Opinions of gifted/special talented students on distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of this study is to examine the experiences of gifted students in the process of the distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the difficulties faced by gifted students during the distance education, and to contribute to the field by suggesting solutions for following studies. In the study, qualitative research method was used as the research method and case study as the research design. Gifted students studying at Siverek Science and Art Centre in the 2021-2022 academic year were examined by voluntarily participating in the study within the sample group of 20 people determined using the easily accessible case sampling method. Data were collected by utilizing a semi-structured interview form. The data obtained were analysed by using content analysis method. Codes and themes were created from the obtained data, and percentages and frequencies were determined according to the frequency of the answers given. Based on the results of the research, it was stated that the majority of the students did not have information about the process of distance education. Regarding the distance education process initiated within the scope of epidemic measures, it was concluded that the majority of students did not know about distance education before the epidemic and did not receive training on this subject. It was observed that participation in the lessons was generally done using computers and tablets, but no hardware support was provided by the Ministry of National Education. Despite this, students did not face hardware problems to access education. Gifted students stated that participation in distance education was mostly through platforms such as EBA and ZOOM but online courses were generally inefficient and that they would not give distance education a chance if they had to choose between distance education and face-to-face education. As a result, they stated that the distance education process of gifted students in the implemented programs was not efficient and peer and teacher communication was poor. This study is a guide that includes the points to be considered during the distance education process of gifted individuals and might be an inspiration for similar studies.