How Open and Distance Education Students use Technology? A Large Scale Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of e-learning tools and ICTs by open and distance education students. From 40 different programs, 86,842 students in the school year 2013-2014 at Anadolu University participated to the study. A survey form were developed and used as data collecting tool. According to the results of the research, open and distance students own at least one of the tools out of computer, smart phone and tablet. Almost all of the students have a smart phone and internet access. It was determined that the majority of students use e-learning tools provided by University, no matter which ICT tools they have. Internet accessibility increases the e-learning tools usage. But, remarkably high e-learning tools usage level observed also for students with limited internet accessibility. These results show that the variety and richness of provided e-learning tools have critical importance for students with limitations and disabilities. Keywords: open and distance education; e-learning tools; ICT tools