Issues and Challenges with Web-Based Distance Education Programs in Turkish Higher Education Institutes

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the core issues and challenges with web-based distance education programs in Turkish higher education institutes. Formative research method, which is a qualitative research method in nature, was selected to analyze web-based distance education programs thoroughly. The study group comprised 4 higher education institutes, offering web-based distance education services in 2014-2015, located in different provinces of different geographical regions in Turkey, and with varying experiences. The research used interview transcripts from semi-structured interviews, documents (weekly reports, meeting reports, presentations, organization chart, and implementation procedures) shared by the distance education centers, and information gathered from their web sites. Primary research data were compiled from interviews with representatives of the distance education centers managing and upholding distance education services while the documents acquired from these centers were used to verify the interview findings. The study resulted in 9 core issues related to (1) program launching process, (2) legislation, (3) program structure, (4) instructional design, (5) assessment and evaluation, (6) communication and interaction, (7) support, (8) technical issues, and (9) program evaluation.

Covi̇d-19 Süreci̇ndeki̇ Uzaktan Eği̇ti̇me İli̇şki̇n Öğretmen Görüşleri̇ni̇n İncelenmesi̇

“…Aktaran, Büyüköztürk, 2005. Anket formu araştırma soruları doğrultusunda ve alanyazın taramasına (Bilgiç ve Tüzün, 2020;Harrison, 2019;Williamson, Eynos and Potter, 2020;Yılmaz and Banyard, 2020;Can, 2020) dayalı olarak oluşturulmuştur. Formda beş soruya yer verilmiştir.…”

Primary Healthcare Strengthening through Distance Education for Health Professionals

“…General distance education literature suggest that a distance learning setting may include the lack of support due to physical absence of teacher, lack of student to student communication, inability to control pace and progress of the course, and the challenges in maximum use of technology (Bilgic and Tuzun, 2020;Rana and Lal, 2014). In this platform, the video material where the instructor would explain the module overview and the outcomes can be identified as an attempt to overcome the lack of instructor support and student to student interaction.…”

Medication or Band-Aid? Revisiting University Students’ Readiness for Online Education

“…Consequently, these terms may be used interchangeably. Online education, which offers distance and lifelong learning by making use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opportunities, has become the new paradigm of education (Bilgic & Tuzun, 2020;Chen, 2007;Mayer, 2017;Sun, Tsai, Finger, Chen, & Yeh, 2008). In this study, the term 'online education' is preferred throughout because the educational activities in the Turkish higher education process during the pandemic-period were totally online.…”