Students’ Perspectives on Satisfaction with Distance Education in Ghana: A Cluster Analysis

This study sought to categorise students based on the preferences that influenced their choice of distance education program in Ghana. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 120 students taking part in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) distance education (DE) programme at the Kumasi Girls Senior High School [SHS] Study Center. Respondents were segmented into three clusters (highly, moderately, and least satisfied) based on four preferences (price, quality, packaging, and social boding) that influenced their satisfaction with the distance education programme. Results from both hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis with squared Euclidean distance and Ward’s method showed that the highly satisfied cluster was driven by the quality of service and the competitive fees structure of the UEW distance education programme. Further analysis of the differences between the clusters indicated that satisfaction with the UEW distance programme significantly differs across the three segments.

GREEK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES ABOUT DISTANCE EDUCATION DUE TO EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES

Emergencies like Covid-19 brought distance education to the fore, as countries were forced to close the campuses and initiate online teaching. Many universities in the country supported a distance education program aimed at students who had experienced an unprecedented experience. Thus, 155 students from the Greek department of Early Years Learning & Care participated in the present study, which aimed to investigate the factors that influence learners’ perceptions and attitudes during distance learning. The survey was conducted through online distribution of questionnaires and investigated hypotheses about obstacles and changes in students’ perceptions of distance learning. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis showed that the role of the educator in this process, combined with the technical support of the courses, is extremely important. Also, educators’ presence is related to students’ anxiety. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Overcoming the Coronavirus Impact on Novice Teachers Through E-Mentoring

The aim of this chapter is to present the mentoring offered to novice teachers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period. Four novice English teachers engaged in the distance education program of a private K-12 school in Istanbul, Turkey participated in the study. The data was collected qualitatively from teacher diaries and online discussions between the novices and their mentors. Specifically, the participating teachers wrote online diaries regarding the three types of reflection (e.g., reflection-in, reflection-on, and reflection-for). Then, they participated in online discussions with their mentor reflecting on their lessons and reframing decisions about their classroom practices. The findings of this study will provide further directions in identifying effective practices for novice teachers through online reflection and e-mentoring to support distance education in English classrooms.

Online education and best practices for the development of a distance education program

This article discusses the benefits and challenges of online teaching and learning and details the process for creating a distance education program from the formation of a development team through the creation, implementation and evaluation of courses. It explores current networking technologies and pedagogical approaches that are combined to create a student experience that is satisfying for the current generation of students. The demand for online learning has rapidly increased over the years, especially with the recent COVID-19 situation around the world. Schools transitioned to online teaching and learning. Teachers adapted to the changes and with the help of technology, created collaborative and engaging online experiences. These experiences will be memorable for students. New skills were learned along the way such as organization, time management, communication, etc. These skills can help students and prepare them for their future. Many studies have focused on the topic of teaching and learning online. This study is aimed to target parents, students, and teachers who are looking into furthering or completing their education online. With the recent events in the world happening with COVID-19, children and teachers had to resort to continue their education online. Many families and teachers struggled with technology while others adapted to the situation quickly. To be prepared for any situation we must inform ourselves about how teaching and learning online happens and how to be successful.