Distance Education in Turkey: Workshop on Global University System & E-Learning

Distance Education in Turkey WORKSHOP ON GLOBAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM & E-LEARNING 19 October 2006, Thursday TOBB Economics and Technology University, Red Hall, Ankara, TURKEY Prof. Dr. Ugur DEMIRAY Anadolu University, Eskisehir, TURKEY TOBB 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Abstract… • In this presentation concept of distance education and history of distance education in Turkey, and Turkish distance education applications will be discuss. • Today, Turkey have many distance education applications mainly administered by Universities and Ministry of Education. TOBB; 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Abstract • In Addition, some private dedication firms are also applying this education method by using technology for their educational components. But the biggest three of these institutions are Open Education Faculty, Anadolu University, in Eskisehir. • And Open High School and Open Primary School, Ministry of Education in capital city, Ankara. Nearly, these three institutions are giving educational service to 2,000,000 students. • Keywords: Turkey, Open Education Faculty, Anadolu University, Technology, Distance Education (DE), Internet, DE application 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Content of presentation • Abstract • Concept of distance education • History of distance education ın Turkey • Student population of OEF • Student characteristics of OEF • Future plans of OEF • International relations of OEF • Other distance education applications in Turkey • References • Thanks 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Distance education is… • Distance education can be defined or called with many the other concepts such as wellness education, open learning, open teaching, non-traditional education, distance learning, distance teaching, correspondence education, independent study, home study, distance teaching at a distance, extension study, external study, external learning, flexible education, flexible learning, life long education, lifelong learning, contract learning, experiential learning, directed private study, drop-in learning, independent learning, individualized learning, resource-based learning, self-access learning, self-study, supported self-study or continuing education ect in the literature defined by different authors. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Distance education is… • Distance education is a generic term that includes the range of teaching or earning strategies referred to as correspondence education or correspondence study at further education level in the United Kingdom; as home study further education and independent study at higher educational in the United States; as external studies in Australia; and as a distance teaching or teaching at a distance in the United Kingdom by the Open University. In French it is referred to as teleenseignement; Fernstudium or Fernunterricht in German; educacion a distanica in Spanish and teleducacao in Portuguese. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Distance education is • Distance education is a medium of teaching and learning that has grown significantly in the past decade as indicated by the number of higher education institutions that offer courses and/or full degree programs via distance learning methods. • According to the National Center for Education Statistics-NCES (1999), the number of degree-granting higher education institutions offering distance education courses increased from 33 percent in 1995 to 44 percent in 1997-98. • More specifically, the use of computer-based technologies has increased from 22 percent in 1995 to 60 percent in 1997-98 and more than 80% in the year of 2000s and now more than %80. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

History of distance education… In this context, history of distance education can be discuss generally in five clear periods. These periods are can be listed as: • A period of before correspondence education. Some educational activities which are try to aiding for lack of education process before constructing and establishing correspondence education systems. • Heavily applied correspondence education systems period. In this period systemswidely used printed materials by using postal system for delivery such books, newspapers, guide books or other printed medium for realizing their aim. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

History of distance education… • Instructional radio and television which is called one-way communicational period by broadcasting. In this period broadcasting radio and television used functionally beside of printed material for being audio and visualizing of course materials. • Than started two- way communicational audio and interactive period. With two-way audio and video between teachers and students these emerging technologies, educators are able to include more interaction in educating at a distance. • In delivery of DE, the fifth period can be described using satellite and future technologies which are integrating via computer and computer combining systems. Telecommunication technologies such as radio, television, video cassette, computer, satellite, and fiber-optics are aiding educators by development in communication and electronic industry. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

History of distance education in Turkey… • When distance education history is searched in Turkey, it means 1982 the year Anadolu University, called in Turkish as Acikogretim Fakültesi (or in English The Open Education Faculty). It is seen that the first application goes back to1970s’. • Anadolu University the Open Education Faculty established and started distance education 1982-83 Academic Year by enrolling 29,445 students, to the Business Administration and Economics Departments. By general lines, OEF reached to its students by printed materials, TV courses and academic counseling (as face-to-face education) at the beginning years. Later on, OEF has added radio programs, video education centers, newspaper, computer centers, CD-ROMs and internet to its operation. • The beginning of distance education in Turkey can be traced back to several groups of problems; political, social and economic. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Not all of these problems were internal. Many were created by external influences. Politically, Turkey is in a unique position because it is the bridge between Europe and Asia. As a result, Turkey has spent much time in its modernization efforts to become an active member of the 21st century. Many of the country's problems stem from its position as an Eastern culture and society trying to blend into a Western industrial world. The past 80 years in Turkey have witnessed dramatic changes. The country, since 1920, has changed its alphabet to the Roman one and established the importance of secularism (the complete separation of religion and politics) in the running of the government. In the 1970's Turkey began to search for new ways to develop its own educational strategy in order to expand the opportunities for its citizens. It was believed, and enacted into law, that education should be the main responsibility of the government. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Not all of these problems were internal. Many were created by external influences. Economically, advances in science and technology have had their impact on Turkish society. Developments and applications of new technologies have put pressure on Turkey to provide up-to-date education to keep the work force competitive with that of other countries. The skills and knowledge of workers must be constantly updated with new technological information. In addition to learning new technological applications, human resources must also be improved. The present increasing population growth has put pressure on Turkish society create new areas for work. Competition demands better qualified workers in order to be successful. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Not all of these problems were internal. Many were created by external influences. Socially, the country, since 1920, has changed its alphabet to the Roman one and established the importance of secularism (the complete separation of religion and politics) in the running of the government. In the 1970's Turkey began to search for new ways to develop its own educational strategy in order to expand the opportunities for its citizens. It was believed, and enacted into law, that education should be the main responsibility of the government. Advances in science and technology have had their impact on Turkish society. Developments and applications of new technologies have put pressure on Turkey to provide up-to-date education to keep the work force competitive with that of other countries. The knowledge and skills of workers must be constantly updated with new technological information. In addition to learning new technological applications, human resources must also be improved. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

History of distance education in Turkey… • Although the first distance education program (Division of Higher Education program referred to as Yay-Kur) was undertaken by the Ministry of Education between 1975-1978, this initiative was a dramatic failure for various political, administrative, financial and even psychological reasons which might be the subject of a separate study. • In 1982, benefiting from information of the failed Yay-Kur project, the first true distance education program in Turkey was initiated by Anadolu University. • The original numbers of students admitted was 29,445 for the 1982-83 Academic Year for the Business Administration and Economics programs. All students were high school graduates and were accepted into the OEF programs after passing a placement through the national university exam. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

History of distance education in Turkey • Today the programs have expanded in scope to include not only those subjects but; • Nursing, • Foreign Languages, • Math, • Sciences, • Tourism, • Business and Training programs for the private sector, • Associate Degrees in Teacher Training and • Teacher Training for Degree Completion etc., 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Instructional materials of OEF… The Open Education Faculty's system is based on the combination of three main educational components as; printed materials, television and radio broadcasts, and academic counseling. Printed materials are prepared by the academic staff from various universities and edited by the faculty members of Anadolu University according to the principles and techniques of distance learning. These materials are sent to the students by regular postal channels or by student offices in 77 city via 84 offices 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Instructional materials of OEF Television and radio broadcasts are designed to be supplementary to the printed materials. As in the printed materials, various university members work on television and radio programs, either as authors or as tutors (or both). More than 300 programs are produced in OEF studios by the OEF staff and broadcasts are aired every year to students throughout the country. Broadcasting services are carried out by the state owned Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) Corporation. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Instructional materials of OEF Academic counseling centers are located in 59 cities 62 center. At these centers, students receive advisory help provided by part time instructors and academic advisors who are selected from among the regional university members. One hour per week of counseling services per course is provided to students at these centers. Approximately 80 percent of the students have regular access to these centers. At these centers there are additional services such as videos, newspaper and other official services for students. These three parts of the distance education program work together as very functional components of a smoothly running system. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Instructional materials of OEF Other main instructional material students can use e-learning service materials too: • CD exercises softwares • CAI materials • WebCT aplacations • e-exercises • e-books • e-audio books • e-counselling • e-televisions • e-examiniations 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Organizational structure of OEF … • Finance Structure:Like other Turkish public universities, the government finances Anadolu University and its distance education branch, the OEF. All academicians' and administrators' salaries are paid through government funds. Expenditures for all OEF operations including printing books, television and radio productions, mailing, examination costs, administrative costs and salaries come from Anadolu. • Revenues to the university come from government allocations, foundation income and student fees. • Although the percent from each of these areas can vary from year to year, the majority of the income comes from government. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Organizational structure of OEF • Administrative Structure: Until 1993, the OEF is administered as a separate Faculty within Anadolu University. It has one Dean and four vice deans, each with a different responsibility. The four areas of responsibilities are: • Registration, regional offices, organization of academic counseling, exams. • Course materials, media production and delivery from OEF Radio and Television studios. • Development projects. • International relations and international projects. • The Deputy Deans report to the Dean of the OEF who is responsible directly to the Rector of the university. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Organizational structure of OEF After 1993, status of OEF changed by Law numbered 496, OEF became a service faculty to the Economics and Business Faculties which are responsible to make distance education apart from the Economics and Administrative Faculty's Business and Economics department in spite of the same content. OEF will serve to realize registrations of students, to organize their exams, to prepare and produce printed, visual and audio course materials and to reach them to active students of these faculties. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Organizational structure of OEF These faculties are responsible only to design the contents of course material scientifically. In additional, OEF has only to give pre-bachelor diploma or degree programs as do it before. Its administrative structure was not changed for to make these responsibilities. Still it has own dean and four vice-dean as being functional mentioned above. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Student population of OEF Today OEF has nearly 1,000,000 students, more than 750,000 graduates, nearly 40 different program for degree or associate degree levels 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Student characteristics of OEF • Average age of the students is 24 with the age • Male students comprise 60% of the students and remaining 40% are female. • About 70% of the students have full time • 8% part time employment. • Handicapped students comprise about %1.5 of the student population. • Students’ residential data show that about 53% of the students live in metropolitan areas with population above 500.000, • 16% in areas with population between 100.000 and 500.000 • 18% in small provinces with population between 20.000 and 100.000 • 13% in ruralareas with population less than 20.000. (Ozkul, 2001) 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Future plans of OEF… By the year 2002, it is planned that the OEF will progress toward becoming a separate and autonomous Turkish Distance Education University. The reorganization from faculty status within an existing university to separate university status is needed because of the size and structure of the OEF, its increasing technical investment in staff and operations, and its future plans. The present structure of the faculty within an existing university imposes certain limitations on the future growth and development of its programs. In 2003-2004 academic year OEF started varios associate degree programs for police and gendarme. Almost these programs are interest more than 100,000 candidates for eachprogram. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Future plans of OEF… In 2003-2004 academic year OEF started associate degree programs for police and gendarme. Almost these programs are interest more than 100,000 candidates for each program. In addition to these domestic projects, other international projects are currently being developed. The Channel E project, the projects are carrying out for developing on the subjects which are their contents' listed beloved as: 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Future plans of OEF… Cooperative language and art programs. Delivery of educational programs, which are already produced such as Economics, Business Administration, Home Economics and Social Sciences. In-service training for private or government middle or highlevel administrators. Associate degree programs for military personnel In-service training for special subjects such as handcrafts and basic skill development. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Future plans of OEF West Europe Programs, which are the extension of The Department of Economics and Administrative Sciences in West Europe programs, are started at 1987-1988 academic year. These programs are coordinated by the branch office established at Cologne-Germany. Economics (BA degree), Management and Organization (BA degree), Foreign Trade (Assoc. degree) programs are offered to Turkish citizens living at Western European countries mainly in Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and Austria. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

International relations of OEF Anadolu University has many international relationships for distance educational developments and exchance its academical and practical experiences. And alsoUniversiy has member of some association in this field as shown belove: Open University UK, CNED France, The FernUniversitaet Germany NIME ICDE EADTU AAOU 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey… Fırat University has also started its distance education program in 1990. In the first place dissertations of M.A. students were successfully completed via e-mail applications. Today a distance education program in this university has been applied through Fırat Television and internet. Distance education application of Fırat University which is are realized via television broadcasts that provide certificates to the students today are aimed to be more extensive with the contribution of internet, teleconference, desktop video teleconference systems in the future. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey… Distance education in the Middle East Technical University is ensured via internet. In the application of this system that is called Asynchronous Education Relying On Internet the courses that aim to reach in the other universities programs and The Certificate Program of The Information Technologies are provided. This certificate program that lasts for nine months is made of four periods and 8 courses (two courses per period). Asynchronously presented courses that rely on web are provided to the other universities according to the Implementing Regulation of Inter-university Communication and Information Technology of Higher Education starting from 2001 Spring Period. These courses are provided in bachelors and graduate level and ensured as Turkish and English. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey… Sakarya University applies distance education asynchronously with the internet. This university provides 4 courses to its own students, 2 courses to other students as service provider and also it ensures 13 courses for Information Administration and Computer Programming pre-B.A. programs. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey… Today Open High School, Open Education Primary School and Professional and Occupational and Technical School are providing distance education to their students. They belong to the National Education Ministry General Management of Education Technologies Department. Open Education High School has been established in accordance with the code of National Education Ministry dated June 2nd 1993 with the number 12633. In its first educational year (1992-1993) Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Turkish, Mathematics, Foreign Language and General Culture fields were provided in general high school program which was set as course pass and credit system. In 1995-1996 educational year this school has been turned to multi purpose high school that also provides occupational education. Its courses are deployed with printed course materials and radio-television programs. Moreover students are provided with the academic supervision and application in some of the provinces. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey… Open Primary School (OPS) has been established in accordance with the official approval (with the number 1651) of National Education Ministry’s Department for the Management of Education with Radio-Television in September 15th 1997. This aplication is recognized inside the body of FRTEB. Open Primary School provided distance education service to the people with the age of 15, primary school graduates, people who left intermediate schools, people who did not attend the last three years of primary schools, people who registered to the intermediate schools in order to finish outside and the people who graduated from foreign schools and officially equated their diplomas. This institution ensures extra services and course materials same way as the Open High School does. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Other distance education applications in Turkey There are also distance education applications take place in Turkish private sector under supervision of National Education Ministry. This is the Fono Institution of Open Education which was founded in accordance with the Official Decision of National Education Ministry with the number 420-5-2300. This firm disposes foreign language and occupation courses that are based on main course books around a thousand pages. The principal of self learning without fatigue is aimed on course 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

References… ANADOLU UNIVERSITY (1992). Anadolu Universitesi'nin Acikogretim Fakultesi Hizmetleri [Services of OEF of Anadolu University], Anadolu Universitesi, Yayinlari, Yayin No. 462, Eskisehir, Turkey. COUNCIL OF EUROPE (1989). "Turkey: Distance Education", Newsletter, Council of Europe Document, M-ED, 16-8, W.F.B., 3/89, Strasbourg, France. CURABAY, S., DEMIRAY E. (2002) 20. Kurulus Yilinda Anadolu Universitesi Acikogretim Sistemi ve Acıkogretim Fakultesi Egitim Televizyonu (ETV) [Anadolu's Open Education System and Education Television-ETV of Open Education Faculty at Its 20th Anniversary], Anadolu Üniversitesi Yayınları: No. 1354, Acikogretim Fakultesi ayinlari, Yayin No: 721, Eskişehir, Türkiye. Daniel, John, S. (1996), Mega Universities and Knowledge Media: Technology Strategies for Higher Education, London: Kogan Page. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

References… DEMIRAY, U. (1990a). "Some Aspects of Teacher Training in Turkey Using a Distance Education System", ICDE Bulletin, The Open University, Vol. 24, 47-51, Milton Keynes, UK DEMIRAY, U. (1990b). A Review of The Literature On The Open Education Faculty (1982-1990), Anadolu University Publications, No. 455/208, Eskisehir, Turkey. DEMIRAY, U. (1997). A Review of The Literature On The Open Education Faculty (1982-1995), Anadolu University Publications, Eskisehir, Turkey. Eraut, M. (Ed.) (1991). Education and the Information Society, Council of Europe Publications, London, UK. KAYA, Zeki (2002) Uzaktan Eğitim[Dstance Education], PegemA Yayıncılık, Ankara. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

References… KEEGAN, Desmond (1990) Foundations of Distance Education, 2nd edition, Routledge, London and New York, 1990, United Kingdom. McISAAC, M.S. (1992, February) "Nursing and Distance Education In Turkey" a keynote address delivered at Ege University Hemsirelik Yüksekokulu, Izmir, Turkey. McISAAC, M.S., K.L. Murphy. and U. Demiray (1988). "Examining Distance Education In Turkey". Distance Education, 9,(1) 106-114, Toowoomba, Australia. OSYM, (1997) Yüksekögretim Ogrenci Kontenjanlari [OSYMS tudent Selection and Pleacement Center-Higher Education], OSYM Publications, 2001, Ankara, Turkey. OSYM, (2002) Yüksekögretim Ogrenci Kontenjanlari [OSYM Student Selection and pleacement Center-Higher Education], OSYM Publications, 2002, Ankara, Turkey. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

References OZER, B. (1991). "In-service Training of Primary School Teachers At a Distance In Turkey", Indian Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 4, 80-81, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. OZKUL, A. E.“Anadolu University Distance Education System From Emergence To 21st Century”, Turkish Online Journal of Distancae Education-TOJDE, Vol: 2 Number: 1, January 2001, Eskisehir. Turkey. http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr RUMBLE, Greville & Keith Harry (1986) The Planing and Management of Distance Education, St.Martin's Press, NY, USA. YANGIN, G. (1989). "Distance Education In Turkey", Online Journal of Distance Education, Vol.2(4), 1-10, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, Canada. 2001-2002 Ogretim Yili Ogrenci Kayit yenileme Kilavuzu [2001-2002 Academic Year Student Reregistration Guide], Anadolu Universitesi, Acikogretim Fakutesi, Eskisehir, Turkey. 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Many thanks each of you for participating my session and many greetings from Turkey 19 October 2006, Ankara, TURKEY

Distance Education in Turkey: Workshop on Global University System & E-Learning