Synchronous Distance Education Research Articles

Collaborations to Support the SJ4A Curriculum in Archival Studies and Social Justice Intersections: Training of Community-Embedded Paraprofessional Archivists Who Are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program recently awarded a $463,238 grant titled “Training of Community-Embedded Social Justice Archivists” (SJ4A) to the School of Library and Information Studies atthe University of Alabama. The grant’s goal is to recruit/train 17 community-embedded paraprofessional archivists who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color to complete their master’s degree part-time from January 2023 – December 2024 in the SLIS’ synchronous distance education program. SJ4A meets an urgent need to diversify the professions and for archivists to apply social justice competencies in work experience and community-embedded practice with graduate instruction and curriculum support. This paper identifies ongoing collaborations to support curriculum development in the SJ4A phases, including recruitment of students,needs assessment of archives-related professionals about social justice services, implementation of educational activities, mentoring, evaluation of program outcomes, dissemination of results, and post-graduation career tracking.

Examination of Distance Education Processes from the Perspective of Science Teachers

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the opinions of science teachers who teach online about synchronous distance education applications that allow teachers and learners to come together regardless of place and time, and to examine them based on teacher experiences. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study, which was prepared to determine the views of teachers on distance education, was carried out with the case study model. The study group of the research was carried out with 19 science teachers from different schools and institutions with different years of seniority. A structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. The data has been collected remotely; The research data obtained were analyzed through content analysis. Findings: Science teachers stated that the transition to distance education completely affects the quality of education negatively. However, it has been stated that distance education and face-to-face education can create beneficial results when used together effectively. In addition, the positive side of distance education is to carry out distance education and to access digital content easily in cases where education stakeholders cannot be together physically.

Assessing the effectiveness and student perceptions of synchronous online flipped learning supported by a metaverse-based platform in medical English education: A mixed-methods study

Understanding the potential transformation brought about by integrating the flipped classroom methodology with rich and dynamic learning platforms like the Metaverse, in terms of usability, students’ academic performance, and intrinsic motivation, holds critical importance for adopting innovative strategies in the field of education. This study describes an attempt to integrate flipped learning method into a medical English course by using an active learning strategy supported by a Metaverse-based environment. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the synchronous online flipped medical English classroom supported by a Metaverse-based platform and the conventional medical English classroom supported by the synchronous distance education and to examine the effectiveness of Metaverse-powered synchronous online flipped learning on medical students’ academic achievement. For this purpose, a mixed method was used to conduct the study. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the quantitative dimension of the research. The students in the experimental group engaged in the activities with the help of the Spatial AR environment, a Metaverse platform enhanced with three-dimensional (3D) objects and allowing peer interaction, In the qualitative aspect of the study, the data were collected through a focus group interview, in which a semi-structured interview form was used. The participants of the study consisted of 100 first-year medical students at a state university in Türkiye. The results revealed that the experimental group students outperformed the control group students regarding academic achievement. In addition, the mean score of male students was higher than that of female students in the experimental group. As a result of the qualitative data analysis, eight themes emerged from the created codes. Students stated that learning medical English through the flipped classroom supported by Metaverse-based technology was enjoyable and that it increased their interest. Regarding learning outcomes, the most prominent benefits were permanent learning, comprehending the subject easily, deep learning, and embodying abstract concepts. Concerning language skills, students expressed that synchronous online flipped learning assisted by Metaverse-based technology helped develop their reading and listening skills as well as to learn new vocabulary. On the other hand, some students reported negative thoughts about the Metaverse platform due to technical problems and about flipped classroom activities because they found some of them time-consuming. The present study suggested that synchronous online flipped medical teaching model assisted by the Metaverse could positively affect the academic achievement of students. However, it is recommended to investigate the most effective practices that will meet the needs of students in different contexts.

Adult Students’ Perceptions of a Synchronous Distance Education Teacher Training Programme Using Microsoft Teams

This qualitative survey studies the perceptions of adult students enrolled in a teacher training programme in Greece. It examines synchronous distance education, the Microsoft Teams platform, and the prospect of strengthening and establishing this type of education after the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey used the semi-structured interview as a basic tool to gather students’ perceptions of the teacher training programme, “EPPAIK”. The results show that the benefits to the user of synchronous distance education, and the possibilities provided by the Microsoft Teams platform, are many. Most respondents consider it necessary to evaluate contemporary education, to establish a combination of both traditional and contemporary educational practices (hybrid learning/education), to achieve the best results in the future.

I Am Learning Destructive Natural Disasters: Technology Enriched “My Hero Water Drop Activity"

In this study, it is aimed to develop the technology - enriched "My Hero Water Drop" activity for use in synchronous distance education courses and to gather student opinions about this interactive activity. The activity focused on natural phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes and tornados, aiming to facilitate learning through research. In addition, the development of social skills such as cooperation within the group in order to get rewards is embedded in the activity, developing a sense of responsibility by sharing different tasks, and showing respect by waiting for the other team's turn when the turn passes were taken into consideration. The participants of the research were determined by convenience sampling, and the study was conducted with ten 5th-grade students (six girls, four boys) during five class hours. Following the implementation of the activity, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five students to evaluate their opinions on the activity. Descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the data. The results of the research indicated that the students found the technology - enriched “My Hero Water Drop” activity beneficial for learning about precautions against natural disasters, and they also expressed that the activity was enjoyable.

A scoping review of remote facilitation during simulation-based healthcare education

BackgroundRemote facilitation is a synchronous distance education method where instructors facilitate a lesson, in real-time, in physically separate conditions. In this scoping review, we aimed to describe types of remote facilitation used in a healthcare simulation, the influences on learner outcomes, and related factors.MethodsWe accessed PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and Web of Science using our search strategies. Five reviewers performed the review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework, and the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines.ResultsWe included a total of 29 articles presenting 28 simulation studies. The most common tool was videoconferencing (n = 26, 89.7%). Knowledge improvement was the most frequently measured outcome. There was no significant difference in learning outcomes between the two teaching modes. There were differences in learners’ preferences and satisfaction with remote facilitators before and after COVID-19.ConclusionsOur scoping review indicates that remote facilitation has been widely accepted in many healthcare professions using various types of simulation modalities. Remote facilitation can be used to overcome logistical problems of synchronous multi-location education, and to improve learner knowledge, skills, and confidence measured by instructor evaluation or self-assessment.

Outcomes in quality improvement and patient safety training: moving from in-person to synchronous distance education

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated increased synchronous distance education (SDE) in graduate medical education, presenting challenges for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) best practices, which call for integration with daily...

Transition to Distance Education during Covid-19 Pandemic: Opinions of Faculty Members and Pre-service Teachers in an English Language Teaching Department in Turkey

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the views of instructors and teacher candidates related to synchronous education during the pandemic at a state university in the department of English Language Teaching. The participants included 9 instructors, and 22 pre-service English teachers. Qualitative methods were adopted in this study: semi-structured interviews and an open-ended survey were used to collect data. Interviews with instructors revealed that drawbacks to synchronous distance education were more prevalent. Similarly, open-ended surveys administered to teacher candidates demonstrated that the participants were not satisfied with synchronous distance education even though they reported several advantages of it. Finally, implications were mentioned based on the results.

The effect of flipped classroom approach on learning achievement, online self-regulation and interaction in synchronous distance education

A quasi-experimental design was employed to examine the effects of flipped classroom approach on students’ academic achievement, self-regulation skills, and interaction level in synchronous distance education. The participants consisted of 50 undergraduate students. In an online synchronous course, the Zoom application and its breakout rooms were used. For ten weeks, students were asked to attend the course two times each week. For data collection, learning achievement test, online self-regulation scale, and online course interaction level determination scale were administered. The results revealed that while flipped classroom approach in an online synchronous course positively influenced students’ self-regulation skills and the interaction level, it did not affect students’ learning achievement.

Determining the Perceptions of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers towards Mathematics Education through Visual Metaphors in the Covid-19 Process

The Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, has led to a number of changes in education as well as in many other fields . The most important change experienced was that education transformed into online platforms. Education on online platforms has led to several effects on students, and as a result, significant changes have been observed in students’ perceptions of mathematics education. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of pre-service mathematics teachers, who started university during the Covid-19 pandemic and took courses with synchronous distance education, through visual metaphors. The phenomenology method was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 31 first-year mathematics teachers who had never taken a face-to-face course at a university before. In sample selection, purposive sampling method was used. A metaphorical perception form was used to collect data. The participants were asked to make a drawing for the mathematics education they received through synchronous distance education during the Covid-19 pandemic and to explain the drawing. The findings were analyzed using content analysis method. Thus, codes were identified and then categories were established by bringing similar codes together. The findings showed that metaphors were grouped under the categories of education process and emotions. It was found both in the drawings and the explanations that the participants had a negative perception of distance mathematics education during the pandemic process. In addition, it was revealed that the participants were afraid to ask questions because they had not met their friends and teachers before, and therefore the lessons were inefficient. In line with these results, suggestions were presented to improve the efficiency of distance mathematics education.

Demotivating factors experienced by teacher educators in synchronous distance education: A hermeneutic phenomenology research

Just like every system, distance education also has disadvantages as well as advantages. The aim of the study is to examine the experiences of the teacher trainers about the difficulties or problems that demotivate them in synchronous distance education applications from a hermeneutic phenomenological point of view and to explain in detail their justifications. In this study, attention was paid to the fact that the teacher trainers had synchronous distance education experience of at least two years. The research participants were chosen in accordance with the purposive maximum variation sampling strategy. Eleven teacher trainers consented to participate. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the teacher trainers were partly demotivated in the synchorous distance education process. Different sources of this demotivation were obtained from the findings of the trainers based on their experiences. Accordingly, it has been concluded that the factors that demotivate the trainers are, technological and physical infrastructure problems, hardware inadequacies, problems arising from the characteristics of the platforms used, the inadequacies and inexperience of the trainers themselves in synchronized distance education, the unwillingness of the students in this process, the technological inadequacies and problems students experience in synchronized distance education, the inability to effectively measure and evaluate pedagogically, the inability to implement different teaching methods in the classroom, the inadequacies of the instructional programmes and course materials, the inability to create a studentteacher and student-student interaction.

Effectiveness of community of inquiry based online course: Cognitive, social and teaching presence

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine students’ community of inquiry perceptions through online learning activities designed based on the community of inquiry model. The participants of the study consisted of 81 freshmen enrolled in two different departments of a Turkish state university. The process for the experimental procedure was carried out as part of the Information Technologies course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the research process was carried out with synchronous distance education. While the control group received instruction through direct instruction and question/answer technique, the experimental group received instruction based on the community of inquiry model. For data collection, a demographic information form and the community of inquiry scale were administered. According to the results, students in the experimental group had significantly higher scores in terms of cognitive and teaching presence compared with the students in the control group. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of their social presence scores. Overall, the students in the experimental group had higher community of inquiry score than the students in the control group.

A Scrutiny of Preservice English Teachers’ Lived A/Synchronous Distance Education Experiences: Can Distance Education Not Replace Face-to-Face Education in Preservice English Language Teacher Education?

This cross-sectional survey research explores 249 preservice English teachers’ (PSETs) conceptions of their lived synchronous and asynchronous distance education (DE) experiences and if their preferences for the mode of education in the program change significantly according to their year of study. The findings revealed the participants did not conceive the initial English language teacher education could be provided effectively through asynchronous DE; instead, they favored either face-to-face education or a combination of synchronous DE and face-to-face education. In addition, participants’ preferences for the type of education in the program did not change significantly in accordance with their year of study.

Parents’ Beliefs and Attitudes on Their Children’s Distance Education Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greek Preschool Settings

Background: Current research and the bibliography suggest that both synchronous and asynchronous distance education in the early years of education is a new era to explore the teaching of young children.
 Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the extent of use of online classroom platforms in early years, both in the private and public sector, and to correlate parents' attitudes towards children’s behavioral changes during the pandemic lockdown in Greece.
 Methodology: The participants were 216 parents with preschool-aged children (between 2:6 to 4:0 years) in Greek pre-school settings in two cities of North and West Greece. A questionnaire on the use of ICT during the pandemic Covid -19 and its’ outcomes was distributed online to all parents. The parents' perception was generally negative and was not preferred to frontal teaching, while they were not satisfied with the results.
 Results: A remarkable percentage of children did not participate in online education due to their parents' attitude on the appropriateness of their age to participate in online education. However, the deterrent attitude of parents was not related to their level of education and willingness to help their children. The parents' perception was generally negative and was not preferred to frontal teaching, while they were not satisfied with the results. As far as the implementation of distance education is concerned, private broadcasters have introduced more synchronous distance education compared to public ones. Finally, there were positive correlations between asynchronous distance learning of 1-3 hours per day and children's irritability, as well as feelings of stress and anxiety and asynchronous distance learning of more than 6 hours per day. The correlation between children's distraction and asynchronous distance learning for 1-3 hours per day was negative.
 Conclusion: Further discussions for policy makers and teachers are planned.

The Views of Students Towards Foreign Language Literacy Through Synchronous Distance Education

The process of education has been affected mostly by the COVD-19 pandemic process, and distance education methods are getting popular. In line with this situation, the aims of this study are to examine the opinions of prep-class university students on foreign language literacy via synchronous distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic process, to analyse their experiences, and to make forward-looking suggestions. This research has been designed as a case study which consisted of 78 university students (43 male, 35 female) studying at the preparatory classes comprised of different faculties of a state university in Turkey during 2019- 2020 academic year. The data of the study were collected with a questionnaire form consisting of open-ended questions. The data obtained from the research were subjected to content analysis, and the findings were supported by direct quotations from students’ statements. The results showed that comfortable learning atmosphere at home and easy time management are appreciated whereas technical problems and distraction factors affect learning process negatively. Practical applications like online dictionaries increase motivation and transform learning process into a fun activity. On the other hand, decreased participation and lack of face-to-face language practice opportunities cause low motivation and affect the language learning process adversely. In terms of acquiring language skills, it has been found out that SDE slows down skill training, time allocated for speaking practice is not sufficient, and traditional teaching methods are preferred; however, reading is thought to be relatively more appropriate for SDE compared to other language skills. Last but not least another positive finding of the study is that lecturers’ time management skills, professional knowledge, and technological competence are appreciated by the students.

Notes from the editor

Thanks to our international authors, readers, reviewers, and editorial board members, our July 2021 issue is now released. The pandemic has been on-going stimulating many researchers to conduct more studies related to digital literacy and e-learning. We have had an increasing number of submissions related to online learning. The current issue presents engaging topics related to education and literacy studies from diverse locations from all around the world. The topics of our articles in this issue are related to different areas including motivation, listening skills, E-mail literacy, young learners’ literacy, literacy as women’s empowerment tool, learning environment, digital storytelling, bilingualism and writing skills, synchronous distance education, paradigm shifts in literacy theories, social studies instruction, music e-learning, creative expression technique, persuasive communication instruction, 21st century learner skills, historical literacy, and technological pedagogical content knowledge.

Medical education challenges and innovations during COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted the well-established, traditional structure of medical education. Τhe new limitations of physical presence have accelerated the development of an online learning environment, comprising both of...

Zooming?! - Higher Education Faculty Perspectives

Aim/Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic demanded an immediate and massive adaptation of higher education to distance learning. Teachers had to transform from face-to-face to distance teaching, with insufficient pedagogical and technological knowledge and resources. This study aims to capture higher education faculty experiences in the very early stages of the crisis-prompted transition into synchronous distance education in order to obtain a broader view on the faculty’s perspectives (benefits, challenges and insights) on distance teaching through synchronous online environments. Background: Although online teaching and learning have been part of higher education teaching for more than two decades, many instructors found themselves teaching remotely for the first time and facing new and unpredicted challenges. Methodology: This study explored and analyzed an e-mail thread discourse between teachers in a higher education institute, two months after “going online” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A singular case study was conducted, and a retrospective and snapshot case study approach was used. Data analysis was an iterative exploratory process of going back and forth the empirical material, resulting in the construction of categories, then themes, and finally a conceptual framework was developed. Contribution: The findings contribute the knowledge domain of implementation of immediate and massive online teaching and learning from the faculty perspective. Findings: Two main focal points, students and teachers, were encountered. Three main recurring themes were identified associated with both students and teachers: Convenience, Ethical Issues, and Insights for the future. Two themes were identified associated with faculty: Pedagogy and Tools, and Resources. In addition, two themes were identified for students: Attendance and Responses. Each of the themes was decomposed into several aspects. Recommendations for Practitioners: Higher education institutions and stakeholders should build a campus wide e-learning agenda including appropriate infrastructure and professional development for the future. Recommendations for Researchers: The study presented a conceptual model based on qualitative case study methodology. The impact and influence of each of the components of the model should be further researched and measured using quantitative methodologies. Impact on Society: Understanding the benefits and challenges of distance learning from the faculty perspectives in order to implement better distance learning strategies. Future Research: The impact and influence of each of the components of the model should be further researched and measured using quantitative methodologies.

Synchronous distance education vs traditional education for health science students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Synchronous distance education (SDE) has been widely used for health science students in recent years. This study examined the effectiveness and acceptance of SDE compared with traditional education for health science students and explored the potential moderators that could impact the pooled results. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from January 2000 to March 2020 searched on nine electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The outcomes measured were knowledge, skills with objective assessments and overall satisfaction with subjective evaluations. The pooled results were calculated using random-model effects, and moderators were explored through meta-regression. A total of seven RCTs with 594 participants were included. At the post-test level, the pooled effect size of knowledge acquisitions (SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.07-0.32) showed insignificant difference between the SDE and traditional education groups (P=.207), with low heterogeneity (I2 =17.6%). Subgroup analyses observed no factors that significantly impacted the pooled results of knowledge acquisition at the post-test levels (P for interaction>0.05). Knowledge gains from pretest to post-test in SDE groups also did not differ significantly between groups (SMD 0.15, 95% CI -0.22-0.53; P=.428). The pooled effect size of skills (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.24-0.28; P=.735) was similarly insignificant. The pooled effect size of overall satisfaction (SMD 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.83; P<.001) significantly favoured SDE over traditional education. Incorporating two-group studies without randomisations did not significantly change the overall results of knowledge acquisition at the post-test level (SMD -0.002, 95% CI -0.11-0.10; P=.994), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 =61.9%). Synchronous distance education was not significantly different from traditional education in effectiveness and had higher satisfaction ratings. Our findings might provide indications for adoptions of online remote education in health science education centres.

Student Perceptions of Active-Learning Strategies Utilized in a Drugs in Pregnancy Elective Delivered Synchronously Across Multiple Campuses

Active-learning activities can be successfully implemented into a course even when instructors are not in the same physical classroom as students. Technology can assist with synchronous distance education as well as facilitate active learning. This manuscript describes student perceptions of active learning activities in a re-designed drugs in pregnancy course that was delivered synchronously to two student campuses with the instructor at an off-campus site. Small and large group discussions, team-based learning activities, case scenario exercises, and a debate were conducted within the course. Padlet™ was the primary software technology incorporated into learning activities. Students reported positive perceptions of the various active learning activities and the technology used in the course. Students also stated they were beneficial for learning. In the post-course survey, students indicated that the course met their expectations overall. Students’ confidence levels for completing tasks related to the course materials significantly increased after completion of the course.