Communication Methods： Instructors＇ Positions at Istanbul Aydin University Distance Education Institute

In the world of higher education, several issues are converging： （1） advances in computer technology; （2） rapidly growing enrollments; （3） changing student demographics; and （4） continued cost containment requirements. Work based research involves action plan for the improvement of Distance Education Institute that requires a change based on quality mission of Istanbul Aydin University and EUA norms. This research is part of learning process in Doctorate of Professional Studies that has significant contributions on online pedagogy and teaching process for online tutors in enhancing their professional growth. The work based research aims to explore the importance of communication process within the work setting and to investigate roles of tutors in facilitating communication to overcome social barriers in constructing knowledge during online learning-teaching process. The research has qualitative and inductive nature that action research approach is chosen to change professional practices through collaborative activities. Therefore, focus group, trainings, in-depth interviews, self-reports and researcher diary are used as data collection techniques for each action. This proposal is part of ongoing research project that process is aimed to be shared with academic community.