A pilot study on evaluation of internet-based associate degree programs in Turkey interms designing constructivist learning environments

ABSTRACTA PILOT STUDY ON EVALUATION OF INTERNET-BASED ASSOCIATEDEGREE PROGRAMS IN TURKEY INTERMS DESIGNINGCONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING ENVIRONMENTSKübra DİNÇERDepartment of Distance EducationAnadolu University Institute of Social Sciences, February 2007Advisor: Assistant Professor Mehmet Emin MUTLUThe main purpose of this study is to evaluate the Internet-based associate degreeprograms in Turkey in the perspective of designing constructivist learningenvironments.Qualitative research pattern was used in the research. During the data collectionprocess, literature review was done, and content expert interview techniques wereemployed. Observation of some online demo-classes and the complementaryinformation received from the authorities via e-mail served to collect data regarding tolearning environments of internet-based associate degree programs. The research wascarried out through the evaluation of Internet-based associate degree programs at fiveuniversities listed in 2005 OSYS (Student Selection and Placement Exam) HigherEducation Programs and Quotas Guide. This evaluation was implemented in theguidance of a checklist that consists of criteria for constructivist learning environmentsdesign. Post- evaluation data was analyzed and interpreted through qualitative analysismethod.The results indicated that all the learning environments met the criteria for theevaluation of active learning. It was observed that criteria for ?Constructing MentalModels and Making Meaning? and ?Tool Technology Use in Support of LearningGoals? were met. The findings revealed that constructivist learning environments werenot fully developed, and Internet-based learning environments in some universitiessupport the constructivist learning more than the others do.