The Role of Student Characteristics, Content Quality and Knowledge Management in Using E-Learning by Medical Students through Mediation of E-Learning Acceptance (Case Study: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences)

Introduction: Considering the importance of using e- learning in the medical education system, this study aims to investigate the role of students' characteristics, content quality and knowledge management in using  e- learning system through the mediation of e-learning acceptance among students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In terms of purpose and nature, this research is applied and in terms of data collection, it is a descriptive correlation based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the study consisted of 4064 students of all undergraduate students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. 351 people were selected as a sample through Morgan table by  proportional stratified random sampling method. Data collection tools in the variables of student characteristics, content quality, actual use of the system and learning acceptance was a 21-item researcher-made questionnaire and in the knowledge management variable was a standard 24-item questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by logical (formal and content) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) and the reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha method. Data were analyzed at two levels of descriptive (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (structural equations) using SPSS  and Lisrel software. Results: The results indicate that among the variables of students' characteristics with acceptance of e-learning (β= 0.65), content quality with acceptance of e-learning (β= 0.42), knowledge management with acceptance of e- learning (Β =0.51) and acceptance of e- learning with real use of the system (β= 0.13) There is a positive and significant causal relationship. Student characteristics, content quality and knowledge management mediate e- learning acceptance indirectly affect the actual use of the e- learning system. Therefore, the mediating effect of e- learning acceptance in this study was confirmed. Conclusion: Based on findings of this study, it can be seen that an increase in the scores of student characteristics, content quality, knowledge management and acceptance of e- learning will be associated with an increase of using e- learning among the students. According to the research findings, it is suggested to policy makers and university administrators by holding workshops and training courses, considering the variables of the present research, to prepare the ground for real use and acceptance of e- learning in the learning process of the University of Medical Sciences.