Abstract:

The aim of this study is to analyze the technology ownership of learners who were enrolled in Anadolu University Open Education System between 2011 and 2014, to assess its current state, to investigate the changes in this four-year-period, and to explore whether there is a link between learners’ technology ownership and academic achievement. The data set was obtained by combining the questionnaire data, which included technology ownership and internet access opportunities for learners who were enrolled between 2011 and 2014, with their academic achievement information was analyzed. The changes and trends in technological device ownership during these four years, and the relationship between technological device ownership and academic achievement were interpreted. In addition, learners’ computer usage levels, internet access possibilities, usage purposes and reception of television broadcast were investigated. 722,399 questionnaire data were analyzed to determine technology ownership and 438,363 questionnaires were analyzed to determine whether there is a difference between technology ownership and academic achievement. As a result of these analyses, it was determined that there was an increase in mobile phone and tablet computer ownership, while there was a decline in MP3/MP4 players, VCD/DVD players, phone and television ownership. As a result of independent two sample t-tests that were conducted at a 95% significance level, it has been found that there was a difference in academic achievement between the learners who have and do not have computers, handheld computers, and tablet computers.

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