Perception of Teachers On Effectiveness
Perception of Teachers On Effectiveness
Perception of Teachers On Effectiveness
I. INTRODUCTION
Like globalization and urbanization, „digitalization‟ has already changed the world. The rapid
proliferation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is an unstoppable force, touching virtually
every sphere of modern life, from economies to societies to cultures ... and shaping everyday life (UNICEF
2017). Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are already expanding access to high-quality
educational content, including textbooks, video material and remote instruction, and at a much lower cost than
in the past. According to researchers (Ayere, Odera and Agak, 2010) E-learning is the purposeful use of
electronic systems or computer in support of the learning process. E-learning is an example of the use of these
ICT-supported teaching and learning methods whose use in educational institutions is gaining momentum with
the passage of time (Omwenga, June 2004). Other studies have shown that adoption and use of e-learning in
schools can promote collaborative, active and lifelong learning, increase students‟ motivation, offer better
access to information and shared working resources, deepen understanding, help students think and
communicate creatively (Khan, Hasan & Clement, 2012).
ICT for education is more critical today than ever before since its growing power and capabilities are
triggering a change in the learning environments available for education (Pajo & Wallace, 2001). Moreover, the
use of (ICT) creates a powerful learning environment and it transforms the learning and teaching process in
which students deal with knowledge in an active, self directed and constructive way (Volman & Van Eck,
2001;de Corte et al.,2003). ICT is not just regarded as a tool, which can be added to or used as a replacement of
existing teaching methods. ICT is seen as an important instrument to support new ways of teaching and
learning. Plomp et al., 1996; Voogt,( 2003), asserts that ICT should be used to develop student‟s skills for
cooperation, communication, problem solving and lifelong learning. According to Zhao and Cziko (2001)
three conditions are necessary for teachers to introduce ICT into their classrooms: teachers should believe in the
effectiveness of technology, teachers should believe that the use of technology will not cause any disturbances,
and finally teachers should believe that they have control over technology.
Kenya Ministry of Education Policy Framework for Education and Training (2012) identified ICT as a
major vehicle for teaching and learning (MOE 2006). The e-learning framework seeks to facilitate sharing of e-
learning resources between institutions and to exploit e-learning opportunities to offer Kenyan education
programmes for export (ibid. 2006). Findings by Omwenga (2006) notes that even with the introduction of e-
learning, a tool that provides an array of powerful tools that may help transform the present isolated, teacher-
centred and text-bound classrooms into rich, student focused interactive knowledge environments, its
effectiveness is still to be felt in Kenyan Secondary schools. Previous researchers Omwenga, Waema and
Wagacha (2004) noted that the major challenge confronting Kenyan education system is how to transform the
curriculum and teaching –learning process to provide students with the skills to function effectively.
DOI: 10.9790/0837-2506111928 www.iosrjournals.org 19 |Page
Perception of Teachers on Effectiveness of Online Learning in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic
revealed that there tend to be very large gaps across socio-economic groups. Internet which is required for
online learning was found to be for only privileged backgrounds that have a link to the internet in their homes.
Hennesy.et. al, (2010) revealed that with limited access to electricity and phone lines, few people in Kenya have
a computer at home.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual framework was constructed to identify and describe relationships of key components
within the study. In this study the independent variables; access to ICT, Competencies in ICT and perception of
ICT were identified as factors that influence the effective implementation of online learning. Further,
intervening variables support the independent variables in order to achieve the ultimate goal. For instance,
positive attitude towards ICT would influence the teachers‟ perceptions on the usefulness of ICT, hence develop
a desire to improve their competencies and further generate motivation to access and use ICT.
III. METHODOLOGY
This study adopted a descriptive survey design which employed both quantitative and qualitative
methods to find out varied viewpoints on online learning. The study targeted Private Primary Schools in Athi
River Sub-County, out of the over 300 schools, the researcher purposely selected 15 schools; those that were
conducted online learning. Random sampling was used to select 150 teachers from Schools as simple random
ensures that every respondent has a chance of being selected for study while also it saves on resources and time.
A survey questionnaire was used as the main instrument in this study to analyze the perception of the target
population on the effectiveness of online learning. The data was collected within two weeks through random
distribution and some of the questionnaires were sent to respondents email. The respondents were given 3-5
days to complete the questionnaire and send it back to the researcher for data analysis. After two weeks, all the
complete filled-up questionnaires were gathered and collected for further data analysis by the researchers to get
the output and findings for the research. The researchers used descriptive analysis to analyze the data.
Statement Yes No
The school have developed ICT policy 20(13.3) 130(86.7)
The school have adequate ICT infrastructure 60(40) 90(60)
The school provided me with ICT infrastructure to use 48(32) 102(68)
The School have installed internet/bandwidth 50(33.3) 100(66.7)
I am10.9790/0837-2506111928
DOI: able to access internet provided by the school www.iosrjournals.org
36(24) 114(76) 22 |Page
The Perception of Teachers
school supported on Effectiveness
me in order ofbundles
to purchase data Online Learning138(92)
in the wake of COVID-19
12(8) Pandemic
Research findings indicate that majority of the respondents 86.7% showed that their schools had not
developed ICT policy. An ICT policy for schools stipulate formal guidelines, written statements or programmes
that focus on how to use digital devices effectively for teaching and learning. Further findings reveal that 60%
of the respondents do not have adequate ICT infrastructure in the schools. This contradicts findings by Tondeur
et al. (2008) who alluded to availability of digital resources in schools to contribute significantly to increase
teachers‟ willingness to incorporate ICT in classroom teaching. In addition, 68% of the respondents were not
provided with ICT infrastructure hence limiting their access. This finding corroborates that of Plomp,
Anderson, Law & Quale, (2009) who said that access to ICT infrastructure and resources in schools is a
necessary condition to the integration of ICT in education Research findings indicate that 66.7% of the
respondents‟ institutions lacked internet installation and 76% of the respondents are not able to access internet
provided by the school even though, 92% are supported in order to purchase data bundles. This implies that the
respondents are motivated through purchase of bundles to conduct online teaching hence increase access to ICT
infrastructure.
The results show that majority of the respondents 55.3% preferred Zoom, which promotes interaction
and allows the use of video in addition to audio and text. These findings are in tandem with Chugh, R. (2010)
who stated that video conferencing is gaining widespread popularity these days, especially because of the
decline in Internet transmission costs. Further findings show that 31.3% of the respondents used Google
Classroom. These results indicate that the preferred online platform is not accommodative to Special Needs
learners.
Statement Yes No
The school is accustomed to online teaching and learning 46(30.7) 104(69.3)
The school have developed online curricular and content for all classes 38(25.3) 112(74.7)
The school provided professional support to teachers before starting online 122(81.3) 28(18.7)
learning
Teachers were trained on how to use selected online platform 138(92) 12(8)
The school have sufficient qualified technical expert who provide 60(40) 90(60)
technical support to teachers
I am able to prepare and use Instructional materials effectively 56(37.3) 94(62.7)
Some areas of the curriculum have been prioritized 126(84) 24(16)
The findings reveal that 69.3% of the respondents were not accustomed to online learning, moreover,
they had not developed online curricular and content as indicated by 74.7%. Further findings show that 81.3%
of the respondents were given Professional support and 92% were trained on how to use selected online
platforms. In a study by Demetriadis et al. (2003) lack of ICT technical support was as a significant factor
affecting teachers‟ motivation to use digital resources. Contrary to the findings, 60% of the respondents
indicated that their schools lacked qualified Technical experts who could provide technical support. This implies
that, Schools hired qualified expertise to support the teachers. Additional findings indicate that 62.7% of the
respondents were not able to prepare and use instructional materials effectively even though, 84% prioritized
some areas of the curriculum. This is an indication that there was inadequate preparedness for online learning.
The research findings show that 53.3% of the respondents had basic knowledge and skills in ICT and
75.4% could search the internet for education materials. However, only 33.3% were able to apply the skills to
online learning effectively and only 16% had technical skills to fix any hitch. This finding is an indication that
the teachers‟ competencies were low and this could affect the effectiveness of online learning.
affect integration of ICT use in 23.3% 50.7% 18% 4.7% 3.3% 100%
subject teaching
I feel inadequate training and 73 48 18 11 0 150
empowerment of teachers on 48.7% 32% 12% 7.3% 0% 100%
application of ICT is an obstacle to
online learning
I think online learning require a lot of 73 41 13 16 7 150
time to prepare to be effective 48.7% 27.3% 8.6% 10.7% 4.7% 100%
Research findings indicated that majority 80% of the respondents were in agreement that ICT
supported teaching makes learning more effective, furthermore, 80.7% felt that inadequate training and
empowerment of teachers was an obstacle to online learning. This suggests that more focus should be directed
towards providing teachers with technical support in order to effectively adopt online learning. Further findings
showed that 74% of the respondents concurred with the statement that lack of clear policies and strategies affect
online learning and 87.3% agreed that emphasis on curriculum delivery hinder use of innovative practices.
The findings revealed that 74% of the respondents were in agreement that lack of parental support to
the learners and the school affects the effectiveness of online learning. This implies that schools should promote
parental involvement and engagement in their programs that promote online learning. This is especially due to
the costs implications for availing internet and ICT infrastructure at home. Further findings showed that 74% of
the respondents alluded to the statement that current focus on ICT as a subject affects integration of ICT use in
subject teaching. This is supported by Russell (2001) who suggested that subjects should be adequately adapted
for online delivery in order to achieve effective outcomes. In addition, 76% of the respondents thought that
online learning require a lot of time to prepare to be effective. However, an alarming 45.3% of the respondents
felt they were neutral on their confidence to use ICT comfortably to teach. This implies that majority of the
teachers were not sure of the ability to teach using ICT. The results do reflect the trend suggested by Mumtaz
(2000) that if teachers feel competent and confident using ICT in the classroom they display a more positive
attitude towards using ICT.
The above findings suggest that the teachers have a positive perception on the use of ICT for online
learning. However, the reality shows that there were various obstacles encountered to achieve effectiveness as
indicated below in Table.5
Research findings show that 34.7% of the respondents indicated the main challenge experienced with
online teaching was unstable internet and power blackouts. This finding corroborates with Anderson (1997)
and Hennessy & Onguko (2010) who identified a range of physical and cultural factors that affect ICT use by
teachers, including lack of reliable access to electricity, limited technology infrastructure (especially
internet access, bandwidth, hardware and software provision), language of instruction and available
software; geographical factors such as country size, terrain and communications; demographic factors such as
population size, density and dispersion. This supports the 32% respondents who raised lack of devices by
parents as a challenge.
V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
The study results found the teachers to have positive perception to online learning even during the
pandemic. However, a number of factors were identified to hamper the effective implementation of the program
as indicated in table 5. For instance, in regard to access majority 68% of the respondents were not provided with
ICT infrastructure and 92% were supported in order to access internet. Schools should ensure that the ICT tools
being used by teachers are standard to provide quality of instruction. Effective learning requires reliable access
to use technology solutions based on the available infrastructure.
Secondly, majority of the respondents 69.3% indicated that they were not accustomed to online
learning and that was followed by 62.7% who showed they were not able to prepare and use instructional
materials for ICT effectively. These results suggest inadequate readiness for online learning.
Lastly, out of the 150 teachers, 121(80.7) supported the statement that inadequate training and
empowerment of teachers on application of ICT was an obstacle to online learning and 114(76) felt online
learning require a lot of time to prepare to be effective. These findings show that though majority 80(53.3) of
the respondents had acquired basic knowledge and skills to use computers they could not effectively conduct
online learning.
5.2 Recommendations
For policy, the government should emphasize that Schools develop ICT policies to guide specific practices
that focus on how to first track adoption of online learning into the education curriculum.
Strengthen public-private partnership in education to mobilize resources to support online learning
initiatives in both private and public schools in Kenya.
Finally, the study recommends for further research on quality of education provided through online
learning with focus to curriculum coverage and assessment.
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Figures
Figure 1.0 Conceptual framework factors that influence online learning
Otieno Monica Auma, et. al “Perception of Teachers on Effectiveness of Online Learning in the
wake of COVID-19 Pandemic.” IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS),
25(6), 2020, pp. 19-28.