Habibeh Ahmadipour - Associate Professor of Community Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Medical Education Leadership and Management Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Fatemeh Musavi - MSc Student in Community-Oriented Education in the Health System, Department of Medical Education, Medical Education Development Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Background: The rapid growth of information technology has created opportunities for online learning.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) and assess the readiness of health care providers in this regard.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in ۲۰۲۲ among ۱۸۱ health care providers in Kerman, selected through multi-stage sampling. The data collection tool included a questionnaire with demographic information and the Persian version of OLRS, comprising ۱۸ questions across ۵ subscales: computer/internet self-efficacy, self-directed learning, learner control, learning motivation, and online communication self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS v. ۲۶, as well as LISREL v. ۸.۸ software.Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for subscales ranged from ۰.۷۴ to ۰.۹۳, with factor loadings of items ranging from ۰.۵۴ to ۰.۹۶. Goodness-of-fit indicators met acceptable standards. The mean scores for all subscales exceeded the average (۲.۵). Health care providers in rural areas had higher mean scores in the self-directed learning (P=۰.۰۴), learning control (P=۰.۰۲), and learning motivation (P=۰.۰۰۱) subscales. Men scored higher in the self-directed learning (P=۰.۰۱) and learning motivation (P=۰.۰۴) subscales.Conclusion: The Persian version of OLRS demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used to assess the readiness of learners for online learning. When planning such training, it is crucial to consider factors related to learners' readiness, including demographic and occupational characteristics.

Online learning, Online Learning Readiness, Health workers, Psychometric Properties, Iran