An investigation of distance education activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study investigates the distance education activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in the field of education in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distance education activities of NGOs, practices of NGOs assisting distance education, and principles adopted by NGOs in the distance education activities during the pandemic were examined in the study. In this qualitative study, the distance education activities of NGOs during the pandemic were evaluated through document analysis. The activity reports of ten NGOs for the year 2020 were analyzed as part of the document analysis. The NGOs whose activity reports were addressed were selected using maximum variation sampling, thus reports from NGOs operating in various educational areas were examined. Activity reports were subjected to content analysis using an inductive approach. According to the results, distance education activities of NGOs during the pandemic mostly focused on the creation of digital content and materials, as well as the development of online education programs. The notion of decreasing inequalities in terms of access to education has guided the majority of distant education initiatives of NGOs during the pandemic. The activities of NGOs have been especially effective in preventing digital use divide in society and providing teachers with pedagogical agility.