Issues and Challenges with Web-Based Distance Education Programs in Turkish Higher Education Institutes
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, 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.
___
- Aldiab, A., Chowdhury, H., Kootsookos, A., Alam, F., & Allhibi, H. (2019). Utilization of learning
management systems (LMSs) in higher education system: A case review for Saudi Arabia. Energy
Procedia, 160, 731-737.
Alsabawy, A. Y., Cater-Steel, A., & Soor, J. (2016). Determinants of perceived usefulness of e-learning
systems. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 843-858.
Aparicio, M., Bacao, F., & Oliveira, T. (2016). Cultural impacts on e-learning systems’ success. Internet and
Higher Education, 31, 58-70.
Asoodar, M., Vaezi, S., & Izanloo, B. (2016). Framework to improve e-learner satisfaction and further
strengthen e-learning implementation. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 704-716.
Aydin, C. H., & Tasci, D. (2005). Measuring readiness for e-learning: Reflections from an emerging country.
Educational Technology & Society, 8(4), 244-257.
Balci, B. (2010). E-ogrenme programi tasarim surecleri [Design processes of e-learning programs]. In G.
Telli-Yamamoto, U. Demiray, & M. Kesim (Eds.), Turkiye’de e-ogrenme: Gelismeler ve uygulamalar
[E-learning in Turkey: Developments and applications] (pp. 83-110). Ankara: Cem Web Ofset.
162
Bhuasiri, W., Xaymoungkhoun, O., Zo, H., Rho, J. J., & Ciganek, A. P. (2012). Critical success factors
for e-learning in developing countries: A comparative analysis between ICT experts and faculty.
Computers & Education, 58, 843-855.
Bilke, T., Xia, J., Bailey, B. D., Rodchua, S., & Sinn, J. (2006). Quality model in web-based distance
learning: A case study. Journal of Industrial Technology, 22(4).
Boehler, T. (1999). A design plan for online distance learning program delivery. Doctoral Dissertation.
Pepperdine.
Bonk, C. (2001). Online teaching in an online world. Retrieved from http://www.publicationshare.com/
docs/faculty_survey_report.pdf.
Boroits, S., & Poulymenakou, A. (2004). E-learning readiness components: Key issues to consider before
adopting e-learning interventions. In J. Nall & R. Robson (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference
on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2004 (pp. 1622-1629).
Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Council of Higher Education [COHE] (2014). Procedures and principles regarding distance education in
higher education institutions. Retrieved from https://www.yok.gov.tr/documents/10279/38502/
uzaktan_ogretim_esas_usul_25022014.pdf/78353e67-ac60-46d4-85b1-10a3f4cec880.
Council of Higher Education [COHE], 2017. Higher education information management: Student statistics.
Retrieved from https://istatistik.yok.gov.tr/.
Cronje, J. C. (2001). Metaphors and models in internet-based learning. Computers and Education, 37(3-4),
241-256.
Darab, B., & Montazer, G. A. (2011). An eclectic model for assessing e-learning readiness in the Iranian
universities. Computers & Education, 56, 900-910.
Doll, W. J., & Torkzadeh, G. (1988). The measurement of end-user computing satisfaction. MIS Quarterly,
259-274.
Falowo, R. O. (2007). Factors impeding implementation of web-based distance learning. AACE Journal,
15(3), 315-338.
Galusha, J. M. (1997). Barriers to learning in distance education. Interpersonel Computing and Technology:
An Electronic Journal for the 21st Century, 5(3-4), 6-14.
Girginer, N. (2002). Uzaktan egitime gecis icin kurumsal yapilanma [Institutional organization for
transitioning to distance education]. Acik ve Uzaktan Egitim Sempozyumu [Open and Distance
Education Symposium]. Anadolu Universitesi, Eskisehir, 23-25 Mayis.
Glaser, B. G. (1992). Emergence vs. forcing: Basics of grounded theory analysis. Mill Walley, CA: The Sociology
Press.
Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research.
Chicago, IL: Aldine.
Guney, Z. (2010). E-ogrenme ve etkilesimli ortam tasarimi [E-learning and interactive media design]. In G.
Telli-Yamamoto, U. Demiray, & M. Kesim (Eds.), Turkiye’de e-ogrenme: Gelismeler ve uygulamalar
[E-learning in Turkey: Developments and applications] (pp. 51-82). Ankara: Cem Web Ofset.
Hamidi, H., & Chavoshi, A. (2018). Analysis of the essential factors for the adoption of mobile learning
in higher education: A case study of students of the University of Technology. Telematics and
Informatics, 35(4), 1053-1070.
Hassanzadeh, A., Kanaani, F., & Elahi, S. (2012). A model for measuring e-learning systems success in
universities. Computers & Education, 39, 10959-10966.
Hetty Rohayani, A.H., Kurniabudi, & Sharipuddin, (2015). A literature review: Readiness factors to
measuring e-learning readiness in higher education. Procedia Computer Science, 59, 230-234.
163
Islam, A. K. M. N. (2013). Investigating e-learning system usage outcomes in the university context.
Computers & Education, 69, 387-399.
Islam, A. K. M. N. (2016). E-learning system use and its outcomes: Moderating role of perceived
compatibility. Telematics and Informatics, 33, 48-55.
Li, X. (2009). Review of distance education used in higher education in China. Asian Journal of Distance
Education, 7(2).
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Markova, T., Glazkova, I., & Zaborova, E. (2017). Quality issues of online distance learning. Procedia Social
and Behavioral Sciences, 237, 685-691.
National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], (2018). Number and percentage of students in degreegranting postsecondary institutions, by distance education Participation, location of student, level
of enrollment, and control and level of institution: Fall 2015 and fall 2016. [Retrieved from:
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_311.15.asp?current=yes ].
Neroni, J., Meijs, C., Gijselaers, H.J.M., Kirschner, P.A., & Groot, R.H.M. (2019). Learning strategies and
academic performance in distance education. Learning and Individual Differences, 73, 1-7.
Newman, A. (2003). Measuring success in web-based distance learning. EDUCASE Center of Applied
Research, 2003(4).
Ozaygen, A. (2000). Internet’e dayali uzaktan egitim [Internet based distance education]. Bilim ve Teknik
Dergisi, 388.
Pardue, S. L. (2001). Education and production. The virtual revolution: Implication for academe. Poultry
Science, 80(5), 553-561.
Passerini, K., & Granger, M. J. (2000). A Developmental model for distance learning using the Internet.
Computers & Education, 34(1), 1-15.
Pearson (2017). Digital Learning Compass: Distance Education Enrollment Report 2017. [Retrieved from:
https://www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/digtiallearningcompassenrollment2017info.pdf ].
Pina, A. A. (2008). How institutionalized is distance learning? A study of institutional role, locale and
academic level. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 11(1).
Reigeluth, C. M., & Frick, T. W. (1999). Formative research. A methodology for creating and improving
design theories. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.). Instructional design theories and models (pp. 633-651).
Manwah, NJ: Lawrence-Erlbaum Associates.
Rizvi, S., Rienties, B., & Khoja, S. A. (2019). The role of demographics in online learning: A decision tree
based approach. Computers & Education, 137, 32-47.
Sae-Khow, J. (2014). Developing of Indicators of an E-Learning Benchmarking Model for Higher Education
Institutions. TOJET: The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 13(2), 35-43.
Selim, H. M. (2007). Critical success factors for e-learning acceptance: Confirmatory factor models.
Computers & Education, 49(2), 396-413.
Simonson, M. (2007). Institutional policy issues for distance education. Retrieved from http://www.
schoolofed.nova.edu/~simsmich/best_practices/Policy%20Issues%20in%20Distance%20
Education.pdf
Soong, M. H., Chan, H., Chua, B., & Loh, K. (2001). Critical success factors for on-line course resources.
Computers & Education, 36(2), 101-120.
Stoffregen, J., Pawlowski, J. M., & Pirkkalainen, H. (2015). A barrier framework for open e-learning in
public administrations. Computers in Human Behavior, 51, 674-684.
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques.
Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
164
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques (2nd
ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Sun, P.C., Tsai, R. J., Finger, G., Chen, Y.Y., & Yeh, D. (2008). What drives a successful e-Learning?
An empirical investigation of the critical factors influencing learner satisfaction. Computers &
Education, 50(4), 1183-1202.
The Institute for Higher Education Policy (2000). Quality on the line: Benchmarks for success in Internet-based
distance education. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/HE/QualityOnTheLine.pdf
Tirzui, A-M,. & Vrabie, C. (2014). Education 2.0: E-learning methods. Procedia – Social and Behavioral
Sciences, 186, 376-380.
Turkoglu, R. (2003). Development process of web-based education program. The Turkish Online Journal of
Educational Technology-TOJET, 2(3), 116-126.
Tuzun, H. (2001). Guidelines for converting existing courses into web-based format. Annual Proceedings of
Selected Research and Development Papers Presented at the National Convention of the Association for
Educational Communications and Technology (pp. 360-370).
Tuzun, H., Bilgic, H.B., Kalayci, E., Cinar, M., Akinci, A., Yildirim, D., & Yuksel, Y. (2011). Yerlesik
bir dersin web-tabanli uzaktan egitim icin yeniden tasarimi [Redesign of a residential course
into web-based distance education form]. In B. B. Demirci, G. T. Yamamoto and U. Demiray
(Eds). Turkiye’de e-ogrenme: Gelismeler ve uygulamalar II [E-learning in Turkey: Developments and
applications] (pp. 175-199). Eskisehir, Turkiye: Anadolu Universitesi Yayinlari.
Tuzun, H. & Cinar, M. (2016). Guidelines for transferring residential courses into web. International Review
of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 17(4), 145-165.
UNESCO (2002). Open and distance learning: Trends, policy and strategy considerations. Retrieved from
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001284/128463e.pdf.
UWB LT (2011). The Challenges of distance learning. Retrieved from: https://depts.washington.edu/etuwb/
ltblog/the-challenges-of-distance-learning/
Yazici, A., Altas, I, & Demiray, U. (2001). Distance education on the Net: A model for developing countries.
Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 2(2), 24-35.
Wolverton, C. C. (2018). Utilizing synchronous discussions to create an engaged classroom in online
executive education. The International Journal of Management Education, 16, 239-244.