Challenges to E-learning in higher learning institutions in Iran

The application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) ICT has become an important enabler to facilitate open education and distance learning at broader communities. E-Learning ensures access to information about education, training and lifelong learning through the use of multimedia technologies.The benefits gained from ICT are widely accepted and the Iranian government is encouraging institutions for adopting ICT practices. However, ICTs have not permeated to a great extent in many higher learning institutions in Iran due to many socio-economic and technological circumstances. In this paper we will discuss the challenges institutions in Iran face in order to integrate eLearning into the educational system of the country. Furthermore we will discuss new learning and training technologies considering their pedagogical, cost and technical implications. It also discusses challenges for integrating these technologies in higher learning institutions and gives best practice approaches for addressing each of the challenges.