Student and faculty readiness for open and distance learning in Turkey

This study focused on investigation of the readiness for open and distance learning among students and faculty in Turkish universities. Readiness for ODL was defined as having required competencies and resources for learning and teaching at a distance. The competencies consisted of knowledge, skills and attitudes toward distance learning and teaching, time and information and communication technologies. These factors formed the conceptual framework of the study. An embedded case study design was employed; and students and faculty from four different universities of Turkey were participated. Quantitative data were collected via the Readiness Questionnaire from 2994 students and qualitative data were gathered though personal interviews with a total number 36 faculty. Overall, the data collected have shown that the students and the faculty in Turkey can be considered as ready for ODL. However, in terms of readiness factors, the participants showed higher readiness for ICT and time and lower for distance learning and teaching. Half of the students indicated their willingness to participate ODL courses. In terms of faculty, a big majority indicated their positive beliefs about learning and teaching at a distance but they all noted their concerns about several disadvantages of ODL, such as lack of communication (interaction) with the students. The study has revealed that almost every participant faculty has enough access to ICT but they are having difficulty to manage their time.