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Showing 3 results for Mahdavi
Vahideh Zeinali, Mahtab S. Mahdavi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Collaborative information behavior (CIB) is strongly affected by contextual factors and in different contexts we can see various aspects of collaborative information behavior. In this study, we investigate the triggers and barriers of collaborative information behavior in an educational-medical context in Iran.
Method: This qualitative research uses grounded theory as research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty physicians (in Fellowship and Residency stages) in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science.
Results: the findings indicated that five main factors trigger collaborative information behavior, including lack of domain expertise, lack of time, information scatter, complexity of information needs and lack of immediately accessible information. The barriers that hinder collaborative information behavior in this context fell under five categories, technological, individual, team, educational structure and cultural barriers. Some of these triggers and barriers have identified in previous researches in different contexts.
Conclusion: the results of this study showed that Lack of time was strongest trigger of CIB in physicians (in fellowship and residency stages). Then complexity of information needs, lack of domain expertise, information scatter and lack of immediately accessible information were the triggers that identified in this study. Also barriers that identified in this context are so important. In order to promoting CIB in this context the barriers should be analysed and resolved.
Niusha Bagheri, Margan Kian, Masoud Gramipour, Vaghar Ali Ali Azimi, Youssef Mahdavi Nesab,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Objective: Virtual classes, virtual schools, smart schools, and virtual universities, and generally, electronic learning, are considered reliable capacities and capabilities for developing academic skills. The aim of this study is to evaluate the e-learning program at Kharazmi University using the HELAM conceptual model.
Method: This research is practical in terms of its objective and descriptive-survey in terms of method. A quantitative approach was used to collect data. The statistical population consisted of postgraduate students at Kharazmi University. The sample size was 536 postgraduate students, and stratified random sampling was used. A standardized researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The main structure of the questionnaire is based on the HELAM model, along with an additional “overall satisfaction” factor, which was adapted and translated using specialized literature and relevant research. For data analysis, various statistical tests including one-sample t-test and one-way ANOVA in SPSS, and confirmatory factor analysis in R software were used.
Findings: The results indicated that the status of Kharazmi University’s e-learning program, evaluated using the HELAM conceptual model and its seven aspects (student attitude, instructor attitude, system quality, content quality, service quality, support issues, and overall satisfaction), is significantly above the community average with over 99% confidence. Moreover, the support issues aspect showed a significant difference compared to other dimensions, followed by content quality and service quality, which are close to each other and separated from other sub-scales, while system quality, instructor attitude, overall satisfaction, and student attitude have the lowest mean rankings.
Conclusion: Managers and experts at the Information and Communication Technology Center of Kharazmi University should take measures to improve system quality, instructor attitude, overall satisfaction, and student attitude aspects to enhance their performance in parallel with support issues.
Method: This research is practical in terms of its objective and descriptive-survey in terms of method. A quantitative approach was used to collect data. The statistical population consisted of postgraduate students at Kharazmi University. The sample size was 536 postgraduate students, and stratified random sampling was used. A standardized researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The main structure of the questionnaire is based on the HELAM model, along with an additional “overall satisfaction” factor, which was adapted and translated using specialized literature and relevant research. For data analysis, various statistical tests including one-sample t-test and one-way ANOVA in SPSS, and confirmatory factor analysis in R software were used.
Findings: The results indicated that the status of Kharazmi University’s e-learning program, evaluated using the HELAM conceptual model and its seven aspects (student attitude, instructor attitude, system quality, content quality, service quality, support issues, and overall satisfaction), is significantly above the community average with over 99% confidence. Moreover, the support issues aspect showed a significant difference compared to other dimensions, followed by content quality and service quality, which are close to each other and separated from other sub-scales, while system quality, instructor attitude, overall satisfaction, and student attitude have the lowest mean rankings.
Conclusion: Managers and experts at the Information and Communication Technology Center of Kharazmi University should take measures to improve system quality, instructor attitude, overall satisfaction, and student attitude aspects to enhance their performance in parallel with support issues.
Zahra Azimi, Marjan Kian, Yousef Mahdavinesab, Magid Aliasgari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Introduction
In the digital age, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has evolved from a supplementary tool to a fundamental element reshaping educational systems worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, making virtual education not just an alternative but a necessity (UNESCO, 2020). However, rather than reducing educational inequalities, this technological shift often exacerbated them — particularly in elementary education, where children’s cognitive, emotional, and social foundations are formed. The concept of the “digital divide” has thus emerged as one of the most critical challenges in contemporary curriculum design — a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing not only physical access to technology but also digital skills, cultural attitudes, and policy infrastructures (van Dijk, 2020; Helsper, 2021). This study aims to comprehensively analyze the digital divide in the elementary school curriculum of Isfahan Province, Iran, focusing on identifying its root causes, educational and social consequences, and proposing practical, evidence-based solutions.
Methods and Materoal
This research employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach with a descriptive-survey design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine educational experts (university professors, school principals, teachers, and ICT specialists), and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included 220 individuals teachers, students, and manager from second-grade elementary schools across advantaged, semi-advantaged, and disadvantaged areas of Isfahan Province. A sample of 140 participants was selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 58-item questionnaire, whose content and face validity were confirmed by experts, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha (α > 0.79 for all constructs). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v.26 and SmartPLS v.3, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Model fit and construct validity were assessed using indices such as SRMR, NFI, GOF, AVE, and composite reliability.
Resultss and Discussion
Qualitative analysis identified six axial codes for causes (27 sub-codes), five for consequences (16 sub-codes), and five for solutions (15 sub-codes). Quantitative SEM results revealed that individual factors — particularly “lack of awareness and knowledge” (factor loading = 0.942) and “resistance to digital systems” — were the strongest predictors of the digital divide (path coefficient = 0.889), indicating that attitudinal and skill-based barriers outweigh technological shortages. Economic factors (path coefficient = 0.928, R² = 0.861) and cultural factors (path coefficient = 0.872) followed closely, highlighting the role of household income, school budgets, and traditional mindsets. Key consequences included reduced educational quality (path coefficient = 0.813) and educational inequality (path coefficient = 0.881), directly undermining the core mission of equitable, high-quality learning. Other significant impacts were diminished critical thinking and creativity, and weakened social interactions and collaboration. Among solutions, promoting educational equity and reducing disparities (R² = 0.884) emerged as the most critical, reflecting stakeholders’ deep awareness that resource distribution must precede technological interventions. Other key strategies included enhancing digital skills for teachers and students, promoting a culture of responsible technology use, improving access to devices and internet, and upgrading school technological infrastructures. All 58 identified components were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (P-Value = 0.000, T-Value > 1.96), and model fit indices (GOF=0.68, SRMR=0.071, NFI=0.924) confirmed excellent model validity and reliability.
Conclusion
The digital divide in Isfahan’s elementary curriculum is a systemic crisis rooted in structural, cultural, and economic inequalities. Without coordinated, multi-level interventions, any single-dimensional effort such as device distribution or teacher training alone is destined to fail. This study demonstrates that an effective solution requires a tripartite strategy: equity in access (needs-based resource allocation), human empowerment (teacher training and attitude transformation), and infrastructure and content enhancement (high-speed internet, localized digital content). We recommend the development and implementation of a provincial “Digital Equity in Education Strategy for Isfahan,” co-designed with stakeholders, supported by sustainable funding, continuous monitoring mechanisms, and targeted support programs for low-income families. This framework not only offers a localized solution for Isfahan but can also serve as a national model for other provinces. The findings provide policymakers and curriculum designers with a scientifically grounded, practical, and culturally responsive roadmap to bridge the digital divide, ensure educational justice, and enhance learning quality during the most formative stage of a child’s education
In the digital age, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has evolved from a supplementary tool to a fundamental element reshaping educational systems worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, making virtual education not just an alternative but a necessity (UNESCO, 2020). However, rather than reducing educational inequalities, this technological shift often exacerbated them — particularly in elementary education, where children’s cognitive, emotional, and social foundations are formed. The concept of the “digital divide” has thus emerged as one of the most critical challenges in contemporary curriculum design — a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing not only physical access to technology but also digital skills, cultural attitudes, and policy infrastructures (van Dijk, 2020; Helsper, 2021). This study aims to comprehensively analyze the digital divide in the elementary school curriculum of Isfahan Province, Iran, focusing on identifying its root causes, educational and social consequences, and proposing practical, evidence-based solutions.
Methods and Materoal
This research employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach with a descriptive-survey design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine educational experts (university professors, school principals, teachers, and ICT specialists), and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included 220 individuals teachers, students, and manager from second-grade elementary schools across advantaged, semi-advantaged, and disadvantaged areas of Isfahan Province. A sample of 140 participants was selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 58-item questionnaire, whose content and face validity were confirmed by experts, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha (α > 0.79 for all constructs). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v.26 and SmartPLS v.3, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Model fit and construct validity were assessed using indices such as SRMR, NFI, GOF, AVE, and composite reliability.
Resultss and Discussion
Qualitative analysis identified six axial codes for causes (27 sub-codes), five for consequences (16 sub-codes), and five for solutions (15 sub-codes). Quantitative SEM results revealed that individual factors — particularly “lack of awareness and knowledge” (factor loading = 0.942) and “resistance to digital systems” — were the strongest predictors of the digital divide (path coefficient = 0.889), indicating that attitudinal and skill-based barriers outweigh technological shortages. Economic factors (path coefficient = 0.928, R² = 0.861) and cultural factors (path coefficient = 0.872) followed closely, highlighting the role of household income, school budgets, and traditional mindsets. Key consequences included reduced educational quality (path coefficient = 0.813) and educational inequality (path coefficient = 0.881), directly undermining the core mission of equitable, high-quality learning. Other significant impacts were diminished critical thinking and creativity, and weakened social interactions and collaboration. Among solutions, promoting educational equity and reducing disparities (R² = 0.884) emerged as the most critical, reflecting stakeholders’ deep awareness that resource distribution must precede technological interventions. Other key strategies included enhancing digital skills for teachers and students, promoting a culture of responsible technology use, improving access to devices and internet, and upgrading school technological infrastructures. All 58 identified components were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (P-Value = 0.000, T-Value > 1.96), and model fit indices (GOF=0.68, SRMR=0.071, NFI=0.924) confirmed excellent model validity and reliability.
Conclusion
The digital divide in Isfahan’s elementary curriculum is a systemic crisis rooted in structural, cultural, and economic inequalities. Without coordinated, multi-level interventions, any single-dimensional effort such as device distribution or teacher training alone is destined to fail. This study demonstrates that an effective solution requires a tripartite strategy: equity in access (needs-based resource allocation), human empowerment (teacher training and attitude transformation), and infrastructure and content enhancement (high-speed internet, localized digital content). We recommend the development and implementation of a provincial “Digital Equity in Education Strategy for Isfahan,” co-designed with stakeholders, supported by sustainable funding, continuous monitoring mechanisms, and targeted support programs for low-income families. This framework not only offers a localized solution for Isfahan but can also serve as a national model for other provinces. The findings provide policymakers and curriculum designers with a scientifically grounded, practical, and culturally responsive roadmap to bridge the digital divide, ensure educational justice, and enhance learning quality during the most formative stage of a child’s education
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