Parental Views Regarding Distance Learning of Primary School Children and Screen Time during the Covid-19 Pandemic Process

Abstract

This research aims to explore the views of parents regarding primary school students’ distance education experiences, the difficulties they face, the support they need in this process, and their screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic period during which face-to-face education was suspended and distance education was started. The sample of the study consisted of 400 parents whose children were attending primary school. An online questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Findings showed that children had difficulty in completing the given learning activities during distance education, and they needed adult support to complete these activities. In general, the participants stated that they were satisfied with the given instruction during the distance education process, but they wanted make-up lessons. It was observed that schools carry out educational activities with simultaneous collective lessons during distance education, and most of the difficulties children faced were caused by a lack of interest and resources. Finally, it was investigated that most of the primary school children spend more than 2 hours a day in front of the screen without parental supervision in this process. At the end of the research, some suggestions were offered such as planning the instructional activities more appropriately by making use of the experiences gained during the pandemic, developing effective learning materials by improving the digital knowledge and skills of teachers, and providing various pieces of training for parents.