Determination and Comparison of the Factors Related to Effective Blended Learning in Medical Sciences from the Viewpoints of Instructors and Learners

INTRODUCTION: According to rapid growth of innovation in use of technologies in education and learning, blended learning has become an effective method in the student’s education. The purpose of this study was to extract the factors related to effective blended learning and compare the viewpoints of students and instructors in this regard. METHODS: Mixed method model was used in this study. A content analysis approach was employed in the qualitative phase of the study. Seven faculty members and eight master’s students of medical sciences selected through purposive sampling participated in the qualitative phase. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. In the quantitative phase, appropriate and relevant items were designed based on the main concepts of theoretical and practical definitions that were extracted in the qualitative phase. RESULTS: The results of the qualitative phase were 5 categories and 40 subcategories, including student’s capabilities, teacher merits, technological aspects, pedagogic topics and supportive environment. DISCUSSION: The results of the questionnaire analysis showed no significant difference in student capabilities and supportive environment between the viewpoints of students and faculty members while there were significant differences in other categories. Although new technologies have offered promising opportunities, they do not result in effective education. The results of the present study suggest that a major revision in student and instructor admission and provision of required technical facilities can promote the status of this type of education. On the other hand, instructor empowerment programs in this field can enhance the effectiveness of virtual education.