The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 

About: The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education is an academic journal published by Anadolu University. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Distance education & Educational technology. It has an ISSN identifier of 1302-6488. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1302 publications have been published receiving 15337 citations. The journal is also known as: TOJDE.

Students’ Distress with a Web-based Distance Education Course: An Ethnographic Study of Participants' Experiences

Abstract: Many advocates of computer-mediated distance education emphasize its positive aspects and understate the kinds of communicative and technical capabilities and work required by students and faculty. There are few systematic analytical studies of students who have experienced new technologies in higher education. This article presents a qualitative case study of a web-based distance education course at a major U.S. university. The case data reveal a topic that is glossed over in much of the distance education literature written for administrators, instructors and prospective students: students' periodic distressing experiences (such as frustration, anxiety and confusion) in a small graduate-level course due to communication breakdowns and technical difficulties. Our intent is that this study will enhance understanding of the instructional design issues, instructor and student preparation, and communication practices that are needed to improve web-based distance education courses.

Authentic Learning Environments in Higher Education

Abstract: Over the last decade the use of the authentic cases, problems and projects as a starting point for learning has won ground in higher education. Usually, these cases refer complex, ill–defined or open ended problems and often require multidisciplinary approaches. Students start with analysis of the cases, which involves gathering information, constructing and testing possible solutions. In short they supposedly develop competencies needed to deal with problems and issues that arise in a professional academic practice. This approach to learning may contrast with the common practice which has students working individually, grasping the knowledge from their teachers and text books using artificial problems (Berge and others, 2005).

The implementation of a flipped classroom in foreign language teaching

Abstract: Alongside the rise of educational technology, many teachers have been taking gradual but innovative steps to redesign their teaching methods. For example, in flipped learning or a flipped classroom, students watch instructional videos outside the classroom and do assignments or engage in activities inside the classroom. Language teachers are one group of educators exploring the flipped classroom. In foreign language classes, such an approach may offer great benefits for both the teachers and students since classroom time can be applied to more interactive tasks. By extending classroom hours in this way, language teachers can focus on successfully addressing all subjects in the curriculum. The aim of this study is (a) to gain insights into the perceptions of prospective English language teachers at a state university in Turkey on flipped classrooms and (b) to introduce the implementation of a flipped classroom into an English language class. A total of 47 prospective English teachers participated in the study. Qualitative research design was used and data were collected via an open-ended question. Findings of the study indicated that pre-service English teachers had positive perceptions towards the use of the flipped classroom as an integral part of face-to-face courses. It can be concluded that flipped classroom was beneficial in terms of 4 categories based on the content analysis of the responses: learning at one’s own pace, advance student preparation, overcoming the limitations of class time, increasing the participation in the classroom. The study also provides recommendations towards LMS integration into courses in other English language teaching departments and for implementing flipped classrooms in language teaching.

Reducing the Effects of Isolation and Promoting Inclusivity for Distance Learners Through Podcasting

Abstract: This article reports on an initiative to explore the potential of using supplementary audio podcast material to reduce the anxiety caused by isolation and to promote a sense of inclusivity amongst both undergraduate and postgraduate students studying an information technology subject in external mode with Australia’s largest provider of distance education. The podcasts were structured as a series of short, 3 to 5 minute talkback radio-style segments, with senior students holding discussions on pertinent issues related to the subject and its content in a relaxed and informal style. Both quantitative and qualitative data was obtained through a web-based survey conducted at the end of semester to gain insight into the views, experiences and perceived learning value of the podcasts from the perspective of the student listeners. Findings suggest that the approach was largely successful in achieving its aforementioned aims. In addition, the student listeners saw the podcasts as being especially effective in clarifying and enhancing their understanding of the subject; providing backup/reinforcement of what they had learnt; as well as supplying guidance on the direction in which to channel their study efforts. Overall, the authors believe podcasting has tremendous potential to assist in acculturating distance learners and aiding them in moving towards complete social and academic integration into institutional life, despite the presence of physical separation. The authors’ future research plans are also briefly outlined.

New science of learning: cognition, computers and collaboration in education

Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have pervaded and changed much of our lives both on individual and societal scales. PCs, notebooks, tablets, cell phones, RSS feeds, emails, podcasts, tweets, social networks are all technologies we are familiar with and we are intensively using them in our daily lives. It is safe to say that our lives are becoming more and more digitized day by day.