Distance and face-to-face students’ perceptions towards distance education: A comparative metaphorical study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the metaphorical perceptions of face-to-face and distance education students towards distance education. The research was conducted using phenomenology pattern. Research data were obtained from 80 distance education students and 56 face-to-face education students using metaphorical perception form for distance education. Data were analyzed with the content analysis technique. Analysis of the data showed that distance education students produced 66 metaphors while face-to-face students produced 55 metaphors. In both groups, metaphors were grouped under three categories. Considering the categories, it was seen that “provided opportunities” and “limitations” categories emerged in both groups. Distance education is not indispensable for face-to-face students. Some of the distance education students prefer distance education because of desperation. As for sub-categories, it was seen that unlike face-to-face students, distance education students -perceived distance education as a road to dreams and they thought that distance education provided them to study while working in a job. While the most repeated metaphors in distance education students were “a golden blessing, a great opportunity, and indispensable”, face-to-face students repeated the “essential” metaphor the most.