scholarly journals Investigating Benefits and Barriers of Distance Education during Coronavirus Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Abdullah Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
General Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Scientific Content ◽  
Technical Solutions

This study aims to identify benefits and barriers to distance education, particularly from the perspective of teachers in Saudi Arabia. As the applied data collection tool, a questionnaire was distributed to the general education teachers in three districts. The sample size of the study was 1076 teachers. The results revealed that despite several benefits gained from distance learning, there are also some barriers. Teachers found that the most important advantage in distance learning is the acquisition of technical skills during the online teaching processes, they learn more and use digital education platforms, they have sufficient time to prepare the scientific content, they were able to provide adequate technical solutions for their courses, and they have the opportunity to use multiple media to deliver their courses. With the introduction of distance learning, teachers have explored new ways to deliver course contents to students. It has fostered better ways to provide more interactive real-time and on-demand teaching and learning using modern technology, thus, helping teachers become familiar with the use of electronic resources. It seems that teachers invest in technical methods to enhance students’ performance. Also, teachers reported some obstacles that they face during remote teaching. Most of these problems are connection problems applied with devices and the internet, lack of students’ motivation to learn in distance, problems associated with urban learners.

Priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education toward online teaching and learning: Thinking beyond the COVID-19 experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 204275302110388
Author(s):  
Talha A Sharadgah ◽  
Rami A Sa’di
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The purpose of this study is to suggest priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education (IHE) toward online teaching and learning beyond the COVID-19 experience. This research applied the qualitative research method. Data collection sources included both a systematic literature review relating to how COVID-19 informed online distance learning across the globe and an analysis of circulars germane to the pandemic that were issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Saudi Arabia and by Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU). Guided by those two types of data, that is, review of the literature in general and the MOE and PSAU circulars in particular, and also illuminated by their own experiences of online teaching during the lockdown, the researchers were able to put forward those priorities. For the systematic review of the literature, five steps were performed: (1) identifying search terms and developing and applying a search strategy; (2) screening the obtained research papers, removing duplicates and papers outside the focal point, and establishing inclusion/exclusion criteria; (3) assessing the research papers against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; (4) data extraction; and (5) data synthesis. Although this article does not suggest traditional IHE should go entirely digital, it highlights the need for IHE to ensure access to online learning content, develop more partnerships with community, develop online self-study skills, get students to shift from passive to active learning, and a need to reconsider current e-assessment. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to provide additional support for faculty members, how university buildings should be gradually reopened, controlling factors influencing online learning outcomes, and addressing the issue of dropouts in IHE. Finally, the study underlines the need to add further emphasis to the importance of integrating blended learning in the university curriculum and navigating toward developing global distance learning programs.

scholarly journals Education Technology Seizes a Pandemic Opening

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (822) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Ben Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Global Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
World View ◽  
Education Technology ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Systemic Problems ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Rapid Shift

The rapid shift to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the penetration of an algorithmic world view into education systems around the world. Promoted by a burgeoning educational technology industry, platforms that use algorithms to structure and monitor teaching and learning have been presented as technical solutions to systemic problems. But they have also created new problems and reinforced existing inequities, stirring up public and political backlashes. Beyond its immediate effects during the pandemic in 2020, the expanded use of algorithm-driven learning management systems backed by major corporations has major implications for the future of global education.

Facilitating Civility in Distance Education

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Catherine F. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Professional Relationship ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
History Of

Higher education has a long history of incivility, and the advent of distance learning has further exacerbated the issues. Increasing incivility in our society adds another challenging dimension to combating incivility and maintaining a supportive, educational environment. This chapter addresses the challenges of maintaining civility in the online teaching and learning environment that facilitates access 24/7. Specific issues relevant to disruptive actions in distance learning are covered, as well as strategies for preventing and reducing online incivility. Promoting a sense of connectiveness and social interaction is recommended, while also maintaining a professional relationship. Online culture is discussed as a key element in establishing an effective online environment.

A Three-Dimensional Environment of Personalized Recommendation of Learning Objects to Support Ubiquitous Learning

2016 ◽  
pp. 48-73
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Valença Cavalcante Frade ◽  
Francisco Milton Mendes Neto ◽  
Rafael Castro de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Learning Objects ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Personalized Recommendation ◽  
Ubiquitous Learning

The advancement of technological resources has provided new possibilities in teaching and learning processes. This progress resulted in an improvement to the Distance Education (DE). However, this type of education still faces the serious problem of circumvention having as a major cause, lack of motivation among students. Thus, the use of new technological trends has been increasingly common with the purpose to provide greater attractiveness for student participation in distance learning courses. Thus, this study aims to propose a multiagent virtual environment in three dimensions to support the recommendation of learning objects in order to improve the teaching and learning processes in DE.

scholarly journals A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeonjeong Park
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Transactional Distance ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Learning To Learn

Instructional designers and educators recognize the potential of mobile technologies as a learning tool for students and have incorporated them into the distance learning environment. However, little research has been done to categorize the numerous examples of mobile learning in the context of distance education, and few instructional design guidelines based on a solid theoretical framework for mobile learning exist. In this paper I compare mobile learning (m-learning) with electronic learning (e-learning) and ubiquitous learning (u-learning) and describe the technological attributes and pedagogical affordances of mobile learning presented in previous studies. I modify transactional distance (TD) theory and adopt it as a relevant theoretical framework for mobile learning in distance education. Furthermore, I attempt to position previous studies into four types of mobile learning: 1) high transactional distance socialized m-learning, 2) high transactional distance individualized m-learning, 3) low transactional distance socialized m-learning, and 4) low transactional distance individualized m-learning. As a result, this paper can be used by instructional designers of open and distance learning to learn about the concepts of mobile learning and how mobile technologies can be incorporated into their teaching and learning more effectively.

scholarly journals Strategies for innovative teaching and learning Part 2: How to deliver a distance education online course

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Constance E. McIntosh ◽  
Diana Bantz ◽  
Cynthia M. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
History Of

The second article in a three-part series discusses how to deliver a distance education online course by i) assuring understanding of the learning platform, ii) developing a course model, iii) creating individual assignment rubrics for courses, iv) requiring active participation from both instructor and students, and v) setting-up quality communication. This paper is a continuation of the first paper whereby the history of distance learning, the positives and negatives of online learning, advantages and disadvantages of online learning, and the initial considerations for establishing online courses.

scholarly journals The trend of distance education: problems and prospects for implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 98-103
Author(s):  
George Grigorov
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
General Education ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Industrial Society ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
The Past

Distance education has become an integral part of the educational system around the world. Official statistics on distance education, confirm a steady increase in the number of participants in distance learning and courses. The range of courses offered by more than 200 distance learning institutions, including about 1500 courses, of which about 75% – vocational and about 25% – general education. For the most part, this method of training is offered mainly by private institutes.The success of distance learning can be explained against the backdrop of changing conditions in economics, technology, and society. By the era of industrial society, the educational ideal of modern society was oriented to the classical educational systems for that time, which originated in antiquity. In many countries, traditional social norms have changed over the past 20 years.One authoritative researcher in the field of distance education noted that technology as a service delivery system has played an important role in the development of distance education and research. Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of educational institutions that offer a service such as distance learning. There has also been an increase in the number of students receiving distance education not only in our country, but also in educational institutions around the world.Despite the fact that there have been extensive studies of open distance learning, there is no consensus on the indisputable benefit or inadmissibility of distance learning in higher education. Identification and study of problematic issues in the field of distance education implementation remains very relevant today.In this article we want to consider some problematic issues of distance learning in higher education, which is considered today the most favorable for the study and implementation of the model of exclusively online learning.

scholarly journals INTERROGATING THE CONCEPT ‘OPENNESS’ IN OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cosmas Maphosa ◽  
Sithulisiwe Bhebhe
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Entry Requirements ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

<p>Scholars in Open Distance Learning (ODL) often refer to distance education as ‘open’. The concept 'openness' on open and distance learning is very fluid and often misunderstood. It is the purpose of this desktop survey to review relevant literature and make interrogation of the concept 'openness'. We advance questions such as; How open is open and distance learning. In what aspects is ODL open and to what extent is the openness. We discuss openness concerning targeted potential students and entry requirements in ODL institutions, the openness of teaching, and learning approaches as well as openness concerning communication, the flexibility of curricula, and assessment. We conclude by answering whether or not ODL institutions are open as well as suggesting measures and ways of enhancing openness in ODL institutions.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0674/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals GREEK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES ABOUT DISTANCE EDUCATION DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Karavida ◽  
Athina Charissi ◽  
Eleni Tympa
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Distance Education Program ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Emergencies like Covid-19 brought distance education to the fore, as countries were forced to close the campuses and initiate online teaching. Many universities in the country supported a distance education program aimed at students who had experienced an unprecedented experience. Thus, 155 students from the Greek department of Early Years Learning & Care participated in the present study, which aimed to investigate the factors that influence learners’ perceptions and attitudes during distance learning. The survey was conducted through online distribution of questionnaires and investigated hypotheses about obstacles and changes in students’ perceptions of distance learning. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis showed that the role of the educator in this process, combined with the technical support of the courses, is extremely important. Also, educators’ presence is related to students’ anxiety. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals THE TEACHERS’ OPINION ON EFFICIENCY OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
V. G. Gayvoronskiy
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
General Education ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Teaching Community ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The article presents the findings of large-scale sociological survey titled ‘Assessment of the distance learning mode in the self-isolation conditions by educators of Rostov Region.’ The survey reflects the opinion of 8,079 teachers, including 7,608 women and 470 men, who work in general education. The relevance of the study is significant given that the entire general education system of the Russian Federation was urgently transferred to the distance learning mode due to the rapid spread of novel coronavirus in first-half 2020. The respondents assessed their own technical and material conditions in which they carried out the educational activities. The survey included analyses of the financial capabilities necessary to ensure the educational process in distance learning from home and the state of health of teachers working in the distant mode. The presented findings indicate that the teaching community negatively assessed the transition. The health of teachers suffered due to long hours in front of the computer, the effectiveness of teaching decreased, and transferability of learning deteriorated due to deficiencies in technical equipment. The article draws a general conclusion that for the present distance education cannot be a full-fledged alternative to general education in its traditional form.

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