An e-class application in a Distance English Language Teacher Training program (DELTT): Turkish learners' perceptions

Abstract

This study focuses on a synchronous e-class project which was developed to increase the effectiveness of a second year advanced reading course within the Distance English Language Teacher Training (DELTT) program in Turkey. The aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of learners who participated in the e-class application and the impact of it on their success in their studies. From 675 second year learners in the DELTT program, 26 were selected as the subjects of this study. The perceptions of the e-class participants were gathered from diaries they kept for each e-class session. Three main categories of perceptions emerged from the analysis of these diaries. These are learner attitudes about the application of the e-class, about group work activities used and about various technological aspects. The conclusion drawn from the data is that in spite of some concerns, Turkish learners perceived the e-class to be a very efficient way of conducting reading classes. A statistical analysis of exam scores supported participant perceptions and revealed that an e-class application can be as effective as the traditional face-to-face classroom mode. The findings suggest that an e-class could be used to increase the effectiveness of the distance teacher training program and has further implications for training future teachers.