Presenting a Digital Transformation Model with a Smart Education Approach in the Iranian Education System

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive model of digital transformation based on a smart education approach for the Iranian education system. This applied study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, 16 scientific and executive experts in educational management and planning, computer science, information technology, and educational administration were purposively selected according to theoretical saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA 18. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population consisted of education specialists in digitalization and smart education in Tehran, of whom 254 participants were selected through multistage cluster random sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings was used for data collection. Content and construct validity, Cronbach’s alpha, and composite reliability were used to assess the measurement instrument. Quantitative data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and one-sample t-tests in SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 3. The one-sample t-test showed that the external and internal validity of the proposed model and all their components were statistically significant at p<0.001, with mean scores ranging from 4.10 to 4.65. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the t-values for all indicators and components exceeded 2.58, confirming all measurement relationships at the 99% confidence level. The coefficients of determination ranged from 0.345 to 0.766. The communality index was 0.536, while the predictive relevance values ranged from 0.295 to 0.399, indicating satisfactory predictive power. Furthermore, the Normed Fit Index was 0.933, confirming an acceptable overall fit of the proposed model. The validated model comprises six dimensions: digital leadership and governance, empowerment and human capital, technological infrastructure, transformation of teaching-learning processes, participation and interactive ecosystem, and digital equity and sustainability. The model provides an integrated, context-sensitive, and empirically validated framework that can support policy development, strategic planning, and implementation of digital transformation and smart education across the Iranian education system.