Quality Of Distance Learning Research Articles

The quality of distance learning during COVID-19: Perspectives of Saudi university students

Education has rapidly shifted into distance learning after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with varying learning levels from Saudi Arabian universities started online lessons through programs and applications. Supporters and opponents of distance learning have different opinions about distance education. In this context, this study focused on actual quality standards of distance learning and identified five axes of education quality to improve learning and develop technical tools for learning. The findings of the study are relevant to the specific context of the crisis and aim to meet international quality standards. We adopted the social survey method using the five axes. A questionnaire and a study sample of 1240 respondents from 42 universities and colleges were used. The data determined the level of quality of distance education and the extent to which students benefit from it. The interactive axis achieved the highest average rating, whereas the evaluation axis achieved the lowest average rating. Furthermore, the study shows that students agreed that distance education was useful during the pandemic, but it is less effective than face-to-face learning, and they value the elements of live lessons and interactions. These findings can be used to develop teaching practices in distance learning through the adoption of technology in line with global trends; through the use of learning to overcome difficulties; through open, unlimited areas of learning during crises; and through the development and activation of these dynamics. These outcomes can deliver higher results at a desired scientific level.

QUALITY OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS AND HEALTH CLASSES

Distance learning or remote studies can break the boundaries of time and space, as students can use computers or electronic devices (for instance, mobile phones and tablets) to instantly acquire learning resources and listen to teachers during remote classes. The pandemic led to procedures that changed the way teachers teach and communicate with students and families. All teachers faced such a situation for the first time, thus it was necessary to invent, acquire and apply new teaching methods in sports and health classes, in order to provide students with the planned amount of physical activity in sports classes, as well as to implement the curriculum. The human body is made for movement; therefore, a person feels best when they move regularly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skills of sports teachers to apply digital teaching methods in secondary school sports and health classes, and the quality of distance learning. Research methods: the research used surveys, which were issued to 29 secondary schools in Latvia, as well as to 2 respondents from primary schools. In total, 34 respondents filled out the research survey. In order to determine the opinion of sports teachers on the quality of distance learning in sports classes in secondary school and the applied digital skills, interviews were conducted with the participation of 5 sports teachers. Analysing the responses to the survey and the correlations between them, the research results show that if the sports teacher has not acquired digital skills, then online and distance learning cannot be provided, as well as the set learning results in sports in secondary school are not achieved.

Digital Technologies to Support Learning

The diversity of technologies and tools in the contemporary digital world is ever rising. They enable teachers to plan and develop their own learning materials with ease - from web pages, wikis and blogs to photos and videos. This becomes the challenge of developing ways in which technology can support learners of this course to effectively create their own learning contexts. The article analyzes modern researches in some theories of learning, with the aim of seeking an answer to the question: how teachers can support the learning of students through teaching materials. As a result, a system of science-based recommendations for teachers in the context of digital resource design to use in teaching is proposed. Analysis of empirical research results shows that a template for a quality distance learning e-course that creates a familiar learning environment is more effective for learning than courses without a template.

Transactional distance theory in distance learning: Past, current, and future research trends

The accelerated adoption of distance learning in post-pandemic times has resulted in increasing research publications and review studies in a short time. This necessitates the exploration of a large corpus of academic publications for effective distance learning and learning strategies. As distance learning stakeholders have assimilated the transactional approach to understanding distance learning, transactional distance theory (TDT) is relevant to understand ways to reduce the distance between learners and educators for maximum effectiveness of distance learning. Our study applies TDT to review distance learning from a supply perspective and as a tool to ensure the improved quality of distance learning. This paper has two key contributions: we have presented evidence synthesis and conducted a foresight exercise. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, 275 documents published between 1994 and 2022 were identified for review. Our analysis revealed patterns, relationships, and trends in the application of TDT in various distance learning contexts. Most TDT research is conducted in social sciences (83.7%), with computer science accounting for 42.6% of the studies. The course materials’ structure and design have also received considerable attention, with around 40.0% of the research focused on this area. For distance learning, studies revolve around factors such as student engagement, satisfaction, and TDT, which examine the distance between learners and instructors in various learning environments. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we identify the three thematic areas in TDT research on distance learning. We have chartered themes on the effect of alternate design distance learning platforms on learner success, pushing the development boundaries in distance learning success through TDT, and the practical processes for designing successful distance learning courses via TDT-based pedagogical frameworks. In doing so, we streamline research in TDT and distance learning thematically and provide insight into further work. In addition, this study analyzed the relationships between sustainable development goal (SDG) and TDT literature. The co-citation analysis suggested that the strongest links were observed between education and innovation (SDG 4 and SDG 9), followed by education and gender equality (SDG 4 and SDG 5).

E-governance as a lever for public administration performance: A qualitative survey.

The digital transformation of the international economy has made it easier for both public and private companies to reinforce the process of migrating value to the Internet. Internet integration has thus become a sine condition for maximizing the chances of success. The new public management (Er Rays et al., 2022) makes e-administration a strategic axis in our country. In Morocco, digital technology is a fundamental part of the system used to modernize the administration. E-administration generates transparency and efficiency, paving the way for e-governance that harmonizes organizational performance (Scupola & Zanfei, 2016). The COVID-19 pandemic required the administration to use digitalization to ensure continuity and modernization of public services. The qualitative exploratory study was carried out to assess perceptions and expectations, and to identify levers for improving the quality of distance learning in order to achieve the desired performance. The results clearly illustrate that this type of teaching has been a success with teachers, despite certain constraints noted by this type of alternative or complementary teaching.

The Effect of Using the Community of Inquiry Model on the Quality of Distance Learning of the Airways Management among Anesthesia Nursing Students.

Distance education as a training method is used today to train nurses around the world. This study aimed to determine the impact of using the community of inquiry model on the quality of distance learning of airway management among anesthesia nurse students. This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test design conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by census, and they were second, third, and fourth-year nurse anesthesia students (n=66). The participants were assigned to intervention and control groups (n=33 each) based on the table of random numbers. Given the three dimensions of the community of inquiry model, interventions were carried out in terms of social, teaching, and cognitive dimensions to increase social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence. Data collection tools included a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Independent T-test, paired T-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square in SPSS software, version 16. The results showed that the promotion of each of the three elements of the community of inquiry model had a significant effect on the quality of distance learning of airway management. Moreover, the mean scores of these elements were significantly different (P<0.001) in the intervention and control groups [teaching presence (3.742±0.453 vs. 2.573±0.241), social presence (2.245±0.488 vs. 1.434±0.297), and cognitive presence (3.421±0.569 vs. 2.369±0.223)]. The community of inquiry is a practical and effective framework for the better design and implementation of distance education courses. Therefore, nursing educators and course designers are strongly recommended to use this framework in nursing education.

Non-Traditional Adult Learners After COVID-19: Applying National Standards for Online Teaching in Human Service Education

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of higher education increased its attention on quality distance learning for traditional and non-traditional adult learners. While the world saw an increase in online education enrollment as a result of the pandemic, non-traditional adult learners have historically relied on this method of education delivery to support their success in the collegiate setting. As the field of human service education supports the offering of distance learning instruction, it is vital for human service educators to consider the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching when educating adult learners. The authors of this article provide an overview of the needs of non-traditional adult learners post COVID-19; and suggest that the National Standards for Quality Online teaching be considered when delivering human service education in CSHSE accredited classrooms to this population.

Student Sentiment Analysis: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Teaching Quality

Background. Higher education in this digital era is faced with significant changes, especially with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Purpose. This research aims to explore the potential and limitations of integrating AI technology in improving the quality of distance learning and present findings that can guide the development of AI-based pedagogy. Method. This research method adopts a quantitative survey approach to detail the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the context of distance learning in higher education. A total of 20 students were randomly selected as respondents, with sample selection using the purposive sampling method. This process ensures maximum representation of students who have significant experience with the integration of AI technology in their learning. Data was collected through questionnaires focused on effectiveness, adaptability of material, and level of interactivity during learning. Next, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis will analyze patterns and relationships between variables to explore the effectiveness of AI technology, the factors that influence it, and its impact on student learning experiences. Results. Survey results show that the majority of students actively use AI technology, especially several times a week, and express a high level of satisfaction with the use of AI technology in distance learning. Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality learning experiences were considered to benefit the most, even though all respondents experienced challenges or obstacles in using AI technology. Conclusion. The conclusions of this research emphasize the need to address these challenges to maximize the benefits of integrating AI technology in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of distance learning in higher education.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Distance Learning in Higher Education

Background. Higher education in this digital era is faced with significant changes, especially with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Purpose. This research aims to explore the potential and limitations of integrating AI technology in improving the quality of distance learning and present findings that can guide the development of AI-based pedagogy. Method. This research method adopts a quantitative survey approach to detail the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the context of distance learning in higher education. A total of 20 students were randomly selected as respondents, with sample selection using the purposive sampling method. This process ensures maximum representation of students who have significant experience with the integration of AI technology in their learning. Data was collected through questionnaires focused on effectiveness, adaptability of material, and level of interactivity during learning. Next, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis will analyze patterns and relationships between variables to explore the effectiveness of AI technology, the factors that influence it, and its impact on student learning experiences. Results. Survey results show that the majority of students actively use AI technology, especially several times a week, and express a high level of satisfaction with the use of AI technology in distance learning. Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality learning experiences were considered to benefit the most, even though all respondents experienced challenges or obstacles in using AI technology. Conclusion. The conclusions of this research emphasize the need to address these challenges to maximize the benefits of integrating AI technology in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of distance learning in higher education.

REMOTE ACADEMIC EDUCATION IN THE OPINION OF TEACHERS

The article presents an assessment of the quality and effectiveness of remote academic education by teachers, including its advantages and disadvantages, affecting the preparation of students for professional work. The analysis was based on research on the quality of distance learning during the pandemic (2020–2021), conducted among academic teachers at selected public universities. Other publications on distance learning at various levels of education and reports of the Polish Accreditation Committee were also used. The following issues were analysed and evaluated: preparation of universities and academic teachers to conduct studies in a remote form, effectiveness of various ways and forms of conducting classes and objectivity of colloquia and exams, commitment and quality of students' work, assessment of the effectiveness of remote studies against the background of traditional ones, advantages and disadvantages of distance learning and teachers' opinions on the further use of the remote form in studies. Almost half of the surveyed academic teachers assessed the effectiveness of remote studies worse than traditional ones, especially in the field of teaching skills important in the future professional work of students. Slightly fewer respondents believed that there is no difference between the effectiveness of remote and traditional studies. The least respondents assessed the effectiveness of remote studies better than traditional ones.

PROFESSIONAL AND APPLIED PHYSICAL TRAINING FOR STUDENTS OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING SPECIALTY IN THE TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORY WITH USING DISTANCE LEARNING

The combination of distance / asynchronous learning and physical education is an innovative system that allows a modern person not to limit the learning process and to acquire quality knowledge at a convenient time. But there are advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. Positive aspects include: flexible schedule, independent study possibility, stress reduction, physical and psychological health improvement, using interactive technologies and virtual reality, competition and cooperation promotion, support from teachers and parents, innovation stimulation and development of new teaching methods, assistance in development of a healthy lifestyle as an education part. On the other hand, negative aspects include: social isolation, reduced motivation, lack of stimulating environment, difficulty concentrating, insufficient physical activity, technical difficulties, challenges with assessment and reporting, lack of teacherstudent interaction, an increased self-discipline level, need for support and structure, and limited access to resources and opportunities for collaboration and group work. The purpose of the research is to develop a model of professional and applied physical training for students of Computer engineering specialty in the temporarily occupied territory with using distance/asynchronous learning in Ukraine. The experimental model was implemented from January 2022 to May 2023 on the basis of the Melitopol Industrial and Economic College. 24 students took part in the experiment, who were assigned to the main medical group based on their state of health. In the research, there was developed a model of professional and applied physical training for students of Computer engineering specialty in the temporarily occupied territory using distance learning, which was partially asynchronous. The developed model consists of four interconnected blocks: fundamental, organizational, theoretical, and diagnostic. This learning model allowed using online platforms, video conferencing, educational materials in digital format and other means of communication for learning. The main advantages of such learning are the ability to provide students with access to education, even if the physical conditions in the territory limit or complicate the possibility of physical learning in an educational institution. The effectiveness of the developed model was determined on the basis of the obtained digital data, which testifies to the distance learning quality with rationally organized process and the ability to combine specific aspects of each education sector. So, the best results according to the following tests are as follows: the exercise of 5-second running in place (amount of repetition) got a significant quantitative increase of 14.95%, the results in long jump (cm) improved by 13.67% and in dip up (amount of repetition) – by 13.11%. After analyzing the implemented model supported by positive digital dynamics, it can be concluded that the model of professional and applied physical training for students of Computer engineering specialty in the temporarily occupied territory with using distance/asynchronous learning in Ukraine has the right to exist and can be recommended or adapted (depending on the age) for Ukraine’s educational institutions during the learning process.

Psychometric properties of a new instrument for the measurement of the perceived quality of distance learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many students to use distance learning. Few studies have examined the psychological effects of distance learning during the pandemic on university or on non-university students using a specific psychometric tool. The principal aim of this study was the construction and validation of a new psychometric tool, the Perceived Quality of Distance Learning (PQDL), to measure students' appreciation and reaction to distance learning. The connection between anxiety, depression, perceived self-efficacy, and students' perception of distance learning was analyzed to assess the nomological validity of the new scale. The sample consists of 429 students who attended university or training courses. The factor structure of the new instrument was analyzed through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses and its nomological validity was analyzed through regression analysis. The results showed that PQDL consists of two subscales: Distance Learning Organization and Cognitive-Emotive Reaction to Distance Learning. Higher student's ability to organize and plan distance learning and higher student's positive cognitive-emotive reaction to distance learning, higher student's perceived quality of distance learning. Anxiety and depression scores were negatively correlated with students' perceived quality of distance learning. Furthermore, students' perceived emotional self-efficacy of negative emotions and perceived scholastic self-efficacy were positively correlated with students' perceived quality of distance learning. These data indicate that PQDL is a reliable questionnaire to assess student's perceived quality of distance learning.

დისტანციური მუშაობა საქართველოს უმაღლესი განათლების სისტემაში - გამოწვევები და შესაძლებლობები

Georgian universities as business entities are faced with new reality provoked by Covid-19. Distance learning became accompanying part of teaching as providing service to students. It is a challenge for university administrations to provide quality service and education and on the other hand, create pleasant working conditions for lecturers to perform uninterruptedly. This article identifies the challenges that arise from changes around the world and also offers few recommendations for managers/ administrations to manage their human resources effectively while telecommuting. 21st century is an era of changing environments and the progress is made in every field. The world is changing at a mile in a minute due to globalization, technological development, consumer habit changes, process reviews, pressure from new business entrants and competitors arising out of nowhere, focus on benefits and etc. These driving factors make us to be more changeable and adaptive to the current events. Popular directions of evolution and surviving, such as Darwinism, turned into one rule (simple and difficult at the same time) – if you want to survive, you need to change. Everything around us develops rapidly. This process has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has changed lifestyle, work and education style. While the whole world found itself surrounded by restrictions and limitations, the quality of life should have been stayed the same. Therefore, everything including education system has moved to a remote setup. Education system has a substantial impact on country’s economy and Georgia is part of this scheme. Since education plays a huge role in development, it is crucial to maintain the quality of distance learning. Covid-19 virus has covered enormous scales and has changed the daily lifestyle of the whole world. While the countries were under lockdown, they had to adapt an alternative working style, which is telecommuting. Working from distance became the main style of working which has covered all business units, including universities. At the current time, many researches have been carried out and many scientific literatures explaining telecommuting as a working practice. The number of universities that offer students online classes are growing fast. It is interesting how university’s administration manages their human resources on distance, because in a new reality it is a challenge. Communication between the employees and their supervisors is another important aspect that has significant effect of whole distance learning process. As it is known, communication and feedback are crucial for job satisfaction and performance of the employees. However, the type of personality plays a role in the telecommuting process and the satisfaction of the telecommuter, which is supported by the need of strong communication. For some people face-to-face communication is the most effective way to do their job. University administration should provide the same amount of feedback to lecturers that work from distance as for the lecturers who teaches at university. Problem of communication, feedback and lack of face-to-face interactions are solved by using modern technologies, such as video calls, conferences, classes and etc. However, this partly eliminates the issue, because lack of face-to-face communication remains one of the problematic topics and to overcome it, is a challenge for administrations. To sum up the discussion, it is without the doubt that by different kind of factors telecommuting is now the part of our daily life and organizations, especially higher educational organizations must have well-prepared procedures and tools to manage distance working process effectively. As we mentioned, to get higher education is one of the main priorities for many countries, because it educated people and labor force create and maintain strong economy. That is why higher education system should be in the center of attention in every aspect.

The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Affect in the Relationship between Death Anxiety and Italian Students’ Perceptions of Distance Learning Quality during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Recent data show that death anxiety and negative affect (NA) have become increasingly relevant because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The constant reminders of mortality through mass media and social media have contributed to this trend. Simultaneously, students have experienced a sudden and radical shift from face-to-face to online teaching, reducing direct human interactions and increasing anxiety. Death anxiety is often associated with mental illnesses and maladaptive mood states such as depression, anxiety, and NA. Despite this, few studies have investigated the effect of death anxiety, positive affect (PA), and NA on students’ perceived quality of distance learning. The present study aims to investigate the association among death anxiety, PA, NA, and the perceived quality of distance learning in a sample of 429 students attending university or training courses. Positive and negative affect were assessed through the positive and negative affect scales; death anxiety was measured through the death anxiety scale, and the perceived quality of distance learning was evaluated through the perceived quality of distance learning questionnaire. Zero-order correlation coefficients were calculated among the examined variables. To study the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the relationship between students’ perceptions of distance learning quality and death anxiety, we employed multiple regression analyses. Our findings indicate a significant association between death anxiety and cognitive–emotive reactions to distance learning. Lower levels of death anxiety are associated with PA, while higher levels are related to NA. Moreover, PA and NA act as mediators in the relationship between death anxiety and a positive reaction to distance learning. In conclusion, our findings highlight that PA and NA partially mediate the relationship between death anxiety and the perceived quality of distance learning.

Contribution of Online Tutoring in Promoting the Quality of Distance Learning for Moroccan Teachers

Contribution of Online Tutoring in Promoting the Quality of Distance Learning for Moroccan Teachers

Technology-enabled active learning simulations (TEALSim) on distance learning of physics

The effect of the spread of the Coronavirus 2019 has an impact on the implementation of face-to-face learning to distance learning. So that the learning that applies in Indonesia today needs to be supported by the right technology and supporting teaching materials. The selection of appropriate and interesting media will have a good impact on the quality of distance learning. This study aims to determine students' perceptions of the use of Technology-Enabled Active Learning Simulation (TEALSim) which is rich in interactive simulations and videos in physics learning and to determine the correlation between student perceptions of learning outcomes. With 26 students as respondents who were selected by random sampling. After using TEALSim, students fill out a questionnaire via google form that has been developed and validated by experts and then students take a concept understanding test. Based on the analysis, it shows that the majority of students have a perception with a percentage above 80% which is in the good category and in general is in the very good category. Besides, there is a good correlation between student perceptions and learning outcome data which is indicated by a correlation value of 0.7.

공립유치원의 원격수업 운영실태 및 교사의 인식

The purpose of this study is to examine the management status and teachers’ perceptions on distance learning in public kindergarten. To this end, a survey was conducted targeting public kindergarten teachers, and the study subjects were 200. The results of this study are as follows. First, when planning distance learning for kindergarten, the most consideration was 'the presence of video content and real play materials', and the average amount of play learning support provided to young children per day when operating distance learning was 4 the most. As for the form of distance learning, ‘play packs’ were the most frequently used, and the most used materials were found to be public contents such as ‘EBS broadcasting contents’ and ‘data provided by the Ministry of Education and provincial and provincial offices of education’. The most common method of communication with family was support for play through 'online classrooms'. Second, satisfaction with kindergarten distance learning support was low, and teachers recognized that the preparation time for distance learning, which was more time-consuming than regular classes, was the biggest difficulty. In addition, awareness of the necessity of expanding distance learning was low, and the highest demand for support for ‘development of content to improve the quality of distance learning’. It is expected to provide basic data necessary to prepare support method for the efficient operation and settlement of kindergarten distance learning in the future.

Education Quality Problems in Using Distance Learning Technologies

The article deals with the process in distance learning in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as one of the main parameters for introducing digital literacy development at the tertiary level. Buketov Karaganda University has been taken as the research site for data collection and analysis of quality distance learning. The authors have revealed the devices used by students in distance learning, the amount of available educational materials, the positive aspects of online teaching. At the same time, the paper aims at identifying the problems of distance learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), electronic library resources. The analysis proved the effectiveness of distance learning at the university. It suggests some assumptions on the improvement of distance learning and education technology based on the survey results among students and teaching staff. It is believed that the development of distance education and their technologies will enable HEIs to meet students’ demands and rights to quality education. It will allow anyone to receive bachelor degree and professional engagement simultaneously

Distance learning using software in local budget management

The development of information technologies and full-scale military actions on the territory of Ukraine led to a more active use of methods and forms of distance learning during the training of applicants by domestic institutions of higher education. The use of modern distance learning technologies allows to qualitatively improve the educational process, opens up new opportunities for training competitive specialists who will meet the modern demands of employers.&#x0D; The article is devoted to the issue of improving the quality of distance learning on the example of the use of software in the management of local budgets in the educational process to strengthen professional practical skills of higher education students.&#x0D; The article reveals the experience and specifics of using distance learning elements at the State Tax University. In particular, the use of software in the management of local budgets during the study by students of higher education of the second (master's) level of training in the specialty 072 «Finance, banking and insurance» of the academic discipline «Financial resources of local self-government» is considered in detail. The study of the specified discipline will serve to form the skills of a confident user of the IPC «Local Budget» in students of higher education.&#x0D; The content of each of the six modules of the University's student training program with the use of software in the management of local budgets is disclosed. A list of knowledge and skills acquired by students as a result of studying each module of the program has been formulated. The advantages of using the software in managing local budgets based on the IPC «Local Budget» and the IAS «LOGICA» for higher education applicants are substantiated. The existing disadvantages of distance learning for higher education applicants are outlined.

Evaluasi Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di SMP Negeri 2 Kupang Barat

Distance learning is an online-based learning strategy that utilizes web platforms. This distance learning model begins with thorough and well-directed planning and employs appropriate teaching methods in selecting suitable learning media, resulting in effective and successful learning outcomes. The issue addressed in this study is how to design the implementation of distance learning at SMPN 2 Kupang Barat. The qualitative method was utilized in this research, with three teachers and 60 students from 8th grade as the subjects. The data analysis technique employed was descriptive analysis. The research findings revealed that distance learning at SMPN 2 Kupang Barat is conducted using two methods: online learning (daring) and limited face-to-face interactions (luring). The purpose of using the luring method is to accommodate students who lack internet access or Android devices. However, the implementation of distance learning encounters several obstacles that hinder its progress. One of the challenges identified is the suboptimal design of distance learning by teachers. They face difficulties in designing learning activities that align with the COVID-19 pandemic conditions and the recommended curriculum set by the government. Consequently, the instructional design prepared by the teachers falls short of expectations and fails to meet the desired outcomes. Additionally, students lack the experience of experiencing the teachers' competency in designing engaging learning experiences. This negatively impacts the quality of distance learning received by the students.