right and what’s wrong about Coursera-style MOOCs. Online Learning and Distance Education Resources. http://www.tonybates.ca/2012/08/05/whats-right-and-whats-wrong-about-coursera-style-moocs/
Becker, J. W. (1968, May). Run computer run: A Critique [Paper presentation]. Conference on Information Technology and Secondary Education, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED031081
Bernhardt, K. S. (1960). Review of the undirected society and automatic teaching: The State of the art. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 14(1), 60-61. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0083460
Bitzer, D.L., Blomme, R.W., Sherwood, B.A., & Tenczar, P. (1970). The Plato system and science education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED042624.pdf
Changiz, T., Haghani, F., & Nowroozi, N. (2013). Are postgraduate students in distance medical education program ready for e-learning? A survey in Iran. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 2, 61. https://doi.org/10.4103%2F2277-9531.120862
Conole, G. & Oliver, M. (2007). Contemporary perspectives in e-learning research: Themes, methods, and impacts on practice. Routledge.
Dalsgaard, C. (2006). Social software: E-learning beyond learning management systems. European Journal of Open, Distance and e-learning, 9(2).
Danchikov, E. A., Prodanova, N. A., Kovalenko, Y. N., & Bondarenko, T. G. (2021). Using different approaches to organizing distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Opportunities and disadvantages. Linguistics and Culture Review, 5(S1), 587-595. https://doi.org/10.21744/lingcure.v5nS1.1444
Daniel, J. S. (1996). Mega-universities and knowledge media: Technology strategies for higher education. Routledge.
Darazsdi, J. J., & May, P. L. (1989). The fight against illiteracy: How one company is making a difference. Management Review, 78(10), 36-39.
Dargahi, H., Ghazi Saidi, M., & Ghasemi, M. (2008). The role of e-learning in Medical Sciences Universities. Payavard Salamat, 1(2), 20-29.
Davoudi, M., Hosseininejad, S. M., & Yousefi, D. (2018). Systematic review of research on e-learning and e-teaching in Iran: Studies conducted between 2000-2018. Second International Conference on Psychology, Consultation, Education. Civilica. https://civilica.com/doc/843470/
Derouin, R. E., Fritzsche, B. A., & Salas, E. (2005). E-learning in organizations. Journal of Management, 31(6), 920-940. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206305279815
Dorai, C., Kermani, P., & Stewart, A. (2001). ELM-N: E-Learning media navigator. In Proceedings of the Ninth ACM International Conference on Multimedia (pp. 634-635). ACM.
Downes, S. (2006). Learning networks and connective knowledge. Collective Intelligence and E-learning 2.0: Implications of Web-Based Communities and Networking, 20, 1-26.
Downes, S. (2008). Places to go: Connectivism & connective knowledge. Journal of Online Education, 5(1), 6.
Dron, J., & Anderson, T. (2016). The future of e-learning. In C. Haythornthwaite, R. Andrews, J. Fransman and E.M. Meyers (Eds.). The SAGE handbook of e-learning research (pp.537-556). SAGE Publications.
Drumm, J. E., & Groom, F. M. (1997). The cybermobile: A gateway for public access to network-based information. Computers in Libraries, 17(1), 29-33.
Eslaminejad, T., Masood, M., & Ngah, N. A. (2010). Assessment of instructors’ readiness for implementing e-learning in continuing medical education in Iran. Medical Teacher, 32(10), e407-e412. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2010.496006
Fini, A. (2009). The technological dimension of a massive open online course: The case of the CCK08 course tools. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v10i5.643
Fiol, C. M., & Lyles, M. A. (1985). Organizational learning. The Academy of Management Review, 10(4), 803–813. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1985.4279103
Fox, A. (2013). From MOOCs to SPOCs. Communications of the ACM, 56(12), 38-40. https://doi.org/10.1145/2535918
Georgiev, T., Georgieva, E., & Smrikarov, A. (2004, June). M-learning - A new stage of e-learning. In International Conference on Computer Systems and Technologies - CompSysTech’2004 (pp. IV.28-1-IV.28-5). Rousse, Bulgaria. Retrieved from http://ecet.ecs.uni-ruse.bg/cst04/
Godwin-Jones, R. (2011). Mobile apps for language learning. Language Learning & Technology, 15(2), 2-11.
Grabinger, R. S., & Dunlap, J. C. (1995). Rich environments for active learning: A definition. Research in learning Technology, 3(2), 5-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/0968776950030202
Hart, R. S. (1981). The PLATO system and language study. Studies in Language Learning, 3(1), n1.
Hemmati, F. (2016). Face to face versus E-learning: An investigation into the performance of TEFL master's students of Payame Noor University. Research in School and Virtual Learning, 3(11), 49-58.
Hockly, N. (2018). Blended learning. ELT Journal, 72(1), 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccx058
Holmes, B., & Gardner, J. (2006). E-learning: Concepts and practice. Sage.
Hosseini, S. M., Mirarab Razi, R., & Rezaee, S. (2008). An investigation of obstacles in the development of E-learning in Iran educational system. Journal of Management and Planning in Educational System, 1(2), 47-59.
Hubackova, S. (2015). History and perspectives of elearning. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, 11871190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.594
Hung, J. L. (2010). Trends of e-learning research from 2000 to 2008: Use of text mining and bibliometrics. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(1), 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2010.01144.x
Ismail, J. (2001). The design of an e-learning system: Beyond the hype. The Internet and Higher Education, 4(3-4), 329-336. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1096-7516(01)00069-0
Jahangard, N. (2003). The goals of educations in the information era. TAKFA Magazine, 1, 5-6.
Joo, Y. J., Bong, M., & Choi, H. J. (2000). Self-efficacy for self-regulated learning, academic self-efficacy, and internet self-efficacy in web-based instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(2), 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02313398
Karimzadegan, D., Mojtahedzadeh, R., & Mohammadi, A. (2007). E-Learning in medical education in the world and Iran. Journal of Medical Education, 11(1-2), 37-39.
Kearney, M., Schuck, S., Burden, K., & Aubusson, P. (2012). Viewing mobile learning from a pedagogical perspective. Research in Learning Technology, 20(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v20i0/14406
Kolowich, S. (2012, September 6). MOOCs’ little brother. Inside Higher Ed. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/09/06/u-maine-campus-experiments-small-scale-high-touch-open-courses
Koschmann, T. D. (1994). Toward a theory of computer support for collaborative learning. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 3(3), 219-225. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327809jls0303_1
Kousha, K. (2004). Iran’s national ICT education plan: An overview of the possibilities, problems and the programs. In the 70th IFLA General Conference and Council on World Library and Information Congress (pp. 1-10), Buenos Aires.
Kumar Basak, S., Wotto, M., & Belanger, P. (2018). E-learning, m-learning and d-learning: Conceptual definition and comparative analysis. E-learning and Digital Media, 15(4), 191-216. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753018785180
Lanier, V. (1966). Newer media and the teaching of art. Art Education, 19(4), 4-8.
Lee, J. K., & Lee, W. K. (2008). The relationship of e-learner’s self-regulatory efficacy and perception of e-learning environmental quality. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(1), 32-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2006.12.001
Lee, M. K. O., Cheung, C. M. K., & Chen, Z. (2005). Acceptance of internet-based learning medium: The role of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Information & Management, 42(8), 1095-1104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.10.007
Levy, M. (1997). Computer-assisted language learning: Context and conceptualization. Oxford University Press.
Ludvigsen, S., & Morch, A. I. (2010). Computer-supported collaborative learning: Basic concepts, multiple perspectives, and emerging trends. In B. McGaw, P. Peterson & E. Baker (Eds.), The international encyclopedia of education (Vol. 5, pp. 290-296). Elsevier.
MacKeogh, K., & Fox, S. (2009). Strategies for embedding e-learning in traditional universities: Drivers and barriers. Electronic Journal of E-learning, 7(2), 147-154.
Mahmoodi-Shahrebabaki, M., & Yaghoubi-Notash, M. (2014). E-learning in Iran as a developing country: Challenges ahead and possible solutions. International Journal of Research in Education Methodology, 6(2), 788-795. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2514434
Masie, E. (2007). Lies about e-learning. In L. Israelite (Ed.), Lies about learning: Leading executives separate truth from fiction in a $100 billion industry (pp.127-140). ASTD Press.
McAuley, A., Stewart, B., Siemens, G., & Cormie, D. (2010). The MOOC model for digital practice. University of Prince Edward Island.
Mehrdad, N., Zolfaghari, M., Bahrani, N., & Eybpoosh, S. (2011). Learning outcomes in two different teaching approach in nursing education in Iran: E-learning versus lecture. Acta Medica Iranica, 49(5), 296-301.
Mitchell, A.W., & Batorski, R.E. (2009). A study of critical reasoning in online learning: Application of the occupational performance process model. Occupational Therapy International,16(2), 134-153. https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.272
Mohammadi, D., Hosseini, S. M., & Fami, H. S. (2011). Investigating agricultural instructors' attitudes toward e-learning in Iran. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 12(1), 174-183.
Mohammadimehr, M. (2020). E-learning as an educational response to COVID-19 epidemic in Iran: The role of the learners support system. Future of Medical Education Journal, 10(3), 64-65.
Mohamadzadeh, M., Farzaneh, J., & Mousavi, M. (2012). Challenges and strategies for e-learning development in the Payame Noor University of Iran. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 13(1), 148-159.
Molnar, A. R., & Sherman, B. (1969). US office of education support of computer activities. Educational Technology, 9(4), 5-9.
Morri, A. (1997). A Bright future for distance learning: One touch/hughes alliance promotes interactive “e-learning” service. Connected Planet Online, 17. Retrieved from http://connectedplanetonline.com/mag/telecom_bright_future_distance/
Morrison, D. (2003). E-learning strategies: How to get implementation and delivery right first time. John Wiley & Sons.
Mousazadeh, S., Dehghani, M., Mozaffari, F., Ghasemnegad, S. M., Hakimi, H., & Bagherian, S. (2016). The effectiveness of e-learning in learning: A review of the literature. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 5(2), 86-91.
Nakhoda, K., Ahmady, S., Fesharaki, M. G., & Azar, N. G. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic and e-learning satisfaction in medical and non-medical student: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 50(12), 2509-2516.
Nicholson, P. (2007). A history of e-learning: Echoes of the pioneers. In B. Fernandez Manjon (Eds.), Computers and education: E-learning, from theory to practice (pp. 1-11). Springer.
Omidinia, S., Masrom, M., & Selamat, H. (2011). Review of e-learning and ICT infrastructure in developing countries (Case study of Iran). American Journal of Economics and Business Administration, 3(1), 120-125. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajebasp.2011.120.125
Ommani, A. R., & Chizari, M. (2008). Information dissemination system (IDS) based E-learning in agricultural of Iran (perception of Iranian extension agents). International Journal of Human and Social Sciences, 2(3), 129-133.
Ostad, S. N., Ahmady, S., Mohammadi, A., Sabzevari, O., Mojtahedzadeh, R., Razavizadeh, M., & Norouzadeh, A. N. (2019). Evolution of e-learning in Iran's medical sciences universities: Formation of virtual university of medical sciences. Journal of Medicine and Cultivation, 27(4), 233-243.
Paulsen, M. F. (2002). Online education systems: Discussion and definition of terms. NKI distance education, 202, 1-8.
Pesanelli, D. (1993). The plug-in school: A learning environment for the 21st century. Futurist, 27(5), 29-32.
Peter, S., & Deimann, M. (2013). On the role of openness in education: A historical reconstruction. Open Praxis, 5(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.5.1.23
Piccoli, G., Ahmad, R., & Ives, B. (2001). Web-based virtual learning environments: A research framework and a preliminary assessment of effectiveness in basic IT skills training. MIS Quarterly, 25(4), 401-426. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250989
Rabiee, A., Nazarian, Z., & Gharibshaeyan, R. (2013). An explanation for internet use obstacles concerning e-learning in Iran. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 14(3), 361-376. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v14i3.1412
Rodriguez, O. (2013). The Concept of openness behind c and x-MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). Open Praxis, 5(1), 67-73. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.5.1.42
Rosenberg, M. (2001). E-Learning: Strategies for delivering knowledge in the digital age. McGraw-Hill.
Rosenberg, M. J., & Foshay, R. (2002). E‐learning: Strategies for delivering knowledge in the digital age. Performance Improvement, 41(5), 50-51. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4140410512
Rovai, A. P. (2004). A constructivist approach to online college learning. The Internet and Higher Education, 7(2), 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2003.10.002
Rushby, N. (1998). Where are the desks for the virtual class? ACM SIGCUE Outlook, 26(2), 33-36. https://doi.org/10.1145/281083.281093
Salahshouri, A., Eslami, K., Boostani, H., Zahiri, M., Jahani, S., Arjmand, R., Heydarabadi, A. B., & Dehaghi, B. F. (2022). The university students’ viewpoints on e-learning system during COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Iran. Heliyon, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08984
Salari, M., Yaghmayee, F., Mehdizade, S., Vafadar, Z., & Afzali, M. (2009). Factors related to accept of "e-learning" in nursing students. Education Strategies in Medical Sciences, 2(3), 103-108.
Salmani, N., Bagheri, I., & Dadgari, A. (2022). Iranian nursing students’ experiences regarding the status of e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic. Plos One, 17(2), e0263388. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263388
Sheikhaboumasoudi, R., Bagheri, M., Hosseini, S. A., Ashouri, E., & Elahi, N. (2018). Improving nursing students' learning outcomes in fundamentals of nursing course through combination of traditional and e-learning methods. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 23(3), 217. https://doi.org/10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_79_17
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1).
Singh, H. (2003). Building effective blended learning programs. Educational Technology, 43(6), 51-54.
Stahl, G., Koschmann, T., & Suthers, D. (2006). Computer-supported collaborative learning: An Historical perspective. In Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp. 409-426). Cambridge University Press.
Taghizadeh, M., & Hajhosseini, F. (2021). Investigating a blended learning environment: Contribution of attitude, interaction, and quality of teaching to satisfaction of graduate students of TEFL. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 30(5), 459-469. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-020-00531-z
Talebian, S., Mohammadi, H. M., & Rezvanfar, A. (2014). Information and communication technology (ICT) in higher education: Advantages, disadvantages, conveniences and limitations of applying e-learning to agricultural students in Iran. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 152, 300-305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.09.199
Tavangarian, D., Leypold, M. E., Nolting, K., Roser, M., & Voigt, D. (2004). Is e-learning the solution for individual learning?. Electronic Journal of E-learning, 2(2), 273-280.
Torres Martin, C., Acal, C., El Honrani, M., & Mingorance Estrada, A. C. (2021). Impact on the virtual learning environment due to COVID-19. Sustainability, 13(2), 582. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020582
Vovides, Y., Sanchez-Alonso, S., Mitropoulou, V., & Nickmans, G. (2007). The use of e-learning course management systems to support learning strategies and to improve self-regulated learning. Educational Research Review, 2(1), 64-74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2007.02.004
Wang, Y., Liu, X., & Zhang, Z. (2018). An overview of e-learning in China: History, challenges and opportunities. Research in Comparative and International Education, 13(1), 195-210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745499918763421
Wentling, T., Waight, C., Strazzo, D., File, J., La Fleur, J., & Kanfer, A. (2000). The future of e-learning: A corporate and an academic perspective. Knowledge and Learning Systems Group.
White, M. A. (1983). Synthesis of research on electronic learning. Educational Leadership, 40(8), 13-15.
Winn, W. D. (2002). Research into practice: Current trends in educational technology research: The study of learning environments. Educational Psychology Review, 1(3), 331-351. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016068530070
Yaghoubi, J., Malek Mohammadi, I., Iravani, H., Attaran, M., & Gheidi, A. (2008). Virtual students’ perceptions of e-learning in Iran. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 7(3), Article 10.
Yekefallah, L., Namdar, P., Panahi, R., & Dehghankar, L. (2021). Factors related to students' satisfaction with holding e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic based on the dimensions of e-learning. Heliyon, 7(7), e07628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07628
Zinn, K. L. (2000). Computer-assisted learning and teaching. In Encyclopedia of Computer Science (pp. 328-336). John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Zolfaghari, M., Mehrdad, N., Parsa, Y. Z., Salmani, B. N., & Bahrani, N. (2007). The effect of lecture and e-learning methods on learning mother and child health course in nursing students. Iranian Journal of Medical Education, 7(17), 31-39.