Teachers' technological competencies and challenges of using google classroom during emergency remote teaching

Abstract

The study focuses on the competencies and challenges of using the Google Classroom platform in Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) during the Covid 19 pandemic. The study followed a descriptive research design where two hundred and ten teachers responded to a questionnaire containing three categories: teachers' competencies, challenges faced by teachers, and teachers' attitudes. The findings showed that the teachers' competency in using the Google Classroom platform was at a high degree, with results middling when regarding the challenges faced by teachers using Google Classroom. There were no statistically relevant differences at the level of significance (α≤0.05) in the competencies of teachers' use of the Google Classroom due to the variables of gender and work experience. Teachers' attitudes about using Google classroom were high. However, the results indicate a need for conducting effective training for teachers to overcome certain challenges. In addition, there is a requirement to provide the infrastructure for communication networks and consistent Internet access, while also providing alternative assessment methods. Keywords: Google Classroom, Competencies, COVID-19, Emergency Remote Teaching