Evaluation of social study teachers' opinions on distance education during the Covid-19 epidemic

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the views of Social Studies teachers on distance education during the Covid-19 epidemic process. In the research, basic qualitative research design, one of the qualitative research approaches, was used. The participants of the research consist of 30 Social Studies teachers working in public and private secondary schools in Sakarya. In-depth interview technique was used to reach the research data. Interviews with Social Studies teachers were conducted using the online Zoom application. The data of the research were collected with a semi-structured interview form and analyzed with the descriptive analysis method. According to the research findings, Social Studies teachers stated that their proficiency in using digital technology increased with distance education, visual gains were more permanent, and students' level of knowing and using digital technology was very good. Although Social Studies teachers put forward positive opinions, the majority of them stated that distance education negatively affects the teaching of Social Studies course, healthy communication with students cannot be established, sufficient participation in classes is not provided, measurement and evaluation are not sufficient, students are negatively affected in terms of academic success and values cannot be gained in distance education. Social Studies teachers reported that they mostly use Zoom and EBA among online applications in distance education. It has been found that private schools carry out this process more effective. Social Studies teachers stated that they preferred teaching methods through question-answer, direct expression and presentation in distance education courses; they stated that virtual tour activities increased the interest in the lesson. Social Studies teachers stated that some students experienced difficulties in accessing technological tools such as computers and the internet during this process, and that they experienced negativities such as introversion, inability to socialize, and increase in digital addiction. As a result, it was concluded that distance education has negative effects on Social Studies teachers and students, Social Studies lesson was not taught efficiently during the epidemic, but different activities used in online lessons contributed positively to Social Studies lesson.