benefits and challenges of distance education during covid-19 lockdown: differences in teachers and students' views

Due to the sudden outbreak of covid-19, most governments decided to temporarily close educational institutions in an attempt to reduce the spread of this disease. distance education in iran started from the beginning of the pandemic. this study aimed to investigate the benefits and challenges of distance education during the covid-19 lockdown from the teachers and students points of view. participants of the study were students (n=60) and teachers (n=10) from different schools and universities of abadan. a modified version of lei and so and interviews were used to gather participants’ views about 1) challenges and benefits of online education, 2) its outcome 3) participants preference for or against face-to-face and online education, and 4) their willingness of distance education continuity in the future. according to the findings of this study, students mentioned several benefits for online/distanced education: switching to technology for continuing education in lockdown and restrictions, online environment and courses, teacher/student relation during distance education, using online learning and overall satisfaction; the only variable with challenges for students has been the course and online environment. however, in all mentioned issues, the teachers views have been almost positive, and overall, there have been no challenges for them in teaching online and remotely. second, both students and teachers have chosen face-to-face education over distance education. and at last, students statement on the continuation of distance education has been a firm no while teachers were in a dilemma. it has had implications for these three parties who are immediately affected by the pandemic. moreover, it can show noticeable support to educational technology, software designers and education planners for enhancing effective function.