A Proposal for Policy Framework and Emergency Action Plan after Covid-19 for Distance Education Practices in Higher Education

Oct 15, 2026

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Study investigates distance education practices in higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic by centering on lived experiences and proposing a policy decision framework for future distance education under similar conditions. It also develops a design framework for an Emergency Action Plan for comparable crisis periods. A case study approach examines current characteristics through 11 online focus group interviews with 63 administrators from 34 universities. Analysis uses the Miles-Huberman Model.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

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Abstract

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Introduction

A Proposal for Policy Framework and Emergency Action Plan after Covid-19 for Distance Education Practices in Higher Education Mehmet Yavuz , Münevver Gündüz , Sinem Çilligöl Karabey, Yusuf Zafer Can Uğurhan, Selçuk Karaman, Engin Kurşun, Halil İbrahim Bülbül, Hasan Karal, Levent Şahin, Muhammet Recep Okur, Sinan Aydin, Vehbi Aytekin Sanalan Abstract: This study aimed to investigate distance education practices in higher education during the pandemic , focusing on lived experiences, and proposing a policy decision framework for future distance education in similar conditions. Additionally, the study aimed to establish a design framework for an Emergency Action Plan for similar crisis periods. In the study, a case study was used to provide a detailed examination of the current situation's characteristics. The study group consisted of 63 administrators from 34 universities who actively participated in decision-making during the pandemic. Data were collected through 11 online focus group interviews, and the Miles-Huberman Model was used for analysis. The study proposed a policy decision framework for distance education in the postpandemic period, consisting of 11 headings such as blended learning, open course materials, and Distance Education Center structuring. Additionally, the study presented an emergency action plan framework consisting of six components, including keeping the technological infrastructure working and supporting face-to-face courses with distance education. This study provides valuable insights for universities in preparing for potential crises and improving their distance education practices . Keywords: distance education, open and distance learning, emergency remote teaching, policy framework, emergency action plan Highlights What is already known about this topic: • Higher education institutions were caught unprepared for the uninterrupted conduct of educational activities during the pandemic. • Although distance education is an alternative, "Emergency Remote Education" is necessity. • During the pandemic, examining the current situation and preparing a roadmap or guideline is necessary to ensure that higher education activities can be carried out with minimal disruption in times of crisis. What this paper contributes: • The study presents a policy framework for distance education, consisting of 11 topics such as blended learning, open course materials and Distance Education Center structuring. • The study presents a distance education emergency action plan with six components, including keeping technological infrastructure up and running and supporting face-to-face courses through distance learning. • The study emphasizes the importance of support, accreditation, and sharing course materials in distance education practices, suggesting policies to facilitate these aspects. Implications for theory, practice and/or policy: • Policies should align face-to-face programs with distance education principles, e.g. , by minimizing the number of courses and enhancing extracurricular activities. • Conduct studies to concretize the practices specified in the policy framework in line with international approaches. • Implementation of applications such as "joint programs,” "common material pool,” and "common systems" to ensure cooperation between universities in distance education. Introduction The COVID-19 epidemic, described as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has harmed all areas of life globally. To prevent the spread of the virus, workplaces and factories where human-tohuman contact is possible were shut down, and international transportation was limited. In addition, face-to-face education activities have been suspended in around 191 countries worldwide. This has affected approximately two billion students and 63 million teachers, including 16 million primary and secondary school students and 7.5 million higher education students in Türkiye alone (Telli & Altun, 2020

FAQs

What is the main aim of the study during the Covid-19 pandemic?

The study aims to examine distance education practices in higher education based on lived experiences and to propose a policy decision framework for future scenarios.

How is the Emergency Action Plan framework structured?

It is presented as a framework with six components, including keeping technological infrastructure operational and supporting face-to-face courses through distance education.

What research method and data sources are used?

The study uses a case study design, collecting data via 11 online focus group interviews with 63 administrators from 34 universities, and analyzes results using the Miles-Huberman Model.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Mabel