Alper Tolga Kumtepe
Professor of Distance Education and Dean of the Vocational School of Information Technologies at Anadolu University. Former Vice Rector responsible for the Open Education System serving 1.2 million learners.
Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction (Educational Technology), Florida State University · Member, National Distance Education Policy Board, Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
About
I study how people learn at a distance and how institutions can design, deliver and evaluate digital learning at scale. My work sits at the intersection of instructional systems design, measurement and evaluation, motivation theory and learning analytics.
Over the past two decades I have led the production of open-education materials for more than a million adult learners, coordinated blended-learning programmes for refugees and host communities across Türkiye, and advised national policy on distance education after the pandemic. I teach research methods, measurement and evaluation, project management in distance education, and learning theory at undergraduate and graduate levels, and I supervise doctoral research on learner profiling, volition and analytics-based feedback.
Research interests
Learner–content interaction · motivational design (ARCS-V) · volition · transactional distance · learning analytics and early-warning systems · gifted identification and scale validation.
Practice
Blended and open learning design at institutional scale · integrated training management systems · e-learning quality assurance · monitoring and impact evaluation for international development programmes.
Service
National Distance Education Policy Board (YÖK), since 2020 · Board, Center for Computer Research and Applications, Anadolu University · reviewer and editor for open and distance learning journals.
Education
| Degree | Institution | Field | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | College of Education, Florida State University, USA | Curriculum and Instruction (minor in Educational Technology) | 2005 |
| M.S. | College of Education, Florida State University, USA | Curriculum and Instruction | 2000 |
| B.A. | College of Communication Sciences, Anadolu University, Türkiye | Educational Communication | 1995 |
Professional Experience
Academic appointments and leadership roles at Anadolu University and Florida State University.
- 2025 – 2026
Dean, Vocational School of Information Technologies
Anadolu University, EskişehirCoordinating the foundation of the School; academic and administrative leadership; curriculum development, faculty recruitment, strategic planning, budgeting and quality assurance aligned with industry and technological change.
- 2024
Vice Rector
Anadolu UniversityResponsible for the Open Education System, Human Resources and Public Relations.
- 2025 – present
Board Member, Center for Computer Research and Applications
Anadolu UniversityStrategic oversight, research impact and institutional collaboration for innovative computer applications.
- 2020 – present
Board Member, National Distance Education Policy Board
Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), AnkaraTwelve-expert board established in September 2020 to provide policy revisions and good practice on distance education to all universities in Türkiye.
- 2019 – present
Professor, College of Distance Education
Anadolu UniversityUndergraduate and graduate teaching in measurement and evaluation, learning technologies, learning theory and research approaches; supervision of master's and doctoral dissertations; externally funded project leadership.
- 2018 – 2019
Associate Dean, College of Distance Education
Anadolu UniversityDirected the Center for Research and Development in eLearning: preparation and delivery of textbooks, videos, synchronous sessions, e-books, online quizzes and interactive content for 1.2 million adult distance learners; managed the Online Turkish Language Program; supervised 120 staff; LMS analytics for continuous improvement and evaluation reporting to university leadership.
- 2016 – 2018
Assistant Director, Center for Research and Development in eLearning
Anadolu University, College of Distance EducationResearch design and leadership of junior academic staff; learning analytics on LMS data; visual analytics of social, cognitive and environmental variables in the learning process; evaluation reporting.
- 2014 – 2019
Associate Professor, College of Distance Education
Anadolu University - 2006 – 2014
Assistant Professor, College of Distance Education
Anadolu University - 2004 – 2005
Researcher, Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida Department of Education, TallahasseeEvaluation of reading programmes in elementary and secondary public schools; state data analysis.
- 2001 – 2005
Research and Graduate Assistant
Florida State UniversityConcurrent and predictive validity of the Gifted Rating Scales; Learning Resources Center, College of Education.
- 1995 – 1998
Research and Teaching Assistant
Department of Educational Communications, Anadolu University
Projects
Thirty funded projects since 2006 — coordination, instructional design, research and external evaluation. Select an entry to read the scope.
Current
2025 – 2027Today's Youth, Future Jobs Project Coordinator · UNDP Türkiye & EU Delegation · Anadolu University▾
2025 – 2027Skill Development for Improved Employability (INSURE) Project Coordinator · Facility for Refugees in Türkiye III · Anadolu University▾
2023 – 2025Learning Analytics-Based Performance Evaluation and Feedback System Researcher · Anadolu University Scientific Research Board, SBA-2023-131▾
International development & adult learning
2022 – 2024Improvement of Legal Aid Practices for Access to Justice for All, Phase II Project Coordinator · UNDP / Union of Turkish Bar Associations · ANATEK▾
2024Impact Evaluation of EPALE National Support Services Türkiye Project Coordinator · Ministry of National Education▾
2024Reintegration of School-Age Open Education Students into Formal Education — Impact Evaluation Project Coordinator · Ministry of National Education▾
2022 – 2023Blended Courses at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Project Coordinator · Stichting SPARK▾
2022Monitoring of Actions Financed under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey (PIKTES II) Consultant, Co-Monitor · ECORYS Nederland▾
2021 – 2022Employability in the Renewable Energy Sector for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities Project Coordinator · UNDP Turkey▾
2021 – 2022Cooperatives' Needs Assessment for a Self-Learning Platform Project Coordinator · International Organization for Migration (IOM)▾
2021 – 2022More and Better Jobs for Women Senior Online Education Content Design Expert · International Labour Organization (ILO)▾
2020 – 2021Blended Courses at Gaziantep University Project Coordinator · Stichting SPARK▾
2020Early Childhood Education for Syrian and Vulnerable Turkish Children Short-Term Expert · GIZ / German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development▾
2018 – 2021Turkey Resilience Project in Response to the Syria Crisis (TRP) Project Coordinator · UNDP Turkey, FTI-EUTF▾
2018 – 2021E-Learning Curriculum for Entrepreneurship Trainings Senior Instructional Designer · KOSGEB▾
2012 – 2014Civic Training for Conscripts Adult Training Expert · UNDP Turkey▾
Research grants
2019 – 2021Learner Profiles, Achievement Prediction and Early Intervention in LMS Principal Investigator · TÜBİTAK 1001, No. 118K100▾
2018 – 2021TEFL-ePAL: e-Learning for English Teaching in Palestinian HEIs Researcher · European Commission▾
2017 – 2019TeSLA: Adaptive Trust-based e-Assessment System for Learning Researcher · Horizon 2020 ICT▾
2014 – 2015Transactional Distance in Synchronous Learning Environments Principal Investigator · Anadolu University▾
2013 – 2015ARCS-V Motivational Design: Motivation, Self-Regulation, Attitude and Achievement Principal Investigator · Anadolu University▾
2010 – 2012Networked Curricula (NetCU) Researcher · EU Lifelong Learning Programme, EADTU▾
2007 – 2009Eliminating Language Barriers in European Prisons through Distance Education (ELBEP) Internal Evaluator · Grundtvig Multilateral Project▾
2006 – 2008Teaching Turkish as a Second Language / as Mother Tongue in Europe via Distance Education Instructional Designer · Anadolu University Research Development Fund▾
External evaluation
2018 – 2021Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Project External Evaluator · SOCAR & LearnERA, İzmir▾
2012Evaluation Framework for the FATIH Project External Evaluator · Ministry of National Education▾
2011 – 2013One Computer per Child and One-to-One Learning Initiative, Kocaeli External Evaluator · Intel Turkey▾
Publications
Refereed articles, books and chapters, and supervised theses. Index abbreviations follow the source list.
- Erdoğan, S., Parpucu, N., Akyıldız, M., Karademir, A., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2025). Anadolu preschool mathematics skills scale: A validity and reliability study. Anadolu Journal of Educational Sciences International, 15(1), 25–54. doi:10.18039/ajesi.1429133TR Dizin
- Öztürk, A., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2023). Relationship between learner profiles and learner–content interaction in online learning: Exploring implications for learning experience design. Distance Education, 44(3), 425–457. doi:10.1080/01587919.2023.2226627SSCI
- Uğurhan, Y.Z.C., Kumtepe, E.G., Kumtepe, A.T., & Saykılı, A. (2021). From media literacy to new media literacy: A lens into open and distance learning context. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 21, 135–151.Scopus · ESCI
- Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2020). Effects of the ARCS-V-based motivational strategies on online learners' academic performance, motivation, volition, and course interest. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 1–15.SSCI
- Keller, J.M., Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2020). Development and validation of a scale to measure volition for learning. Open Praxis, 12(2), 161–174.ESCI
- Uçar, H., Bozkurt, A., Öztürk, A., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2020). Investigation of distance learners' volitional competence. Anadolu Journal of Educational Sciences International, 10(1), 303–323.TR Dizin
- Öztürk, A., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2019). Öğrenme yönetim sisteminde öğrenen profillerinin belirlenmesi, akademik başarının tahmin edilmesi ve öneri sisteminin etkilerinin belirlenmesi. Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi, 5(4), 4–8.
- Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2019). Be motivated and motivate: An interview with John M. Keller. eLearn Magazine.
- Kumtepe, A.T., Atasoy, E., Kaya, Ö., Uğur, S., Dinçer, D., Erdoğdu, E., & Aydın, C.H. (2019). An interaction framework for open and distance learning: Learning outcomes, motivation, satisfaction, and perception. AJIT-e, 10(36), 7–26.TR Dizin
- Genç Kumtepe, E., Kaya, S., Erdoğan, S., Alan, U., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2017). Early childhood science education trends in Turkey: Where from? Where to? PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 398–411.TR Dizin
- Kumtepe, A.T., Büyük, K., Öztürk, A., Tuna, G., Gümüş, S., Atak, O.N., & Güneş, İ. (2017). Kitlesel uzaktan eğitimde öğrenen-içerik etkileşimi: Anadolu Üniversitesi Açıköğretim Sistemi örneği. Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi, 3(2), 9–36.
- Karadağ, N., Akyıldız, M., Kumtepe, A.T., & Akgün, H.R. (2017). Experiences of item developers on professional development at Anadolu University. AUAd, 3(3), 9–46.
- Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2016). Uzaktan eğitimde ARCS-V motivasyon tasarımı modelinin kullanımı. Açıköğretim Uygulamaları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi, 2(4), 37–54.
- Taşcı, D., Aydın, C.H., Kumtepe, E.G., Kumtepe, A.T., Kıcır, G.K., & Dinçer, G.D. (2015). Eskişehir'de yaşam boyu öğrenme başlığı altında yetişkin eğitiminin analizi. Selçuk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 34, 197–211.TR Dizin
- Bozkurt, A., Genç Kumtepe, E., Kumtepe, A.T., Aydın, İ.E., Bozkaya, M., & Aydın, C.H. (2015). Research trends in Turkish distance education: A content analysis of dissertations, 1986–2014. European Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 18(2), 1–21.
- Genç Kumtepe, E., Kumtepe, A.T., & Batmaz, B. (2013). The convergence of perceived efficacy beliefs and sciencing in early childhood classrooms. Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 10(21), 85–99.TR Dizin
- Barkan, M., Toprak, E., Kumtepe, A.T., Genç Kumtepe, E., Ataizi, M., Pilancı, H., Mutlu, M.E., Kayabaş, İ., & Kip Kayabaş, B. (2011). Eliminating language barriers online at European prisons (ELBEP): A case-study. Educational Media International, 48(3), 235–248.Scopus · ESCI
- Taşcı, D., Gökalp, E., Genç Kumtepe, E., Kumtepe, A.T., & Toprak, E. (2011). The city's perception of university: The case of Anadolu University and Eskişehir. TODAİE's Review of Public Administration, 5(2), 167–186.SSCI
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2010). The effects of computers on kindergarten children's social skills. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 5(4), 52–57.
- Li, H., Lee, D., Pfeiffer, S.I., Kamata, A., Kumtepe, A.T., & Rosado, J. (2009). Measurement invariance of the Gifted Rating Scales–School Form across five cultural groups. School Psychology Quarterly, 24(3), 186–198.
- Genç Kumtepe, E., Kaya, S., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2009). The effects of kindergarten experiences on children's elementary science achievement. Elementary Education Online, 8(3), 978–987.TR Dizin
- Pfeiffer, S.I., Petscher, Y., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2008). The Gifted Rating Scales–School Form: A validation study based on age, gender and race. Roeper Review, 30(2), 140–146.
- Li, H., Pfeiffer, S.I., Petscher, Y., Kumtepe, A.T., & Mo, G. (2008). Validation of the Gifted Rating Scales–School Form in China. Gifted Child Quarterly, 52(2), 160–169.SSCI
- Pfeiffer, S.I., Kumtepe, A.T., & Rosado, J. (2006). Gifted identification: Measuring change in a student's profile of abilities using the Gifted Rating Scales. School Psychologist, 60(3), 106–111.
- Öztürk, A., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2023). Açıköğretim sisteminde öğrenme analitikleri tabanlı performans değerlendirme paneli uygulaması. In Açıköğretim ile 40 Yıl: Uygulamalar ve Araştırmalar (pp. 405–430). Anadolu Üniversitesi Yayınları.
- Saykılı, A., Uğurhan, Y.Z.C., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2023). Program evaluation in open and distance EFL settings. In S. Sözler (Ed.), Digital Transformation in EFL Settings: An Open and Distance Learning Perspective (pp. 361–390). Nobel.
- Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (Eds.). (2021). Motivation, Volition, and Engagement in Online Distance Learning. IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-7681-6
- Keller, J.M., Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2021). Foundations of motivational research and design in online distance learning. In H. Uçar & A.T. Kumtepe (Eds.), Motivation, Volition, and Engagement in Online Distance Learning. IGI Global.
- Beylik, A., Genç Kumtepe, E., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2021). Examining transactional distance in synchronous online learning environments. In H. Uçar & A.T. Kumtepe (Eds.), Motivation, Volition, and Engagement in Online Distance Learning. IGI Global.
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2019). Blended Learning in Adult Education. Ankara: Ekin. ISBN 978-605-327-882-5.
- Kumtepe, E.G., Kumtepe, A.T., Uğurhan, Y.Z.C., & Saykılı, A. (2019). Investigating the new media literacy skills of open and distance learners. In C. Erdem, H. Bağcı, & M. Koçyiğit (Eds.), 21st Century Skills and Education. Newcastle, UK: Cambridge Scholars.
- Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2018). Integrating motivational strategies into massive open online courses (MOOCs): The application and administration of the motivational design model. In K. Büyük, S. Koçdar, & A. Bozkurt (Eds.), Administrative Leadership in Open and Distance Learning Programs. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
- Keller, J.M., Uçar, H., & Kumtepe, A.T. (2018). Culture and motivation in globalized open and distance learning spaces. In E. Toprak & E. Genç Kumtepe (Eds.), Supporting Multiculturalism in Open and Distance Learning Spaces. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
- Kumtepe, A.T., & Genç Kumtepe, E. (2014). STEM in early childhood education: We talk the talk, but do we walk the walk? In H.H. Yang, Z.Y. Di Wu, & S. Liu (Eds.), Transforming K-12 Classrooms with Digital Technology. IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-4538-7
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2013). Interviews (pp. 38–54) and Observation (pp. 56–75). In C.H. Aydın (Ed.), Analyses and Research in Marketing Communication II. Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2013). Developmentally appropriate practices and integrated programs in early childhood education. In A. Arıkan (Ed.), Teaching and Learning Methods II (pp. 153–180). Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2011). Mathematics and mathematical concepts in early childhood education (pp. 55–76); Mathematical concepts and activities in early childhood education I–III (pp. 121–192). In A. Özdaş (Ed.), Mathematics in Early Childhood Education. Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
- Kumtepe, A.T. (2011). Observation in early childhood assessment. In A.A. Ceyhan & M. Ören (Eds.), Methods of Early Childhood Assessment (pp. 53–77). Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
- Kumtepe, A.T., Ataizi, M., Çalışkan, H., Uztuğ, F., & Aydın, H. (2009). One for many: Anadolu University's distance education services. In U. Demiray & N.S. Sever (Eds.), Challenges Facing Marketing in Distance and Online Learning Environments: An Integrated Approach (pp. 649–669). Eskişehir: Anadolu University Press.
- Ph.D. Gökçe, M. (2026). The effects of AI-generated videos on learner performance in distance education. Graduate School, Anadolu University.
- Ph.D. Şahin Aycan, D. (2025). The relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement and attendance among distance learners: The mediating role of self-regulation and motivation. Graduate School, Anadolu University.
- Ph.D. Tuna Büyükköse, G. (2023). Development of assessment and evaluation models based on learning analytics in open and distance learning. Anadolu University.
- Ph.D. Öztürk, A. (2022). Modeling learner behavioral patterns and profiles in open and distance learning, predicting academic performance, and examining the effects of performance appraisal panels. Anadolu University.
- Ph.D. Uçar, H. (2016). The effect of motivation strategies in distance education on learners' interests, motivations, action competencies, and achievements. Anadolu University.
- M.A. Kara, N. (2019). An examination of the relationship between learning approaches and achievement levels among open and distance learners. Anadolu University.
- M.A. Beylik, A. (2016). Determining the perception of transactional distance among open and distance learners in synchronous online learning environments. Anadolu University.
- M.A. Kaba, A.U. (2012). The effectiveness of virtual laboratory applications as support materials in distance science education. Anadolu University.
- M.A. Kayabaş, İ. (2010). The feasibility of using AI chatbots as student support services in distance learning. Anadolu University.
- Kumtepe, A.T., Kumtepe, E.G., Karadeniz, A., Saykılı, A., & Uğurhan, Y.Z.C. (2020). External evaluation report of Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Project. SOCAR & LearnERA, İzmir.
- Saykılı, A., Öztürk, A., Genç Kumtepe, E., Kumtepe, A.T., & Uğurhan, Y.Z.C. (2019). Examining the effects of LMS on academic performance using learning analytics. OOFHEC 2019: The Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference, Madrid.
- Aydın, C.H., Çakır, H., Öncü, S., Kumtepe, A.T., & Abazoğlu, İ. (2012). Conceptual framework of an evaluation plan for the FATIH Project. Ankara: Ministry of National Education.
- Genç Kumtepe, E., Ünal Çolak, F., Kumtepe, A.T., & Aydın, C.H. (2012). Second phase evaluation report of the One Computer per Child Project in Kocaeli, Turkey. Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
- Genç Kumtepe, E., Ünal Çolak, F., Kumtepe, A.T., & Aydın, C.H. (2011). Evaluation report of One-to-One Learning Initiative in Kocaeli, Turkey. Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
Teaching
Undergraduate and graduate courses at Anadolu University, and visiting courses at partner universities.
Courses taught
Research Methods in Social Sciences · Measurement and Evaluation in Distance Education · Project Management in Distance Education · Theories of Learning and Teaching · Learning Technologies · Instructional Systems and Educational Psychology.
Skills & certification
Advanced: SPSS, Mplus, LISREL, HLM, NVivo · online course material development · LMS-based teaching · learner analytics. Certificate of Project Management (FABE, 2008). Languages: Turkish (native), English (advanced).
Active courses
Students of this semester's courses: readings, videos, in-class activities and quizzes are in the course room. Enter with your name and the class code announced in class.
Invited Talks
- 13 Feb 2025Digital Transformation in EducationLifelong Education Summit II · Ministry of National Education, General Directorate of Lifelong Learning, Ankara
- 12 Nov 2024EPALE Türkiye Evaluation ReportEPALE 2024 International Conference · Ministry of National Education, Ankara
- 16 May 2022Pandemics Ended! What About Distance Education?Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Research Center for Distance Education
- 19 Aug 2020Design and Development of Online Learning MaterialsEge University, College of Medicine, İzmir
- 7 Jul 2020Effective Classroom Management in Online ClassesPIKTES Project Annual Meeting · Ministry of National Education, Ankara
Contact
- atkumtepe@anadolu.edu.tr
- Office
- Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty
Yunus Emre Campus, Tepebaşı, 26470 Eskişehir, Türkiye
Students
For course questions, use the course room first — every week's materials and announcements are there. For thesis supervision and appointments, email with your programme and topic in the subject line.