Views of social studies teachers and middle school students on distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected schools, which are an important part of the education system, as it has affected everything around the world. One of these effects is the transition to distance education model instead of face-to-face education. Social studies course is among the courses affected by this change. Distance education is an education model in which internet and other communication technologies are used for students to continue their education. Social studies course is one of the courses that benefit from distance education model. In the distance education model, various digital materials are used for students to follow the lessons and complete their homework. In the social studies course, video lessons, digital maps, interactive presentations and online resources are offered to students. These materials facilitate students' ability to follow their lessons and help teachers increase students' interest in class. However, the sudden decision of distance education with the Covid-19 pandemic caught teachers and students unprepared. The adaptation of teachers and students to the distance education process is very important for the healthy continuation of education and training. The aim of this study is to examine the views of social studies teachers and secondary school students on distance education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. This research was conducted with social studies teachers working in middle schools in Kastamonu city center and middle school 8th grade students continuing their education in the 2021-2022 spring semester.The data were obtained through a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. The data obtained were analysed using content analysis. As a result of the research, it has been determined that teachers' use of technology has increased with the Covid-19 pandemic, students have struggled to adapt to distance learning, social studies topics have not been taught to the desired level, teachers and students have faced computer and internet-related problems during distance learning, and teachers and students have found face-to-face education more productive compared to distance learning. In line with the research results, it can be suggested to develop a Social Studies Teaching Program suitable for distance education and to make the EBA platform more functional for distance education.