Characteristics of the Effective E-Teaching in Higher Education

Background: Considering the power of information technology, higher education is on the verge of an immense revolution. The present study was conducted to determine the characteristics of the effective E-teaching in higher education from the students point of view in virtual universities of Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods: This study was a descriptive applicable study. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were determined using expert opinion and Cronbach s alpha, respectively. The features was developed based on theoretical studies and was then analyzed and validated using the face and construct validity methods and a reliability assessment method, and a field study was then conducted on 351 students who were selected through stratified random sampling.. We found that the students perceived course management, interaction and cooperation improvement, student support, and commitment and electronic skill are operative in defining an effective e-teaching in higher education. Moreover, improving interaction and cooperation is the main priority in determining an effective teacher in a virtual course.