This study aimed to determine the level of satisfaction with virtual education based on the importance-performance analysis model during the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences. The results showed that the average satisfaction score of virtual education (importance dimension) was 3.54 ± 0.60 and (performance dimension) was 2.80 ± 0.72. In explaining the findings, various studies were examined. Farsi et al.'s study showed that more than half of the students' satisfaction with virtual education was average [20]. Also, in the study of Sadeghzadeh et al. most students' average level of satisfaction was average, and their academic performance was evaluated as very good [21]. In a study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liva et al. reported that students' satisfaction with non-attendance education was medium [22]. In the studies of Farsi and colleagues, as well as Ruizgrave and colleagues, the level of satisfaction with virtual education was also moderate [23, 24]. The possible reason for this similarity is the sudden changes following the COVID-19 pandemic in all the above studies, the negative attitude of students towards virtual education [25, 26], the preference of students for face-to-face education compared to virtual education [18] and the problems in the virtual education system and There is a need for face-to-face training in the practical aspects of nursing units [11]. Meanwhile, Ebrahim et al.'s "Students' Satisfaction and Obstacles in Electronic Education among Nursing Students" study showed that 93.4% of students were delighted with virtual education [2]. The findings of the present study differed from this study's results. This inconsistency may be because, in Ibrahim et al.'s study, students' satisfaction was only divided into two levels: poor and good. Also, better access to the necessary facilities for virtual education is one of the possible factors of this inconsistency. On the other hand, conditions and sudden changes following the epidemic of Kovid-19 did not exist in this study.
Bismala et al. obtained these results that the average score of students' satisfaction with virtual education (importance dimension) was 4.23 ± 105.48, and (performance dimension) was 3.75 ± 88.78 [10]. This study's results were inconsistent with the Bismala study's results. In the current study, the average satisfaction score (importance dimension) and (performance dimension) were below average. This difference may be due to the different geographical regions and cultures that use technology in the studied populations. For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is focusing on a mobile screen for long periods. In face-to-face classes, the concentration of students will be higher. Virtual education does not have a long history in our country, so it should be cultured about it. Based on the results of the study by Bismala et al. in Indonesia, 6 items in the first quarter (motivation to learn with the content and appearance of the materials, interaction with professors in the e-learning process, interaction with professors about the materials, easy reception of signals, clarity of speech Speakers' comments, speakers' feedback about the contents) are included in the IP matrix and as reducing students' satisfaction with virtual education, they are prioritized for corrective action. Resources have been spent in a place that did not significantly affect student satisfaction [10]. In the present study and the Bismala study, student-teacher interaction and virtual education infrastructure (having a device connected to the Internet and the appropriate speed of the Internet) are in the first quarter and are prioritized. The Internet is one of the challenges and disadvantages of virtual education, and the need for a suitable platform has made it impossible to use many programs or reduced the quality of their use. In addition, some people do not have the necessary tools and equipment, such as mobile phones and tablets, computer systems, etc., for training in virtual space, and due to the current economic situation, they cannot provide them, which is one of the problems.
Hetiarachchi et al.'s study showed that most participants rated their information technology literacy as average. The highest percentage of responses was recorded for the teacher's preparation for virtual teaching, which shows that most students are satisfied with the teacher's preparation for online education. Meanwhile, professors' use of technology during virtual lessons had the lowest response rate, meaning that many students wanted more satisfaction with how technology was managed during virtual education. Relatively higher percentages were also reported for dimensions such as the opportunities for teacher-student interaction during the sessions, the provision of student feedback by the teacher, and the way of continuous assessment. However, students' satisfaction was generally low in aspects such as how to conduct summative evaluation, promote interaction with peers, and the method of sharing educational materials. Poor internet connection and lack of physical presence of classmates had demotivated only a tiny percentage of the participants. Lack of opportunities for practical training is also a challenge for most students[22].
Fayaz et al. a study aimed at evaluating and improving students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID-19 era in Pakistan, concluded that the mean of all items after modification was higher than the mean before modification. Therefore, the modification of the online program was effective in improving student satisfaction and providing evidence for students' acceptance of online learning during the pandemic. One of the critical factors that determine the level of satisfaction is students' familiarity with using technology and online tools. However, even students who expressed high satisfaction with online learning reported that they preferred a different learning method[23]. In this study, as in the present study, the effective interaction between professor and student in virtual education was challenging. Fayaz et al. (2020), a study aimed at evaluating and improving students' satisfaction with online learning during the COVID-19 era in Pakistan, concluded that the mean of all items after modification was higher than the mean before modification. Therefore, the modification of the online program was effective in improving student satisfaction and providing evidence for students' acceptance of online learning during the pandemic. One of the critical factors that determine the level of satisfaction is students' familiarity with using technology and online tools. However, even students who expressed high satisfaction with online learning reported that they preferred a different learning method [23]. In this study, as in the present study, the effective interaction between professor and student in virtual education was challenging.
Avshniuk et al. in a study investigated student satisfaction with online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in Ukraine. The results showed increased time management ability during online research, and students reported high motivation to learn online vocational support training. The results of this study indicated high satisfaction among students in the Ukrainian educational system[25]. The results of the present study did not agree with the findings of this study. The difference in the educational system of the two countries, educational and research facilities, digital facilities, and internet access can affect the learners' satisfaction. Ziyai et al. showed that most students prefer face-to-face teaching to virtual teaching. Based on the results obtained, even though the students were able to communicate with this emerging teaching and learning method in the college, they still preferred face-to-face teaching methods, interactive methods, and being in a group in a virtual way, which shows It was that virtual methods could not replace these needs [26]. This may be because this study was conducted among medical sciences students, and students often feel that they cannot learn the practical skills needed to fulfill their professional role in the hospital in non-attendance methods. This lack of pleasant feelings continues to shadow their attitude toward virtual education [25].
Limitation
One of the limitations of this study was the use of a self-report questionnaire, which attempted to encourage the participants to adhere to the principle of honesty by assuring the students of the confidentiality of their names and identities.