Abstract:

The study aims to evaluate the efficiency of distance learning during the pandemic in a mixed methodology according to the higher education students’ opinions as well as their satisfaction levels. The research has been designed within simultaneous transformational mixed research design. To address trustworthiness and validity issues, mix model combined both the quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The quantitative data were collected via a survey on instructional satisfaction with the participation of 625 higher education students in eastern Mediterranean part of Turkey while the qualitative data via open-ended questions on the efficiency of distance learning with the participation of 34 students. The first part of the scale includes demographics. The second part has 34 data items within a 5-point Likert type. The qualitative part includes two optional open-ended questions. They were added to the scale through which the additional views could be narrated beside the quantitative items. The data indicated normal distribution so the quantitative data were analysed by using statistical programs and for the qualitative data, the content analysis method was used to describe the views. The results related to the devices used by the participants within DL applications shows that participant students who used mobile devices are more satisfied than the students using a PC. The results regarding the monthly income status indicated that students having high income have less satisfaction level than low income students. The results of the study reveal that asynchronous distance learning within pandemic has some advantages though, it has yet some potential disadvantages that will affect the quality of education and cause digital inequality among the students at higher education.

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