Quality Improvement

The present study aims at identifying the appropriate approach to improve the quality of e-learning in Payame Noor University. The research is applied in terms of purpose, is descriptive in terms of nature, and is a mixed method in terms of implementation applying an interview and a survey. The research population consists of all professors and students in e-learning department of Payame Noor University studying in academic year of 2016-2017. The research samples, consisting of 327 students and 291 professors, were selected through stratified random sampling. For data collection, in the first stage, after reviewing the related literature and conducting a semi-structured interview with distance education professionals and experts, the quality indexes in e-learning were identified. Then, in the second stage, two researcher-made questionnaires, based on a 5-likert scale, were prepared and after verifying the content and construct validity and calculating the reliability through Cronbach's alpha formula above 0.70, they were distributed among students and professors. The results of study suggest that if we are to take steps to improve the quality of e-learning in PNU, in addition to paying attention to maintaining the current quality and keeping its improvement through two components of strategies, policies, and general objectives and technology infrastructures, which had the greatest impact on e-learning quality, we should also take action through these factors to increase the impact of other components. Also, in order to improve the quality of e-learning in PNU, strategies such as paying attention to the quality of interaction, preventing significant changes in management decisions at the university, and paying attention to the empowerment of all human factors were suggested.