Views of teachers and students in non formal education: The example of KOMEK

The aim of this research is to reveal the views of distance education teachers and distance education students in non-formal education institutions. The research was presented in an organized and interpreted form by using the descriptive survey method, one of the qualitative research methods, in order to determine the views of the teachers and students who receive education at KOMEK on distance education and to analyze the current situation. The research was carried out with the participation of 25 teachers and 25 students who received training at the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Vocational Training Courses Distance Education Center in the 2022-2023 academic year. Based on the data obtained as a result of the research, the main headings were determined and comments were made on these main headings. In order to support the findings, the answers of the teachers and students were given exactly. The teachers who teach in distance education were asked about their advantages and disadvantages; It has been concluded that there are advantages such as saving time, space, continuing education in extraordinary situations, the possibility of recording the lessons and watching these videos again, as well as disadvantages such as internet connection problem, active participation in the lesson, difficulties in socialization. When the teachers were asked about the technological devices used while participating in the distance education system, the answer was mainly computer device. Phone and tablet are among the answers given to this question. When asked whether the course outcomes could be fully gained, both yes and no answers were given. Finally, suggestions were asked for the problems encountered in distance education. Among these suggestions are strengthening the internet infrastructure, developing a program to monitor attendance, meeting the need for technological information and tools, and developing course programs and materials for distance education. Students were asked for their opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of distance education; It has been concluded that there are advantages such as saving time and space, continuing the lessons in a flexible environment and way, recording the lessons and watching these videos again later, but there are disadvantages such as internet connection problems, distraction, constant exposure to the screen. When students were asked about the technological devices used while participating in the education system, the answer was mostly remote telephone devices. Computers and tablets were among the answers given to this question. When asked whether the course outcomes were fully achieved or not, both yes and no answers were given. Finally, suggestions were asked for the problems encountered in distance education. Suggestions were made such as strengthening the internet infrastructure, increasing the quality of teachers, meeting the need for technological information and tools, and developing course programs and materials for distance education. Keywords: General Education, Distance Learning, Opinion on Distance Education