Examining the relationship between 21st century learning skills levels of open and distance learners and engagement levels in open and distance education environments

The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between the 21st century learning skills levels of open and distance learners and their level of engagement in open and distance education environments. The research was designed in the relational survey model. The universe of the research consists of learners studying at Anadolu University Open Education Faculty in the 2020-2021 academic year. During the random sampling process, data collection tools were uploaded to the Open Education Faculty Student Information System, and the data collection tool was delivered to 4629 learners by providing information about the research. As a result of the enlightenment, data were collected from 2784 learners who voluntarily participated in the study. Data was obtained with "21st Century Learning Skills" and "Student Engagement in Open and Distance Learning Environments" scales. SPSS 22 and JASP package programs were used for statistical evaluation and analysis of the data. According to the results of the study, it was determined that open and distance learners participating in the study have 21st century learning skills and student engagement levels in open and distance education environments above the middle level, have 21st century learning skills, and demonstrate student engagement in open and distance education environments. It was determined that there are statistically significant differences between 21st century learning skills and sub-dimensions according to the age, gender, marital status, employment status, education level and the program they studied. It was specified that there are statistically significant differences between student engagement and sub-dimensions in open and distance education environments according to the gender of the learners participating in the study, their education level and the program they studied. As a result of the study, it was determined that as the 21st century learning skills levels of open and distance learners increased, the level of student engagement in open and distance education environments increased, and as the 21st century learning skills decreased, the level of student engagement in open and distance education environments also decreased.