Quality of Distance Education in Turkey: Preschool Teacher Training Case

Abstract

Distance education is used for teacher training at different levels and fields in Turkey. Launched in the 2000-01 academic year and still applied by Anadolu University, the Preschool Teacher Training Program is one of those programs offered by distance education. This study aims to evaluate Anadolu University's Preschool Teacher Training Program in Turkey by obtaining student opinions. A total of 1,026 senior students enrolled in the Preschool Education major at the Open Education Faculty of Anadolu University participated in the survey. A questionnaire to determine the opinions of students about the program was used as a means of data collection. Means (X) and standard deviations (SD) were employed to analyze the survey data. The results showed that although the teacher candidates study at a good level, they do not have a good record of watching the television programs. The results also revealed that the opinions of teacher candidates about the textbooks, television programs, teaching practices, and academic assistance services are positive.