An ecological approach to distance education; Sustainable distance computer engineering education ecosystem

This qualitative study aims to define a sustainable distance computer science education design model based on the analysis of waste within the framework of distance education ecosystem. Studies investigating distance education system through an ecological perspective underline the importance of sustainability in terms of managing system component interactions effectively and impose the necessity of designing reusable learning objects. One of the basic arguments of sustainability and sustainable development is designing products and services through wasteless processes similar to natural systems. In terms of the design of distance education systems, waste is a concept which has not yet been discussed and therefore is perceived as an important research area. Studying distance education system through an ecological perspective and focusing on waste, this study encompasses: (1) inputs, outputs and balance constituents of distance education ecosystem, (2) balance within the ecosystem, (3) waste in distance education ecosystem, (4) the life cycle of the products and services within the ecosystem and (5) a model proposal for designing a sustainable distance computer engineering education ecosystem. Computer Engineering has been denoted as the engine of engineering -the construction of products and services to the uses of humankind by optimum conversion of the resources of nature, within ethical rules and sustainability- and thus forms the focus of this study. It is believed that the proposed model would be supportive for designing a sustainable distance computer science education ecosystem.