E-Learning is a young and ground-breaking phenomenon for serving the needs of learners. The use of technology and new communication channels allow teachers and learners to experience a social, interactive and vibrant learning environment. Governments invest in E-Learning initiatives for making education accessible to everyone by lowering the barriers of time and place and providing flexibility and affordability especially for those could not enter traditional programs. (Bichsel, 2013)
The term E-Learning is widely used. Universities use E-Learning as a method of establishing formal university programs leading to degrees, professional training programs such as certificate and industry-specific programs (sometimes referred as non-matriculated programs). The corporate training market uses E-Learning as a method of teaching and learning for industry …show more content…
From the three, the organizational aspects are under-researched in the literature. This paper studies E-Learning from an organizational point of view and discusses the change in administration, business model and procedures that made E-Learning in the University of Tehran a successful practice.
2. Background of the study
Many researchers studied the impact of E-Learning from different perspectives including the paradigm shift and pedagogical point of view. They explained the ever-increasing technological changes and the way technology is changing our lives: from our communication and working styles to how we learn and what we expect from a formal learning environment. (Anderson & Elloumi, 2004) (Ossiannilsson, 2012) (Miller, et al., 2013)
2.1 E-Learning Business Models
In spite of the ever-increasing spread of E-Learning, only a few studied managerial aspects of E-Learning including business strategies, business models and best practices. (Vignare, Geith, & Schiffman, 2006) (Smith, Smith, Samors, & Mayadas,