Online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji: challenges, facilitators and improvement strategies
ISSN: 1443-9883
Article publication date: 9 September 2022
Issue publication date: 4 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore online teaching experiences of educators in Fiji National University (FNU). Although they quickly adapted to online teaching, their experiences are yet to be explored and documented, hence the relevance of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used phenomenological research design to understand the lived experiences of participants' regarding online teaching. A total of 58 in-depth interviews were conducted among educators, at various levels and analysed thematically using an inductive approach.
Findings
The findings show online teaching challenges including difficulties maintaining students' engagement, teaching practically oriented courses, assessing students and embracing change, limited knowledge impact and output, anxiety and stress, inadequate teaching environment, increased workload and unstable Internet. The facilitators and enablers were flexibility, free Internet, creating conducive environment, Moodle training, skills acquisition and support from faculty members' and information technology team. Recommendations for improvement ranged from modifying course outline, summarising previous lessons, reducing course load, adequate assessment tools, incentives, guidelines enforcement to regular training.
Originality/value
This is an original work carried out by the researchers in a specific context. The findings suggest the need to address various challenges for effective online teaching. School managers' and relevant key stakeholders need to understand educators’ teaching experiences as well as their recommended improvement strategies, to enhance online teaching.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This work was supported by the Fiji National University, Seed Funding under award no. GS011.
Citation
Okyere, E., Salusalu, M., Goundar, R. and Marfoh, K. (2023), "Online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji: challenges, facilitators and improvement strategies", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 62-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-03-2022-0041
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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