Preparations for practical exercises in vocational education: Can ICT-based distance instruction be an alternative to face-to-face instruction? An empirical contribution

In this article about preparation for practical exercises in firefighter education, comparisons were made between ICT-supported preparation in distance education and preparation supported by face-to-face instruction in on-campus education, with regard to their impact on students' reflection and learning processes and implementation of exercises. Data was collected in two studies through interviews with students and instructors from both educations. The results showed that distance students with ICT-supported preparation took a greater responsibility for their studies and reflected more on course content and their own learning, compared to students with face-to-face instruction as preparation. Distance students were also better prepared for exercises on campus. However, interaction and collaboration occurred to a lesser degree among distance students. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu