PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES OF BASIC SCIENCE TEACHERS TOWARDS THE USE OF VIRTUAL CLASSROOM IN AWKA EDUCATION ZONE

Abstract

The study investigated the perceptions and attitudes of basic science teachers towards the use of virtual classroom in teaching and learning of Basic science in Awka Education zone. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study consists of all 33 basic science teachers in the 19 public secondary schools in Awka Education zone of Anambra State. The sample size involves the 33 Basic teachers, because the population is small and available for the study. The instrument used for collection of data is a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers titled "Basic Science Teachers' Perception and Attitude Towards the Use of Virtual Classroom Questionnaire (BSTPATUVCQ)". The instrument was validated and an internal consistency of 0.85 yielded using Cronbach Alpha technique. Data was collected and analyzed using arithmetic mean. The findings of the study revealed that Basic Science teachers perceive virtual classrooms as a tool that simplifies teaching (m=3.48) and enhances teaching efficiency in delivering basic science contents (m=3.45). The findings of the study also revealed that teachers have a positive attitude towards the use of virtual classrooms (m=3.54 ), and motivates them to explore new teaching methods (m=3.42 ). Based on the findings, the study recommends that Policy makers should allocate funding to improve digital infrastructure in schools, ensuring reliable internet access and technology resources are available to support virtual classrooms effectively. School administrators should facilitate regular workshops focused on virtual teaching methodologies and tools to help teachers adapt to and utilize virtual classrooms more effectively.