Secondary School Students' Views About Distance Education Experiences and Lessons in the COVID-19 Period in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the experiences and views of secondary school students about distance education in the COVID-19 period in Turkey. The study, which was conducted through the survey method, consisted of 2889 secondary school students. The results of the study indicated that students usually attend distance education courses with the help of their smart phones, spend an average of 7 hours or more a day for synchronous online lessons, and spend an hour for outside study time. In addition, most of the students stated that a maximum of 5 synchronous online lessons in a day is sufficient; the duration of the lessons is supposed to last 30 minutes; and the breaks between lessons are required to be 15 minutes. The results indicated male and female students shared a similar opinion. There was no difference in the results obtained between male and female students. The study should help us evaluate the distance education process, which is an important part of our lives, and figure out what the students' needs are.