Evaluating online education for gifted students: Parents’ views

Abstract

Due to the effects of a worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, as in many countries, students in Turkey started to have online education since March 2020. Factors such as their motivation and need for learning, and higher cognitive arousal would make it more difficult for gifted students to become away from schools. In this context, this research aimed to examine the experiences of gifted students during the online education process from their parents’ viewpoint. The data, obtained from 15 parents via telephone interviews, were analyzed by descriptive interpretive approach, one of the qualitative research methods. The validity and reliability of the data were ensured. According to the results, seven categories emerged: reflections on education, advantages, disadvantages, psychological impacts, solutions, observed emotions, and suggestions. The results were discussed in terms of gifted students’ characteristics, previous online education practices, and suggestions for future use of online education for gifted children after the pandemic period.