Research Article
Nilgun Ozdamar-Keskin, Fatma Zeynep Ozata, Kerim Banar, Karl Royle
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 6, Issue 1, pp. 74-90
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study is to examine digital literacy competences and learning habits of learners enrolled in the open and distance education system of Anadolu University in Turkey. Data were gathered from 20.172 open and distance learners through a survey which included four parts: demographic information, abilities to use digital technologies, learning habits, preferences in using digital technologies for learning purposes. Principal Component Factor Analysis was applied in order to group and classify the attitudes and statements of the learners in their personal learning preferences, problem solving skills, project work skills, and abilities to use digital tools for learning purposes. Their personal learning preferences produced five factors: visual, auditory, dependent, collaborative, and reading-writing learning styles. According to the results of the study, learners believe that they have problem solving and project working skills to deal with educational difficulties. However, they seem to have only basic competences of digital literacy and the skills to use information and communication technologies at a basic level. They need training on how to use digital tools more efficiently for learning purposes. Further research is needed to explore how to increase the use of digital tools for the purpose of effective learning and also how to design learning environments to improve digital literacy of open and distance learners
Keywords: Open and distance learning, Digital literacy, Learning preferences, Learning styles, Problem solving, Project skills
Research Article
Dursun Yener
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp. 50-65
ABSTRACT
Distance learning (DL) has become an important part of university education. In the past DL was applied in different universities with different forms. With rapid technological developments, DL gained a new format through the Internet. Students can take courses online wherever they are geographically. Therefore, working people and adults can enroll higher education institutions without time and space barriers. Like many countries, Turkey adapted its education system to this new form. From 1980’s to recent years, this system has been applied through open education faculties in state universities. However as the number of foundation universities increase, DL became more common in various programs at different levels. Conventional universities use this system in some courses so students take both face-to-face and online courses together. Universities can use this system to use their scarce financial resources effectively with saving some costs and provides possibilities for sustainable advantage. In this paper, evaluation of students’, who are enrolled in a traditional university, about DL quality was analyzed using Grönross’ service quality model.
Keywords: Distance learning, Grönross, Perceived service quality, Dual-mode education
Research Article
J. M. van Zyl, E. J. Spamer, C. J. Els
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 166-183
ABSTRACT
The article first explores open distance learning (ODL) as a delivery mode for professional teacher development programs in South Africa by comparing the ODL models of selected universities in developing, developed, and newly industrialized contexts. The article then reports on an empirical investigation conducted about the effect of contact class and vacation school attendance on the academic success of students (n=1310) who wrote examination papers (n=4931) for a variety of modules in four purposefully selected Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) programs at the School of Continuing Teacher Education (SCTE) of the North-West University in South Africa. Descriptive statistics show the majority of students did not attend any contact classes or vacation schools, while still performing academically above average. Computing Spearman’s rank-order correlations (r), no practically significant correlations were found between contact class and vacation school attendance and the academic success of students. However, ANOVA analyses reveal that it was beneficial for students to rather attend three contact sessions, than two or no contact sessions
Keywords: Contact classes, Vacation schools, Class attendance, Academic success, Open distance learning
Research Article
Jose A. Ramos
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 2, Issue 4, pp. 282-293
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in perceived stress and coping styles among non-traditional graduate students in both on-campus and distance-learning programs. The study employed a quantitative causal-comparative design that involved collecting survey data. The sample consisted of 36 non-traditional graduate students who enrolled in distance learning classes along with 36 non-traditional students attending traditional on-campus courses in a graduate program. For statistical analyses, t-test and multiple linear regressions were conducted to simultaneously assess the effects of group membership and all demographic variables on each of the dependent variables (stress level and coping style). An alpha level of .05 was used to test statistical significance. Overall, there is no significant difference between the coping styles and the perceived stress levels of non-traditional graduate students who enrolled in distance-learning and on-campus programs.
Keywords: Distance learning, Non-traditional students, Stress, Coping styles, Graduate education, On-campus programs
Research Article
Afzaal Ali, Israr Ahmad
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 2, Issue 2, pp. 118-134
ABSTRACT
Most of the people in Pakistan perceive distance learning as of poor quality. Therefore, the researchers conducted this study to find out whether it's only people’s perception or is there anything in reality, concerning the poor performance of the distance learning students compared to traditional students. Consistent with this rationale, the main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between student satisfaction and the following variables of the distance learning environment: Instructors' performance, course evaluation, and student-instructor interaction. The sample consisted of 245 students of Allama Iqbal Open University of Pakistan. Keeping in view the nature of relationships among the variables, correlation matrix and regression analysis in addition to frequency analysis were used to analyze the findings. The results showed that just like in traditional education, in distance learning at AIOU, enough interaction takes place between students and instructors; courses are up to date and well-designed; instructors are devoted, motivated, and equipped with the required competencies. Moreover, the faculty at AIOU is delivering distance courses that meet students' needs with regard to student-instructor interaction, instructor performance, and course evaluation.
Keywords: Distance learning, Student satisfaction, Instructor performance, Student-instructor interaction, Course evaluation
Research Article
Fathallah Ghanem, Majid Hamayil
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp. 55-76
ABSTRACT
Al Quds Open University has actually employed blended learning since 2007; it is becoming the basis for much of today’s academic teaching. Therefore, this paper aimed at figuring out the extent that QOU managed distance learning programs effectively. The study reported here focused on the following factors: Vision and plans, quality assurance, curriculum, staff-training/support, and student-training/support. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered online to the QOU instructors who were involved in blended learning teaching experience. Researchers claimed that QOU administration has applied the above mentioned factors effectively and efficiently in planning distance learning courses. It was obvious that QOU, focusing mainly high quality, has paid high attention to blended learning courses and invested in its training staff in order to achieve excellence in teaching and learning. However, the participants believed that the courses concerning the development of instructor skills and competencies were not sufficient enough and there was a clear need to revise the quality and quantity of such courses.
Keywords: Blended learning, Distance learning, Online learning, Open learning