Factors Affecting Virtual Learning (Case study: Sixth Grade Primary School Teachers of Birjand)

Background and Objectives: Today, information and communication technologies are widely used in education. The aim of this study is to identify and rank the factors affecting virtual learning from sixth grade primary school teachers’ perspectives. Methods: The statistical population of this study consists of 98 first grade primary school teachers of Birjand in 2022, 78 of whom were selected as a sample according to Cochran's formula. The effective factors on electronic education questionnaire of Ghalian and Zalpour (2018) was used to collect information. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were calculated to an acceptable level. In terms of purpose, the research method is practical. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS (23) software and the research questions answered through Friedman ranking test. Findings: The results of this study confirmed that the characteristics of learners, system quality and infrastructure, information quality, interaction in the online environment, e-learning environment, quality of services and units, support services and teacher characteristics affected virtual learning from sixth grade primary school teachers’ perspectives. Moreover Friedman test revealed the participation and group discussion of learners in the e-learning environment were the most important factor in the success of virtual education. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is suggested to provide creative educational strategies and prevent the low-level learning in virtual education courses, the educational administrators should pay attention to the development and improvement of the interactive infrastructures of virtual education.