Opportunities and Challenges of Optimized Method of Teaching Using Virtual Classroom Instructional Technology During Covid-19 Pandemic in Public Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the opportunities and challenges of optimized method of teaching using virtual
classroom technology during COVID-19 pandemic in Nigerian public schools. The study adopted a
descriptive survey research design. The population of the study is 9789 students and 3251 teachers.
The samples were drawn using random sampling technique in selecting fifty-six (56) teachers and one
hundred and thirty-seven students (137) within North central geo-political zone in Nigeria. Data was
collected using a validated questionnaire for teachers. The instruments were validated by experts. The
instrument contained affirmation questions to ascertain the validity of the response of teachers on
instructional technology with a reliability coefficient of 0.68. Two research questions were formulated
to guide the study. Chi square was used to analyze the data for the research questions and tested at
0.05 level of significance using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 25. The findings
revealed teachers did not utilize virtual classroom technology and that they were faced with a number
of challenges which include but not limited to lack of expertise in the use of these gadgets, lack of stable
power supply, inadequate finance to purchase etcetera. The study recommended that school
administrators should collaborate with various stockholders to put all virtual classroom infrastructure
in place to encourage teachers to employ virtual classroom technology when needed, School principals
should collaboration with various stakeholders in organizing training and symposium for teachers on
the use of virtual classroom technology.