title: Barriers in Implementing E-Learning in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  E-learning provides an alternative way for higher educational institutes to deliver knowledge to learners at a distance, rather than the traditional way. The aim of this study is to identify the barrier factors of e-learning programs in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS) in respect of the students and lecturers' point of view.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire was conducted among 286 of students and lecturers in the nursing, midwifery and paramedic schools of HUMS. Two hundred and eighty-six participants filled in the questionnaire: 256 students, and 30 lecturers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results of the study showed a lack of proper training in e-learning courses of the university 182 (69.1%), limited communication with the instructor 174 (68%) and the learners dominance of English language 174 (68%) showed the greatest importance for the students. The awareness about e-learning program was 80% and 43% among lecturers and students respectively.The dominance of English language 26 (86.7%) and lack of research grants for e-learning 23 (76.6%) and lack of proper training on e-learning courses from the university 20 (66.7 %) were the most important barrier factors of implementing e-learning for lecturers. E-learning courses to supplement classroom teaching was a solution that mentioned by the majority of students 240 (93.8%) and lecturers 29 (96.7%) in this study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The positive perception of e-learning is an important consequence effect in the future, educational development of nursing, midwifery and paramedic schools.
authors.affiliation: Health Information Management Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.. parvin_lakbala@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Parvin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lakbala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires