Needs analysis of primary education stakeholders in rural areas for support services in distance education

This research reflects the needs analysis of students, teachers, administrators and parents in rural primary schools of a province in the Aegean Region affiliated to the Ministry of National Education for support services in distance education implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic process. The research was designed according to an exploratory case study from qualitative research methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interview questions. Accessible convenience sampling and maximum diversity sampling were used to identify participants. The research was conducted with 45 participants from nine different schools in rural areas. After the interviews were transcribed, the data obtained were analyzed by content analysis method. When the findings of the research are analyzed, it is seen that the level of participation in distance education was generally low in rural areas, and it was stated that participation in the courses decreased due to reasons such as lack of technological devices and internet infrastructure and loss of motivation. While trying to cope with the digital divide, students also faced problems arising from the EBA infrastructure, the difference in their level of readiness challenged them and they expressed that they needed technical support. It was stated that all stakeholders, especially students, experienced loss of motivation and a sense of social isolation during the process, needed family support and guidance, and felt a sense of longing for the school environment. At the end of the study, recommendations were presented to the Ministry of National Education, education stakeholders and researchers.