Challenges

The purpose of current study is to explore the critical challenges of e-learning in higher education institutions. The data for this research were collected through a qualitative approach using a descriptive phenomenological method and semi-structured interview tool, then the findings were analyzed by Colaizzi's (1978) 7-step method. The research field included 12 academic experts in E-learning at the University of Tehran through purposeful Sampling. The validity of qualitative data, based on the four criteria of Lincoln and Goba (1985) including; credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability and also reliability by re-coding and two coders have been examined and confirmed. The results of the analysis led to exploring142 main concepts, then in the form of 10 critical challenges related to the most components of the educational system including; learner, teacher, technology, financial and information resources, ethical considerations, university culture, classroom leadership, support system, learning effectiveness, and satisfaction of internal stakeholders. Finally, using a systematic approach, the mentioned challenges have been classified into three main dimensions of learning-teaching system such as; input, process, and output.

Aim: This qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by women with a history of parental divorce in their marriages. It aims to uncover the emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties stemming from parental divorce and their impact on marital dynamics. Method: Utilizing conventional content analysis, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with sixteen women from Qom Province during winter and summer of 2024 year, who had experienced parental divorce and are in their first marriages. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved recording and transcribing interviews, followed by coding and thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. Findings: The findings indicated six main categories: 1. Unresolved Past Painful Emotions, 2. Marital hurdles of Being a Child of Divorce, 3. Persistent Psychological Insecurity, 4. Deficiency in Skills Due to the Absence of Successful Life Models, 5. The Enduring Echoes of Parental Divorce, and 6. Growth After Experiencing the Trauma of Parental Divorce. Conclusion: Parental divorce profoundly impacts individuals' emotional and psychological well-being, influencing various aspects of their marital lives. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges, emphasizing mental health support and life skills training. Future research should explore gender differences, partner perspectives, and cross-cultural variations to develop comprehensive strategies for improving the marital experiences of individuals with a history of parental divorce.

The e-learning integration has emerged as an alternative strategy, significantly improving teaching and learning experiences in higher education worldwide. However, it has also presented different challenges and opportunities for teachers and students. This comparative, cross-cultural study explored the perspectives of German vs. Iranian EFL teachers on e-learning integration in higher education. The data were collected utilising a mixed-methods design and based on convenient sampling through two questionnaires on challenges and opportunities, semi-structured interviews, and observations from 26 German EFL teachers and 92 Iranian EFL teachers. The study focused on the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The questionnaire findings revealed that both groups recognised significant challenges and opportunities in e-learning. German teachers appreciated organisational improvements and evaluative innovations, whereas Iranians valued stress reduction and access to materials. Both groups faced technological and administrative challenges, with Iranians reporting more severe difficulties, highlighting the need for tailored support and resources to enhance online education. Interviews indicated a preference for face-to-face instruction among Germans, with greater resistance to online formats compared to Iranians. Younger teachers in both contexts showed more positive attitudes towards e-learning, with a consensus on the future of blended learning. The observations also supported the findings. Results indicated significant differences and similarities between the two contexts, highlighting technological, academic, pedagogical, and cultural factors influencing e-learning integration. The study findings could offer practical implications for policymakers and material developers, emphasising the need for custom-made e-learning strategies for different educational contexts. This cross-cultural comparison could suggest insights for teachers interested in integrating e-learning into their teaching.

In recent years, the completion of the value chain and increased exportation of petrochemical products have been utilized to offset oil and gas export losses. As a result, this may have created various challenges and complexities within the oil and gas industry. The study aims to identify key challenges confronting Iran's petrochemical industry, with a particular focus on regulatory issues. It seeks to distinguish and prioritize the most critical regulatory factors necessary for establishing an effective regulatory framework in the petrochemical sector. For this study, data was collected through several interviews and questionnaire with Iran's petrochemical experts. With the collected data, the Delphi method was utilized to help identify the most critical challenges. The impact and significance of each challenge were determined through statistical analysis. The research findings indicate that the most important challenges are the weakness of laws to attract foreign and domestic investors, the lack of trust and lack of integration in this industry from upstream to downstream sector, respectively. Also, based on the research results, it show that it is essential for Iran's petrochemical industry to have two regulatory agencies. The "Competition Council" and the "Securities and Exchange High Council" as regulators of the physical and financial markets are considered, however, for them to regulate effectively the overall structure of these councils must first be dramatically reformed. The important effective regulating factors which should be emphasized by the regulator in Iran's petrochemical industry were indicated and ranked as allocation, responsiveness, financial independence, legal independence and political independence.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine how psychological problems—such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sleep issues—affect distance learning. Based on the experiences of experts and educators, this study will identify problems and potential solutions.Methodology: The study takes a qualitative approach, gathering and analyzing data using a phenomenological method. Twenty Ardabil primary school teachers and fourteen specialists from around Iran were among the participants, who were chosen via purposive selection until theoretical saturation was reached. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and they were done both remotely and in person. Themes from the instructors' replies were found and categorized, and their frequency and percentage were then presented. The coding approach developed by Strauss and Corbin (2008) was used to examine the replies from the professionals. Triangulation, member checking, parallel data verification, and researcher self-review were used to guarantee the correctness and reliability of the interviews.Findings: The findings revealed that teachers encountered significant psychological challenges in the context of distance learning. To address these challenges, several strategies were proposed. Subsequently, specialists were consulted regarding the identified challenges, and solutions such as establishing a structured study routine, managing rest and sleep schedules, enhancing social interactions, providing psychological support services, training in stress management techniques, introducing flexible scheduling, prioritizing physical health, delegating tasks effectively, using visual aids, incorporating regular short breaks, reducing screen time, practicing breathing and relaxation exercises, applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and preventing avoidance behaviors were suggested. A more detailed presentation of these solutions is provided in the findings section.Conclusion: Education stakeholders are advised to implement the suggested strategies from teachers and specialists to identify and address the psychological challenges associated with distance learning effectively.