Identifying and Examining Degree-Granting Programs for Distance Education Experts

This chapter reveals the results of a preliminary analysis of degree-granting distance education expertise programs by identifying the programs offered by higher education institutions all around the world and examining the general features of these programs from various aspects. As a result of this study, 27 degree-granting programs in 18 universities were identified in 12 different countries for distance education expertise. These programs were examined in terms of the aims and target population, educational models, delivery methods, admission and graduation requirements of the programs, and proposed career opportunities by these programs. The results of this analysis are intended to help develop a basis for the clarification of the profession; guide educational institutions, decision-makers, and program designers for developing distance education expertise programs; help individuals who intend to gain academic expertise in distance education to choose the most suitable program that meets their needs; and contribute to the research on leadership and expertise in distance educatio

Distance Education Students' Opinions on Distance Education

This research aimed to determine the opinions of undergraduate and graduate level distance education students about the education they received. Phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in this study. Semi-structured interview form was used as data collection method. In this research, focus group interviews were conducted in three sessions with a total of 27 distance education students (14 master and 13 undergraduate). Distance education students prefer distance education because they work in a job; they consider distance education as a great opportunity for those who cannot receive formal education. The students stated that the distance education infrastructure of the university is technically very good; they have almost no technical problems, but they have problems when connected via mobile applications. They stated that the course contents related to informatics are old because they have received education especially in the field of informatics and emphasized the importance of renewal.</jats:p