[Relationship between nurses attitudes toward learning organizations with organizational commitment]

Recognizing and modifying organizational commitment and its related factors is important. It seems that nurses' attitudes towards learning organizations influence their organizational commitment. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses' attitudes towards learning organizations and organizational commitment. In this descriptive-correlative study, 719 nurses working in Rasht educational hospitals were recruited to the study. We gathered data using the Porter organizational commitment questionnaire and the Jeong learning organization questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Spearman and t-tests in the SPSS-18. Most of the nurses were female [94.7%] and registered [35.3%]. The mean [SD] age of the nurses was 32.13 [6.98]. The mean [SD] of the organizational commitment was 27.10 [42.50]. The mean [SD] of the learning organization was 92.72 [10.04]. The relationship between the organizational commitment and nurses' attitudes towards learning organizations was statistically significant [r=0.482; P<0.0001]. It seems improving nurses' attitudes towards learning organizations may result in better organizational commitments

[View points of faculty members of guilan university of medical sciences in regard to electronic learning]

Background and Objectives: In the world of information technology, tendency toward using electronic learning as a novel learning style is increasing. The contribution to electronic learning is dependent on the knowledge and attitude of faculty members toward this issue. The aim of this study was to find the knowledge and attitude of faculty members in Guilan University of Medical Sciences toward electronic learning

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study by using census sampling all faculty members in Guilan University of Medical Sciences were studied of whom 220 ones eventually responded to the questionnaire. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisted of 4 sections of demographic features [5 questions], computer knowledge [6 questions], attitude-testing items [10 questions based on Likert scale] and questions related to the facilities [8 yes/no questions]. Competency [9 questions]. Content validity and reliability were determined by a-cronbach. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 16 software package

Results: The majority of respondents had sufficient knowledge [68.3%] and positive attitude [89.4%]. From all, 69.5% asserted that they have the required computer skills, but 95% said that they do not have enough lacilities in home and university for using electronic sources

Conclusion: Positive attitude of faculty members toward electronic learning requires implementation of continuous education programs for faculty members in order to improve their knowledge about information technology and up-to-date electronic learning skills

[Comparing characteristics of an effective teaching from teachers' and students' point of view, Guilan university of medical sciences]

An effective teaching is a collection of teachers' behaviors leading to educational goals and better learning. This study was conducted to determine the indices of an effective teaching from teachers' and students' point of view in Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2005. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 90 teachers according to consensus and 200 students randomly selected participated. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, which its content validity and test-retest reliability were already confirmed. The questionnaires, including four main domains of scholarship, teaching method, communication ability and personality, were completed in a self-reporting way. Our findings suggest that the main domains of an effective teaching, according to teachers' point of view, include scholarship, teaching method and communication ability whereas students' believed that communication ability, teaching method, personality and scholarship are in priority. There was a significant relationship between sex and teachers' point of view about teaching indices [P=0.043]. There was no significant relationship between students' demographic information and their point of view. According to our results and to improve teaching quality, it is recommended to consider the characteristics of an effective teaching according to students' point of view and create objective and valid evolution forms to promote educational quality, the final goal of evaluation

[ investigation of the managers' need to learn management skills and principles in health care networks in Esfahan province in 1380]

Introduction: management is a specialized science and since most of the health managers are not familiar with scientific management methods and direct their organization on the basis of their own experiences and assumptions , it is necessary to devise comprehensive educational programs according to the results of needs assessment in order to promote the quality of health care services

Materials and methods: the health network managers, deputy managers, health care assistants, the managers of rural and urban health care centers of nineteen health networks in Isfahan province were selected. To evaluate their educational needs, the researcher asked them to fill in questionnaires

Results: the majority of the managers [54%] were between 25 to 35 years old. Most of them [34.7%] had between five to nine years of service and 59% worked as manages between one to four years. 52% did not receive any training and 30% had participated in training courses. They mostly required executive [48.5%] and planning [46%] skills. There was a meaningful relationship between years of management services and all aspects of management skills

Discussion: since the years of management services are related to all management skills, the level of experience can influence the individuals ' skills. The years of service affect the executive skills and participation in training courses affect the planning quality