E- learning only works for some: state universities not ready
Schools and universities in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan after 16 March have switched to distance learning system. Not all is going well.
Schools and universities in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan after 16 March have switched to distance learning system. Not all is going well.
Primary, secondary and high school students can follow their classes remotely via television and the Internet through the EBA channels of the Ministry of Education.
On the other hand, universities continue their education from LMS Learn, Blackboard and similar systems, which are usually part of their infrastructures. Because the lessons are interactive, many academics can even get their students to be polled. It is possible and more widespread practice to make the courses interactive and lively at universities, but it is a matter of discussion whether the system will be useful for students in primary and secondary education.
We talked with students studying at state and foundation universities about the online experiences they had.
M.Y., who is studying at Istanbul Aydın University, said: "At first, I was wondering how this system would go, but I thought that because I am studying in a private school they would find a solution. I can attend classes at home every day, in the days and hours I used to go to school. It was difficult to adapt. It is not like going to school and taking classes. I don't think it's very efficient. I don't know what other way would be possible in this process. Our teachers are very patient and do their best."
K.E. is studying at Çanakkale 18 Mart University. He said that his department since the online lessons started, has not made any lessons yet. Noting that he could not get a healthy education in a continuously frozen system, K.E. said that the students studying in foundation schools always think that they are one step ahead of them. K.E. said: "I am constantly e-mailing the consultant, but he either responds days later or never at all. They do exams, but as I did not do any lessons I will fall behind with the exams. This system does not work very well in public schools."
A. Kartal is studying at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. He said: "I don't know what else we would expect from an education system like this. I can only attend two classes a week. Either the internet goes or the system crashes. When we ask questions they tell us that if we don't like the way it is, we could go."