Maldivian Teachers’ Experiences in Digitalising Their Remote Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The sudden shift to remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers to integrate Digital Technology (DT) more extensively in teaching. This research sought to collect teachers' experience of digitalising their teaching during the pandemic. The research adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach, generating quantitative data, followed by qualitative data. Primarily, using a survey, quantitative data were collected from 659 teachers across selected Maldivian schools. Next, using purposive sampling, a total of three focus group interviews were conducted, giving teachers the opportunity to discuss the emerging findings to clarify and validate the understanding sought. The result of the survey suggests that overall, teachers reported greater use of DTs and gained more confidence in their use of DTs during the pandemic. Teachers reveal specific purposes of using DTs aligned with a range of different pedagogical strategies suitable for remote teaching. The main challenges identified by teachers include unreliable internet and connection issues, while also revealing the need for support to facilitate smooth use of DTs in teaching. There is better recognition of teachers' readiness to incorporate DTs into pedagogy with the high level of confidence and realisation of the potential DTs have in teaching/learning.