Element of learning in 21st century from the Students' view points, in summer school of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: The aim of education process is learning and change in behavior which has been revolutionized in the 21st century due to the rapid changens in technology and sciences. The traditional approach to education does no longer meet the learners' needs, entailing new changes in educational curricula. This study was designed to determine the factors influencing learning in the 21st century and find out the students' views on this issue. Methods: This is a descriptive study aiming at determining the students' views on new approaches to learning in the 21st century. To do so a researcher made questionnaire was designed. It contained 30 questions in 3 sections including demographic data, background questions and two open questions about their suggestions and criticism. 150 summer school students in Shiraz participated in the study. The questionnaire was sent to the students in person & through electronic mail they were asked to retain the completed questionnaire to the given email address. The data were analyzed through SPSS 19. T-test and analysis of variance were used for analysis. Results: The results dedicated, 6 factors including the use of computer in teaching, increase in virtual learning, and the use of mobile in relations, engagements of electronic learning contexts, the learning focus on attitudes and the facilitating role of the lectures were the most influential factors on learning. Conclusion: It seems that the student philosophical tend to approve constructivism and cooperative learning which is learner-centered as compounded to conventional education which is teacher-contended. According to experts, this type of view point is in the same line with new approaches to teaching and education in the present. Moreover, it effects the reforms, complementation and expansion of methodology.