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Transforming Lives through Inclusive Open and Distance Education: A Phenomenological Study of Learner Narratives

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Title: Transforming Lives through Inclusive Open and Distance Education: A Phenomenological Study of Learner Narratives
Language: English
Authors: Hasan Ucar, Serpil Koçdar, Erdem Erdogdu, Aras Bozkurt (ORCID 0000-0002-4520-642X)
Source: Asian Association of Open Universities Journal. 2026 21(1):99-112.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Open Education, Distance Education, Electronic Learning, Student Experience, Nontraditional Students, Access to Education, Barriers, Educational Benefits, Lifelong Learning, Sustainable Development, Individual Development
Geographic Terms: Turkey
DOI: 10.1108/AAOUJ-07-2025-0097
ISSN: 2414-6994
Abstract: Purpose: This study explores the transformative impact of open and distance education (ODE) on the lived experiences of learners at Anadolu University, one of the world's largest ODE universities. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, this research draws on the narratives of 953 learners to examine how the ODE experience affects the personal, professional and social dimensions of their lives. Findings: The findings revealed four overarching themes: being a lifelong learner, turning dreams into reality, starting a new career and overcoming disabling conditions. Learners reported benefits ranging from intellectual and personal growth to overcoming sociocultural, financial and physical barriers to higher education. The results further demonstrate how ODE contributes to individual empowerment, social equity and human development by widening access to higher education among non-traditional and underserved populations. Originality/value: This study highlights the significance of learner-centered, inclusive and flexible educational models in advancing lifelong learning and supporting the broader goals of sustainable development. By giving voice to learners' experiences, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the value and potential of ODE in transforming lives and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1508315
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Transforming Lives through Inclusive Open and Distance Education: A Phenomenological Study of Learner Narratives
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  Data: English
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hasan+Ucar%22">Hasan Ucar</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Serpil+Koçdar%22">Serpil Koçdar</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Erdem+Erdogdu%22">Erdem Erdogdu</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Aras+Bozkurt%22">Aras Bozkurt</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4520-642X">0000-0002-4520-642X</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Asian+Association+of+Open+Universities+Journal%22"><i>Asian Association of Open Universities Journal</i></searchLink>. 2026 21(1):99-112.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: Y
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  Data: 14
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Open+Education%22">Open Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Distance+Education%22">Distance Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Electronic+Learning%22">Electronic Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Experience%22">Student Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Nontraditional+Students%22">Nontraditional Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Access+to+Education%22">Access to Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Benefits%22">Educational Benefits</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Lifelong+Learning%22">Lifelong Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sustainable+Development%22">Sustainable Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individual+Development%22">Individual Development</searchLink>
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  Label: Geographic Terms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Turkey%22">Turkey</searchLink>
– Name: DOI
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  Data: 10.1108/AAOUJ-07-2025-0097
– Name: ISSN
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  Data: 2414-6994
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: This study explores the transformative impact of open and distance education (ODE) on the lived experiences of learners at Anadolu University, one of the world's largest ODE universities. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, this research draws on the narratives of 953 learners to examine how the ODE experience affects the personal, professional and social dimensions of their lives. Findings: The findings revealed four overarching themes: being a lifelong learner, turning dreams into reality, starting a new career and overcoming disabling conditions. Learners reported benefits ranging from intellectual and personal growth to overcoming sociocultural, financial and physical barriers to higher education. The results further demonstrate how ODE contributes to individual empowerment, social equity and human development by widening access to higher education among non-traditional and underserved populations. Originality/value: This study highlights the significance of learner-centered, inclusive and flexible educational models in advancing lifelong learning and supporting the broader goals of sustainable development. By giving voice to learners' experiences, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the value and potential of ODE in transforming lives and fostering inclusive educational environments.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1508315
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1108/AAOUJ-07-2025-0097
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 99
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Open Education
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      – SubjectFull: Distance Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Electronic Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Student Experience
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      – SubjectFull: Nontraditional Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Access to Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Benefits
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      – SubjectFull: Lifelong Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Sustainable Development
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      – SubjectFull: Individual Development
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      – SubjectFull: Turkey
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    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Transforming Lives through Inclusive Open and Distance Education: A Phenomenological Study of Learner Narratives
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            NameFull: Hasan Ucar
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            NameFull: Serpil Koçdar
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            NameFull: Erdem Erdogdu
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            NameFull: Aras Bozkurt
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