Strategies for the Development of Mobile Learning through Teaching - Learning Activities in Medical Education: Perspectives of Medical Students and IT Professionals in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Mobile learning, a new stage in development of e-learning, seeks to provide opportunities for information transfer, strengthen, and improve lifelong learning in medical students. The aim of this study was identifying strategies to develop mobile learning, according to the perspectives of students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and IT professionals. Methods: This was a mixed and exploratory research. The study population in the qualitative phase was IT experts in Isfahan University from whom 10 were chosen through purposeful sampling. The quantitative phase included all students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from whom 251 were selected through stratified random sampling. The data were collected through and deep semi-structured interviews in qualitative part and a researcher-made questionnaire in the quantitative part. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test and Friedman test. Results: Qualitatively, emphasis was on cultural infrastructure, provision of a comprehensive definition of mobile learning, and identification of characteristics of mobile devices for learning. 85.28% of the students were familiar with mobile learning. Mean and standard deviation of each educational, managerial, organizational-structural, and motivational- recreational strategies were 0.39±3.82, 0.38± 3.70, 0.47±3.95, 0.58±3.68 respectively. These were significantly higher than the theoretical average (=3) of the scale (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Educational courses, educational planning, awareness raising, and providing financial support were considered the most important mechanisms for the development of mobile learning in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. It is suggested the authorities take measures to develop the learning.