AN EXAMINATION OF PERCEPTIONS REGARDING ONLINE STUDENT COMMUNITIES: A METAPHORICAL ANALYSIS FOR LEARNERS AND GRADUATES OF OPEN EDUCATION SYSTEMS
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the metaphorical ideas held by learners/graduates who engage in online student communities within the Anadolu University Open and Distance Education System, specifically with the concept of “online student communities”. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing the phenomenology design, which is a well-established qualitative research strategy. The research sample consists of 637 students/graduates who are associated with student groups of the Anadolu University Open Education System. The acquired data underwent scrutiny through the content analysis method. The study revealed that participants evaluated online communities by taking into account multiple features instead of relying on a single notion. Hence, the metaphors used by individuals in virtual student communities were categorized into seven main groupings. The aforementioned areas include the exchange and generation of information, social connections, hobbies, advantages and life experiences, communication and engagement, technology, and monotony or boredom. After examining the participant responses on metaphors related to online student communities and their motivations, it became clear that the participants had positive views on acquiring information, building social connections, facilitating communication and interaction with other students and alumni, as well as personal enjoyment and benefits.
Keywords
Online communities open and distance learning educational institutions and metaphor analysis.
Ethical Statement
Etik kurul beyan yazısı ek-1'de sunulmuştur
References
- Aksoy, D. A., Bozkurt, A. ve Kursun, E. (2021). Yuksekogretim ogrencilerinin Koronavirus (Covid-19) pandemi surecinde cevrimici egitime yonelik algilari. Anadolu Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi (AUJEF), 5(3), 285-308
- Aksehirli, S. (2007). Cagdas metafor teorisi. Ege Edebiyat.
- Amin, T. G. (2015). Conceptual metaphor and the study of conceptual change: Research synthesis and future directions. International Journal of Science Education, 37(5-6), 966–991. https: doi. org/10.1080/09500693.2015. 1025313.
- Bagriacik Yilmaz, A. (2019). Distance and face-to-face students’ perceptions towards distance education: A comparative metaphorical study. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20(1), 191-207. https://doi org/10.17718/tojde.522705
- Barnes, M., Newman, J., Knops, A & Sullivan, H. (2003). Constituting “the public” in public participation. Public Administration 81(2): 379-99
Abstract
References
- Aksoy, D. A., Bozkurt, A. ve Kursun, E. (2021). Yuksekogretim ogrencilerinin Koronavirus (Covid-19) pandemi surecinde cevrimici egitime yonelik algilari. Anadolu Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi (AUJEF), 5(3), 285-308
- Aksehirli, S. (2007). Cagdas metafor teorisi. Ege Edebiyat.
- Amin, T. G. (2015). Conceptual metaphor and the study of conceptual change: Research synthesis and future directions. International Journal of Science Education, 37(5-6), 966–991. https: doi. org/10.1080/09500693.2015. 1025313.
- Bagriacik Yilmaz, A. (2019). Distance and face-to-face students’ perceptions towards distance education: A comparative metaphorical study. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 20(1), 191-207. https://doi org/10.17718/tojde.522705
- Barnes, M., Newman, J., Knops, A & Sullivan, H. (2003). Constituting “the public” in public participation. Public Administration 81(2): 379-99
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Lifelong learning |
| Journal Section | Articles |
| Authors | |
| Publication Date | October 1, 2024 |
| Submission Date | October 13, 2023 |
| Acceptance Date | February 22, 2024 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2024 Volume: 25 Issue: 4 |