Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Distance Education: Pivotal Challenges Faced by the Educators and Strategic Solutions

Deniz Ş., Vardal Özkutlu M.

AKADEMIK TARIH VE DÜŞÜNCE DERGISI, cilt.11, sa.4, ss.2606-2620, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.46868/atdd.2024.769
  • Dergi Adı: AKADEMIK TARIH VE DÜŞÜNCE DERGISI
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, ERIHPlus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2606-2620
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Distance Education: Pivotal Challenges Faced by the Educators and Strategic Solutions

Abstract

This research study seeks to investigate the challenges encountered by the educators within the scope of distance education, particularly in response to the rapidly evolving educational and instructional technologies of the 21st century. Employing qualitative methodologies, specifically a comprehensive literature review and document analysis as a research method, the research identifies the critical issues the educators face in distance learning environments. The findings of this research indicate that prominent challenges include difficulties in classroom management, the diminished leadership role of the educators, and insufficient communication between the educators and students. In addition, the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT), coupled with the students’ reluctance to engage in lessons, decreased motivation, and challenges in fostering socialization and participation, emerges as significant concerns. Further, the issues such as a lack of educator-student eye contact, an over-dependence on technology among the students, and problems related to the Internet connectivity and infrastructure are also highlighted. The study also reveals secondary, yet important, challenges regarding the online course software and the inadequacy of the course materials in distance education. Based on these findings, this research aims to elucidate the obstacles faced by the educators in distance education environments, offering a comprehensive set of solutions and recommendations. This research article ultimately seeks to contribute to the ongoing academic discourse on distance education, providing valuable insights for future pedagogical strategies and technological implementations.

Keywords: Distance Education, Educators’ Challenges, Online Learning, ICT in Education, Pedagogical Strategies