Mohammadreza Hasanpour
Abstract
Background: The rapid growth of COVID-19 disease in recent days has led to the rapid development of mobile health applications.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the quality of applications which provide information related to Coronavirus in Iran.Method: A systematic search has been conducted in ...
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Background: The rapid growth of COVID-19 disease in recent days has led to the rapid development of mobile health applications.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the quality of applications which provide information related to Coronavirus in Iran.Method: A systematic search has been conducted in Cafebazaar (Iranian app store) between May-October 2020. The Mobile Application Ranking Scale (MARS) is used to evaluate mobile applications and includes 23 items.Result: After limiting Apps to the criteria specified in the systematic search, 13 mobile applications were downloaded from Bazaar Cafe, which have been evaluated in terms of functionality, engagement, aesthetics, information, and subjectivity. In general, the Apps analyzed in this article are in poor condition in terms of quality. The highest rated app is Mask (2.69) and the lowest score is for Corona (Statistics, video, map) (1.47).Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that coronavirus applications designed in Iran are not in a favorable position in terms of MARS indicators. The lowest average was related to the information indicator. This shows that there is no professionalism in designing applications and it is necessary to pay special attention to evidence-based information in designing self-care and prevention programs of COVID-19.
Azam Najafgholinejad; Sedigheh Shakeri
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the university libraries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their services patterns.Method: This study is a qualitative exploration by collecting data through phone and online interviews of selected heads or assistants of thirteen ...
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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the university libraries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their services patterns.Method: This study is a qualitative exploration by collecting data through phone and online interviews of selected heads or assistants of thirteen university libraries. The interview recordings were transcribed with the help of callX software. The content of the interviews was analyzed and coded using MaxQDA software and led to the extraction of 220 initial codes.Findings: Almost all the central libraries of the studied universities limited their in-person services during Covid 19 pandemic but engaged with the users and tried to increase digital and remote services. Revamping their web pages, Flexibility in presenting services, development of information dissemination to users were the most important services and activities that central libraries presented in the pandemic era. Two of the most significant services which they have started during this period are librarian booking and online videoconference interviews with the users.Conclusion: although Covid 19 quickly invaded libraries and reduced the opportunity for a quick response, some of the studied central libraries took advantage of the crisis and provided suitable services to students such as setting up digital reference desks, purchase of software to organize electronic resources in the library, online reference interview with users etc.
Mila Malekolkalami
Abstract
Purpose: School closures in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a movement wave to hold classes online. Although, there had been some online classes for some courses, online teaching, and learning for students and school teachers have been an unprecedented experience; consequently, most teachers ...
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Purpose: School closures in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a movement wave to hold classes online. Although, there had been some online classes for some courses, online teaching, and learning for students and school teachers have been an unprecedented experience; consequently, most teachers and students have a limited experience with it. This paper examines the Perception of Iranian Teachers on Distance Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemicMethodology: The research method was a descriptive survey. Data was collected through an online questionnaire with 5 questions, involving 214 participants from schools in Iran. Findings: The findings show it has been the first experience with online classes for most teachers and Creating content for online classes and low levels of teacher's pedagogical digital competence are of the most significant challenges for teachers.Conclusion: Along with these alternations, it has been felt the need for instructional strategies, technological readiness to implement online learning, and teacher training courses with regard to modern technologies, as well as changes in national curricula must be made to increase flexibility and technological readiness.
