Serap Uğur | Anadolu University (original) (raw)

Papers by Serap Uğur

AJIT-e: Online Academic Journal of Information Technology

Interaction is often heard in the design of online learning environments as well as centuries of ... more Interaction is often heard in the design of online learning environments as well as centuries of educational environments. Online tools have different types of interaction. It is one of the aims of this article to summarize the theoretical framework for interaction, which online tools should be used for which type of interaction while designing learning environments. In addition, the study focuses on the relationship between interaction and learning outcomes, interaction and learning motivation, satisfaction and perception. The practical dimension of the well-known interaction in the theoretical sense is discussed in the context of distance education.

Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi

Sosyal ağlar ve sosyal medya teknolojiden beslenerek büyümeye devam etmektedir. Son yıllarda insa... more Sosyal ağlar ve sosyal medya teknolojiden beslenerek büyümeye devam etmektedir. Son yıllarda insanın sanal ortamlardaki davranışları ve sosyalleşme ihtiyaçları göz önüne alınarak farklı platformlar ve araçlar geliştirilmiştir. Sanal dünyalardan artırılmış gerçekliğe, sanal gerçeklik uygulamalarından holograma birçok teknoloji sanal medya için kullanılmaya başlamıştır. Teknolojik gelişmelerle birlikte ortaya çıkan teknolojik insanlar göz önüne alındığında, bedene entegre edilebilir teknolojilerle birlikte gelecek olan transhumanist çağda daha da ileri eğilimler ortaya çıkacağı öngörülebilir. Bu teknolojilerle birlikte bireylerin sanal ağlarda kendini yansıtma ya da olmak istediği karaktere bürünme ihtiyacına yönelik olarak “dijital avatarlar” oluşturulması amacıyla farklı çalışmalar geliştirilmiştir.

Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi

Günümüzde sosyal medyadan, dijital dünyadan paylaştığımız “bilgilerimiz”den oluşan ve nesnelerin ... more Günümüzde sosyal medyadan, dijital dünyadan paylaştığımız “bilgilerimiz”den oluşan ve nesnelerin interneti, blokzincir gibi teknolojiler aracılığıyla gittikçe “değer” kazanan verilerimizin güvenliğini sağlamak önemlidir. 1980’li yıllarda imzalanan uluslararsı anlaşma ile ilan edilen veri güvenliği gününde şekillenen güvenlik kriterleri ile oluşan ve Kişisel Verilerin Korunması Kanunu ile özerk verilerin güvenliğinin sağlanmaya çalışıldığı günümüzde, bireyler farkında olmadan kişisel verilerini kendileri dağıtmaktadır. Özellikle sosyal medyada yapılan kişisel paylaşımlar ve bireylerin kendileri için oluşturdukları sanal kimlikler, kişilerin profilini oluşturmada kullanılabilir, hatta akıllı sistemler için geliştirilecek yapay zeka uygulamaları ya da gelecekte yaygınlaşacağı öngörülen dijital avatarlarımız için de büyük veri içindeki veri setleri olarak değerlendirilebilir.

Coronavirus salgını ile ortaya çıkan ve tüm dünyada etkisini gösteren dönüşüm süreci hızla gelişm... more Coronavirus salgını ile ortaya çıkan ve tüm dünyada etkisini gösteren dönüşüm süreci hızla gelişmeye devam etmektedir. Sağlık ve eğitim alanları başta olmak üzere, ekonomi, alışveriş, sanayi gibi bir çok farklı alanda etkisini geniş çaplı gösteren bu dönüşüm, salgın dönemi sonrasında da etkisini devam ettireceğinin sinyallerini vermektedir. Bu süreç, fütüristlerin 2040’lı yıllarda meydana geleceğini öngördükleri teknolojik tekillik sürecinin öngörülenden daha erken başlayacağını göstermektedir. Bu süreçte oluşan veriye sahip olan, veriyi işleyebilen ve kullanabilen, yapay zeka, yazılım ve teknolojiye hakim olanlar güçlü ve gelişmiş ülkeler kategorisinde yer alabilecektir.

This book, which discusses the digital technologies that have become fundamental components of le... more This book, which discusses the digital technologies that have become fundamental components of learning in terms of the concept of education, also examines the necessity of the technology.
Since many digital environments, such as many web technologies, virtual classrooms, and mobile technologies are widely used in formal education, it is possible to assume that the digital era is
located at the very heart of education. In many countries, government policies also support digitalization and technology research in education. The author aims to provide answers by analysing the question from another perspective.

Journal of TAM Academy, 2022

Open and distance learning system is now well-established serving millions of students globally. ... more Open and distance learning system is now well-established serving millions of students globally. The technological developments in the 4th industrial revolution era have impacted open and distance learning system. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing, computer vision, internet of things, internet of behaviour etc. have introduced smart services in teaching, learning, curriculum design, learning design, user experience, instructional delivery and evaluation and assessment systems. In this paper we discuss how such technologies have brought the digital transformation to open and distance learning. We also examine the meta immersive smart future of open education.

Pamukkale Tıp Dergisi, 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the informative value of Turkish videos submit... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the informative value of Turkish videos submitted to YouTube about erectile dysfunction (ED).
Materials and methods: The first 125 videos published on Youtube.com between January 11 and 18, 2023, accessed with the keyword "erectile dysfunction," published in Turkish, and displayed in search results in a standard order of relevance were studied. Videos that were less than 1 minute long, do not contain information, contains jokes, movie trailers, or product advertisements, were less than 1 month old since their publication, or were unrelated to ED were excluded from the study. The quality of the information content of the videos was assessed using DISCERN scoring. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 24 software.
Results: It was determined that out of the 100 videos that met the inclusion criteria, 74% were uploaded by healthcare professionals, 3% by the Pharmaceutical Industry, 5% by the Dietary Supplement Industry, 3% by psychologists, and 15% by non-healthcare professionals. When the videos were examined based on their content, it was determined that the topics of the published videos primarily focused on diagnosis and treatment. However, it was also found that there were videos that provided content on the etiopathology and symptoms of the disease. The total duration of the videos was 10 hours, 58 minutes, and 24 seconds (1 minute to 53.05 minutes). While the total number of views was 21.893.514 (15-1.700.000), the total number of likes was determined to be 130.340. The average views were 8.002.64 (1.998.76-11.953.26), and the average monthly likes were 47.30 (11.88-73.1). The average value for DISCERN was calculated to be 3.3 (1-5). There was a negative correlation between the DISCERN scores and the average monthly number of likes. It was found that there was a positive and significant correlation between the duration of videos and DISCERN scores. Videos uploaded by physicians had a high DISCERN score, while the content quality of the other videos was moderate to poor.
Conclusions: Overall, 50% of ED-related videos on YouTube have moderate to poor content quality. Videos uploaded by physicians had high DISCERN scores and high likes and view rates. A negative correlation existed between DISCERN ratings and average monthly likes and views.

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 2024

T his article examines the effects of technology in the field of education and management and foc... more T his article examines the effects of technology in the field of education and management and focuses especially on the effects of technologies used in distance education activities on transformation processes. Based on research conducted, the article explains how technological developments affect education and management processes, according to the findings obtained as a result of the interviews. The technologies used in the digitalization processes of higher education institutions that provide distance education services and the effects of these technologies on the transformation processes were examined. How artificial intelligence, blockchain, metaverse, brain-computer interfaces and similar technologies can be used in education and organizational management processes and how this use affects management processes are discussed. Findings show that technological developments have profound effects on the processes in educational environments and transform management processes. As a result, the research emphasizes the need for further research and application to effectively use technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and metaverse in education and management processes. It is stated that advances in this field can cause significant transformations in education and management.

Interactive Learning Environments , 2024

Although first aid knowledge and skills are a necessity, global studies show that there is a lack... more Although first aid knowledge and skills are a necessity, global studies show that there is a lack of awareness, hence the need for training that is accessible to all. This case study focuses on developing a blended learning plan for first aid training and creating interactive VR videos as a distance learning resource. An interactive video was created for VR glasses that explains the basic first aid coma position, enriched with questions. The video was uploaded to a web platform and configured for VR. Participants were randomly selected among Anadolu University staff, ranked according to their first aid knowledge scores. They gave feedback after using the application with VR glasses. For qualitative data, content analysis was performed and key concepts and themes were identified. As a result of the research, it was concluded that individuals with different demographic characteristics had a positive view of first aid learning experiences with VR, understood the steps of first aid application and gained the correct application. The developed VR video has a modular structure and can be developed with different scenarios and can be used to teach other first aid applications and different skills.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Education: Enhancing Teaching Practices for Future Learning, 2024

In the twenty-first century, when technology has had a profound impact on every aspect of our liv... more In the twenty-first century, when technology has had a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, learning has also changed, revealing the need for a dramatic reorganization of education systems. Individuals have the ability to learn with the possibilities offered by technology, and they play a critical role in the new development of these learning services. In light of artificial intelligence technologies and metaverse universes, the possibility to provide learning experiences in which individuals shape their learning adventures based on their own traits should be considered as an innovation that will take place in the future of learning. When configuring this service, it is essential to identify the proper artificial intelligence algorithms, correlate them with individual differences, and determine the processes that the individual can direct. The development of artificial intelligence-assisted learning assistants in the form of meta-human will provide a new dimension to learning and teaching processes.

Evde Eğitim ve Öğretim İçin Teknoloji Kullanımı: Teori, Uygulamalar ve Geleceğe Bakış, 2021

Dijital dönüşüm sürecinin hızla ivmelenmesiyle birlikte, yakın gelecekte insanların bu hıza ayak ... more Dijital dönüşüm sürecinin hızla ivmelenmesiyle birlikte, yakın gelecekte insanların bu hıza ayak uydurabilmek için giyilebilir teknolojilerden entegre edilebilir teknolojilere birçok farklı protez ve bileşenleri kullanması gerekeceğini söylemek doğru olacaktır. İnsanoğlunun toprağı kazmak için kullandığı ilk aletten, görme yetisini iyileştirmek amacıyla kullanılan ilk gözlüğe, taşınabilir bilgisayarlardan günümüzdeki Akıllı saat, Google Glass 2.0 gibi biometrik giyilebilir ürün ve teknolojilere gelinen nokta düşünüşdüğünde, gelecekte bedene entegre teknolojilerin kullanılacağını öngörmek kaçınılmazdır. Günümüzdeki teknolojik ürünler ve gelişmeler, gelecekte teknolojinin insanoğlunun sınırlarını ve potansiyelini nasıl zorlayacağının bir göstergesidir.

Bu “gelecek”, özellikle covid19'un etkisiyle, çoğu kişinin düşündüğünden çok daha yakın bir zamanda gerçekleşecektir. Sağlıkla ilgili endişeler, insanların daha uzun yaşama istekleri, genç kalma arzusu gibi içgüdüler, insanların sürekli bir arayışta olmasını tetiklemektedir. Bu arayış, teknoloji ve sağlık çerçevesindedir. Sağlık ve teknolojik destekle daha üst bir seviyeye dönüşen insanı savunan görüş olan transhümanizm, ölümsüzlük arayışı içinde değildir. Bunun yerine kaliteli-sağlıklı-uzun ömürlü bir insana dönüşümü savunan bir görüştür. Transhumanizm, bilim ve teknolojinin tüm imkânlarının dönüşmüş bir insan için seferber edildiği bir felsefedir. İnsanoğlunun bu dönüşüm sürecinde kullanılan bilim ve teknolojinin imkânları NBIC (Nano, Bio, Info, Cogno), yani nanoteknoloji, biyoloji, iletişim ve cognitive (bilişsel) başlıkları altında ele alınmaktadır. Bu bölümde, biohacking ve transhumana yönelik yapılmış çalışmalar incelenmektedir.

Eğitimde Zeki ve Esnek Teknolojiler, 2021

Yapay zekanın gelecekte insan zekasını geçeceği öngörüsü olan teknolojik tekillik, dijital dönüşü... more Yapay zekanın gelecekte insan zekasını geçeceği öngörüsü olan teknolojik tekillik, dijital dönüşüm sürecinin nihai bir sonucu olarak hızla yaklaşmaktadır. Bilgisayar veya robotlara insana özgü düşünme yetisi kazandırılması fikriyle yapay zeka kavramı, yine insanın insan beynini taklit etme çabasıyla ortaya çıkmıştır.Yapay genel zeka; insanın bilişsel sistem ve süreçlerinin derinlemesine işlenebildiği, farklı türlerdeki görevleri insana özgü bir şekilde yerine getirebilen yapay zekadır. Günümüzde geliştirilen teknoloji ve yazılımlar, taşınabilir, giyilebilir ve entegre edilebilir cihazlardaki gelişmeler gibi veriler ışığında yapay genel zekanın geleceğine yönelik öngörülerde bulunmak zordur. Ancak insan zekasını taklit edebilen bir yapay zeka, daha kompleks çözümleri ve sorunları da beraberinde getirecektir. Yapay süper zeka ise bilgisayarların yeteneklerinin insanları geçeceği zamana işaret eden bir terim olarak kullanılmaktadır. İnsanlığın bu teknolojilerle birlikte dijital dönüşüme girmesi ve transhuman olarak adlandırılan yeni formuna ulaşması kaçınılmazdır. Giyilebilir ve entegre edilebilir teknolojiler bir çok süreci değiştirdiği gibi öğrenme süreçlerini de değiştirecektir. Bu bölümde geleceğin öğrenmesine yönelik öngörülere yer verilmektedir.

Açıköğretimle 40 Yıl, 2023

Varoluşundan beri insan hayatını kolaylaştırmak ve yaşam kalitesini iyileştirmek için sürekli bir... more Varoluşundan beri insan hayatını kolaylaştırmak ve yaşam kalitesini iyileştirmek için sürekli bir arayış içerisinde olmuştur. Teknolojideki gelişmelerin zaman içerisinde elektronik ve dijital olarak hayatı kolaylaştıracak yenilikler getirmesi ile bir dönüşüm süreci başlamış, bu süreç 21. yüzyılla birlikte ivme kazanmıştır. Devlet hizmetlerinden sağlığa, alışverişten eğitime hayatın birçok farklı alanında gerçekleşen dijitalleşme yani dijital dönüşüm süreci, covid19 pandemi süreciyle birlikte aktif şekilde insan hayatına yerleşmiştir. Eğitim hizmetlerinde kullanılan teknolojiler, eğitim öğretim süreçlerinin uzaktan yönetilebilirliğini sağlamış, her zaman her yerden bilgiye erişilebilirliği ve edinilebilirliğini perçinlemiştir. 21. yüzyılın hakim teknolojilerinden olan yapay zeka ve ona entegre kullanılan teknolojilerin yaygınlaşmasıyla birlikte, yapay genel zeka ve yapay süper zekanın gelişimi, büyük verinin okunabilirliği, 5G altyapısının gelişimi, blok zincir teknolojileri ve meta evrenlerin gelişimi gibi teknolojik adımlar, teknolojik tekilliği de beraberinde getirmektedir. Teknolojik tekillik sürecinde uzaktan eğitim sistemlerinde de değişimler beklenmektedir. Bu bölümde, bilgi ve tecrübenin dijital ortamlara aktarılabileceği, yapay zekanın insan beynine entegre edilebileceği bir gelecek için uzaktan eğitimin yeni yapısına yönelik teknolojiler ve öngörüler ele alınmıştır.

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

The term “singularity” was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to refer to “technologica... more The term “singularity” was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to refer to “technological advances that cause change (Ulam in Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society 64(3, part 2): 1–49, 1958).” According to Kurzweil (The singularity is near: When humans transcend biology. New York, NY: Viking, 2005) and Yampolsky (Information 9(8): 190, 2018), the singularity is near. Moreover, such as Marc Zuckerberg and Bill Gates unlike the “dangerous” rhetoric of dystopian, he argues that singularity will make people more improve. In the future, Kurzweil develops a hypothesis that artificial intelligence will go beyond human intelligence to radically change civilization and human nature. According to him, the discovery of artificial super intelligence will trigger a sudden technological growth. A leap will result in unimaginable changes in human civilization. Social media, which has become the platforms that people cannot give up in their daily lives, will be the main means of communication connecting people in the process of singularity. At this point, education systems and institutions will also be in the process of change. Especially mega universities and Open Education Systems, where technology is the main tool, adapt to this change. In this research, it is tried to determine how mega open universities can benefit from social media in their preparation processes for technological singularity. As a result of the interviews conducted with the field experts, it was concluded that the social media platforms will have a high level of interpersonal communication and interaction and that the institutions will play a role in determining the limits of their place in human life. During this process, the determination of the needs of the program, the determination of the technologies to be used, and the research for the organization of personnel resources are important for the mega universities to be prepared for the singularity period.

İnsan Bi̇lgi̇sayar Etki̇leşi̇mi̇: Araştırma Ve Uygulamalar, 2020

Digital storytelling is the technique of creating a story by designing different communication me... more Digital storytelling is the technique of creating a story by designing different communication media, either alone or interactively. In digital storytelling, different digital technologies are used and social and cultural activities and experiences are shared interculturally through stories. In digital storytelling, which is fed by developing technologies, the context of human-computer interaction is important for the multimedia in which the story will be presented to be efficient. Especially with the new technologies shaped by the developments in recent years and the approaching technological singularity, there is a need for a perspective on transmedia, a narrative strategy that involves the interactive use of a combination of multiple media platforms. This study first discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in digital storytelling for transmedia. Then, an evaluation is made within the framework of human computer interaction in the use of artificial intelligence for digital storytelling for transmedia to be developed in learning processes shaped by new communication technologies. At the end of the study, in line with the data obtained, suggestions are made for the dimension of human computer interaction in digital storytelling for transmedia.

Blockchain Technology Applications in Education, 2020

Blockchain is a technology that helps produce virtual identities in the digital environment using... more Blockchain is a technology that helps produce virtual identities in the digital environment using the real identity and allows using these identities both in digital environment and in real environment. In a way, this has brought about a different dimension for the virtual identity concept and content produced in social network environments. Today, a blockchain-based virtual identity is no longer a really different identity; instead, it now has a form that allows individuals to produce and manage their virtual identities and facilitates their lives. In addition, its usage potential has led to the use of blockchain for institutional purposes. It is now possible for institutions to interact with their stakeholders via their institutional virtual identities. Virtual identities play an important facilitator role in communication to be established by educational institutions with their students especially at higher education level. The facilitator effects of technology in individuals' real lives will make important contributions to the usage potential of the blockchain technology.

Present and Future Paradigms of Cyberculture in the 21st Century, 2021

According to Kurzweil, technological singularity is the inevitable change of human civilization b... more According to Kurzweil, technological singularity is the inevitable change of human civilization by all developments in technology, especially artificial intelligence. Open and distance learning systems are the systems that allow individuals to access learning materials and get education whenever and wherever they want. These systems are widely used today in programs offered by universities such as associate degree, undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificate programs and massive open online courses. This study discusses the technological singularity within the context of super-human and Human 2.0 concepts regarding the definition of “new human” that this phenomenon will shape, its reflections on education, and especially open and distance learning, namely open universities, and how these systems will transform. Its effects on managerial activities and managed processes in management were investigated, and suggestions have been made for restructuring management in acc...

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

The term "singularity" was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to refer to "technologica... more The term "singularity" was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to refer to "technological advances that cause change (Ulam in Bulletin of the Amer

Handbook of Research on Modern Educational Technologies, Applications, and Management, 2021

The aim of this study is to foresee a futuristic view of how open universities can achieve their ... more The aim of this study is to foresee a futuristic view of how open universities can achieve their sustainability in the context of technological singularity. Technological singularity predicts that artificial intelligence will prevent human intelligence in the future. Not only can artificial intelligence radically change human habits, but it can also alter learning practices. The foundation of a revolutionary transformation on humanity learning will be established for both the open universities and for the technological singularity beyond master-human. Thus, open universities are not only sustainable, but, at the same time, they can be transformed into ecological learning environments. The framework of the internalizations and predictions of the study participants on open and distance learning environments will help us save open universities in the future.

Blockchain Technology Applications in Education, 2020

AJIT-e: Online Academic Journal of Information Technology

Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi

Journal of TAM Academy, 2022

Pamukkale Tıp Dergisi, 2023

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 2024

Interactive Learning Environments , 2024

Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Education: Enhancing Teaching Practices for Future Learning, 2024

Evde Eğitim ve Öğretim İçin Teknoloji Kullanımı: Teori, Uygulamalar ve Geleceğe Bakış, 2021

Eğitimde Zeki ve Esnek Teknolojiler, 2021

Açıköğretimle 40 Yıl, 2023

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

İnsan Bi̇lgi̇sayar Etki̇leşi̇mi̇: Araştırma Ve Uygulamalar, 2020

Blockchain Technology Applications in Education, 2020

Present and Future Paradigms of Cyberculture in the 21st Century, 2021

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

Handbook of Research on Modern Educational Technologies, Applications, and Management, 2021

Blockchain Technology Applications in Education, 2020

In this book, practices and recommendations regarding the development and success of global polic... more In this book, practices and recommendations regarding the development and success of global policies and cyber transparency in e-learning are mentioned. In addition to general information on the issue, special cases and practices are also included. The book consists of 19 chapters. The relationship between glocal policies as well as transparency and the issues such as cybercrime, security, broadcasting, social media, instructional design, network and systems architecture, information integration, lifelong learning and the sustainability of distance education are examined. The book is an important reference source in terms of developing strategies for global policies and cyber transparency in e-learning.

In learner-centered education, it is very important to be aware of the learning styles of the lea... more In learner-centered education, it is very important to be aware of the learning styles of the learners. This allows to identify the strong and weak aspects of the learners and to improve latter. It also allows to come together the learners who are most suitable for team work and to the creation of the most suitable e-learning environments for the students.
e-Courses are one of the most important elements of the online and distance learning. The page layout, color, typography, visuals, moving images,, content, functionality, the sufficiency of the navigation and browsing have very important effect on the learning of the users.
The fundamental aim of this study is to identify the learning styles of the students registered in the Distance Education Science programs and to identify their views on the e-Course designs that are used in the presentation of the course. To determine the learning styles, ‘The Learning Styles Inventory’ which was created by Kolb in 1984 and which was adapted to Turkish by Akkoyunlu and Aşkar (1993) was used. In this inventory, the learning styles are considered in four categories as accommodator, converger, diverger and assimilator. To identify the learners views about the e-Course designs “The Evaluation of the Web-Based Instruction Media Scale” which was developed by Erişti et. al. (2010). The data was analyzed by using SPSS 17 program and the percentages were calculated.
At the end of the study, the learning styles of the learners and their views about the e- course design was determined. The study shows that the percentage of the students having the four main learning styles on the basis of Kolb is very close. The study revealed that the learners have positive views about the typography, visuals, moving images, content and navigation and browsing. Although the learners have generally positive views about the functionality, page layout, and coloring, they have negative views about the some dimensions of the e-course designs which are related to the structural characteristics of the e-course designs.

Scientific communication (Sci-Com) is a part of information science and the sociology of science ... more Scientific communication (Sci-Com) is a part of information science and the sociology of science that studies researchers' use of formal and informal information channels as well as their communicative roles. It also covers the utilization of the formal publication system and similar issues. Within the scientific community, much attention has focused on improving communications between scientists, policymakers, and the public. Sci-Com is an important area of research in meeting these needs. The use of communication methods to portray information clearly, concisely, and effectively, whether that be through presentations, writing, or other approaches, is an essential area of interest within the community.

Improving Scientific Communication for Lifelong Learners seeks to improve scientific writing and speaking skills for lifelong learning researchers by developing an adaptive and responsive open and distance application according to universal design principles. The book will focus on the efforts that are centered on improving the content, substantiality, accessibility, and delivery of scientific communications, and to convey clear information to an audience, so its members can understand, use, and build on the information portrayed. The chapters highlight specific areas such as design thinking, distance learning, educational technologies, student success and motivation, and the design of educational environments and learning communities. This book is a valuable reference tool for teachers, academics, communication specialists, students, researchers, developers, and R&D professionals from various fields such as distance learning, online learning, accreditation, qualitative and quantitative research, transhumanism and learning, computer engineering, sociology, and more.

Blockchain Technology Applications in Education, 2020

Blockchain is a technology that helps produce virtual identities in digital environment using the... more Blockchain is a technology that helps produce virtual identities in digital environment using the real identity and allows using these identities both in digital environment and in real environment. In a way, this has brought about a different dimension for the virtual identity concept and content produced in social network environments. Today, a blockchain-based virtual identity is no longer a really different identity; instead, it now has a form that allows individuals to produce and manage their virtual identities and facilitates their lives. In addition, its usage potential has led to the use of blockchain for institutional purposes. It is now possible for institutions to interact with their stakeholders via their institutional virtual identities. Virtual identities play an important facilitator role in communication to be established by educational institutions with their students especially at higher education level. The facilitator effects of technology in individuals’ real lives will make important contributions to the usage potential of the blockchain technology.

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

The term “singularity” was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to referred to “technolog... more The term “singularity” was first used by John von Neumann, in the 1950s to referred to “technological advances
that cause change".
According to Kurzweil, the singularity is near. Moreover, such as Marc Zuckerberg and Bill Gates unlike the
"dangerous" rhetoric of dystopian, he argues that singularity will make people more improve. In the future,
Kurzweil develops a hypothesis that artificial intelligence will go beyond human intelligence to radically change
civilization and human nature. According to him, the discovery of artificial super intelligence will trigger a
sudden technological growth. A leap will result in unimaginable changes in human civilization.
Social media, which has become the platforms that people cannot give up in their daily lives, will be the main
means of communication connecting people in the process of singularity.
At this point, education systems and institutions will also be in the process of change. Especially in mega
universities and open education systems, where technology is the main tool, adapt to this change.
In this research, it is tried to determine how mega open universities can benefit from social media in their
preparation processes for technological singularity. As a result of the interviews conducted with the field experts,
it was concluded that the social media platforms will have a high level of interpersonal communication and
interaction and that the institutions will play a role in determining the limits of their place in human life. During
this process, the determination of the needs of the program, the determination of the technologies to be used, the
research for the organization of personnel resources are important for the mega-universities to be prepared for
the singularity period.

Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum, 2020

As a movement, transhumanism aims to upgrade the human body through science, constantly pushing b... more As a movement, transhumanism aims to upgrade the human body through science, constantly pushing back the limits of a person by using cutting-edge technologies to fix the human body and upgrade it beyond its natural abilities. Transhumanism can not only change human habits, but it can also change learning practices. By improving human learning, it improves the human organism beyond natural and biological limits.

The Handbook of Research on Learning in the Age of Transhumanism is an essential research publication that discusses global values, norms, and ethics that relate to the diverse needs of learners in the digital world and addresses future priorities and needs for transhumanism. The book will identify and scrutinize the needs of learners in the age of transhumanism and examine best practices for transhumanist leaders in learning. Featuring topics such as cybernetics, pedagogy, and sociology, this book is ideal for educators, trainers, instructional designers, curriculum developers, professionals, researchers, academicians, policymakers, and librarians.

Handbook of Research on Challenges and Opportunities in Launching a Technology-Driven International University, 2019

Technology management is a management discipline that evaluates the potential of the cutting-edge... more Technology management is a management discipline that evaluates the potential of the cutting-edge technology integration to maintain the competitive institutions, and seeks ways to use these potentials for the benefit of the organizations. The technologies that use in open and distance learning institutions for learner enrollment and course follow-ups, software that teachers use both in content presentations and evaluation stages, etc. They need to use technology in many different services and processes in the managerial dimension. In this chapter, which is conducted by using interpretive phenomenology method from qualitative research methods, it was questioned how to integrate artificial intelligence in open and distance learning systems determined within the scope of technology management for a technology-driven international university. Suggestions were made for artificial intelligence applications in the management of open and distance learners.

Administrative Leadership in Open and Distance Learning Programs

Many researchers have given priority to the stimulation feature of the games. This concept can be... more Many researchers have given priority to the stimulation feature of the games. This concept can be stated to be not only as old as human history but also one of the trend activities. Therefore, many researchers have recently concentrated their attention on the term “gamification”. This term, which includes using the stimulating components of the games out of the game context, has provided items like badges, grading/scoring systems and leadership tables in the work and learning processes. Mostly, it increases stimulation level in the work and learning processes. When the important potential of gamification has been noticed, the number of gamification-integrated applications has rapidly increased in both work and learning processes of individuals from various age groups. In this regard, this paper aims to review the literature in order to find out how and where gamification could be used in the management processes of open and distance learning systems.

Present and Future Paradigms of Cyberculture in the 21st Century, 2021

Cyberculture is a particularly complex issue. It is seen as a fantastic meeting point of classic ... more Cyberculture is a particularly complex issue. It is seen as a fantastic meeting point of classic philosophers with postmodern theorists, politicians with community engineers, contemporary sophists with software engineers, and artists with rhetoricians. Today, cyberculture is identified highly with new media and digital rhetoric and could be used to create a comprehensive map of modern culture.

Present and Future Paradigms of Cyberculture in the 21st Century is a comprehensive research publication that explores the influence of the internet and internet culture on society as a whole. Highlighting a wide range of topics such as digital media, activism, and psychology, this book is ideal for academicians, researchers, sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, and students.

AECT - The Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference, 2018

Interaction is one of the most important components of open and distance learning. According to M... more Interaction is one of the most important components of open and distance learning. According to Moore, who proposed one of the keystones on interaction types, there are three basic types of interaction: learner-teacher, learner-content, and learner-learner. From these interaction types, learner-content interaction without doubt can be identified as the most fundamental one on which all education is based. Using the learner-content interaction activities in course materials, Anadolu University, by its Open Education system, tries to involve learners in deep and meaningful learning practices. Considering the lack of studies adopting this approach, as well as its being a study on the use of e-learning materials in Open Education system, this research holds a big value in open and distance learning literature. In this respect, the present study aimed to investigate a) which learner-content interaction activities included in interactive courses are the most effective in learners’ achievement of verbal information learning outcomes and b) to what extent distance learners are satisfied with these learner-content interaction activities. For this study, a quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The 120 participants were divided into 6 groups randomly. While 5 of these groups received different learner-content interaction activities as a part of the experiment, the other group served as the control group. The data were collected mainly through two instruments: pre-test and post-test. In addition to those tests, learners’ perceived learning was assessed with an item at the end of the program. The data collected from pre-test and post-test were analyzed by ANOVA, and in the light of the findings of this approximately 24-month study, suggestions for further design of e-learning materials within the context of learner-content interaction activities will be provided at the conference. The current study is planned to be an antecedent for the following studies that will examine the effects of activities on other learning domains.