Teachers’ Literacy and Confidence Level in Using Online Platforms

Abstract

 Incorporating Internet platforms into educational settings has become a common feature of modern teaching, providing educators with new opportunities and problems. The differing degrees of digital literacy and confidence among instructors in properly utilizing online platforms is a critical problem within this paradigm. Many teachers need more digital literacy, which includes abilities like accessing educational software, comprehending online communication tools, and effectively managing digital resources. This lack of expertise impedes the smooth integration of technology into the teaching and learning process. The main point of the study is to investigate teachers' literacy levels and confidence in using online platforms within the newly established schools in the Division of San Jose City during the School Year 2022-2023. The study involved 55 teachers, primarily young and female, with a significant proportion being single and holding the position of Teacher I. Despite limited exposure to ICT-related training, most teachers exhibited advanced I.C.T. literacy and high confidence in using technology. The research revealed relationships between teachers' confidence levels and the integration of various online platforms, including Google Classroom, Zoom/Google Meet, Kahoot, Canva, Mentimeter, and Edmodo. Additionally, socio-demographic characteristics, such as teaching positions, monthly wages, and I.C.T. literacy, were correlated with confidence levels in online teaching platforms. This study on teachers' literacy and confidence levels in online platforms holds significant implications for the education sector. As technology increasingly becomes an integral part of the learning environment, understanding the proficiency and confidence of teachers in utilizing online platforms is paramount. The findings of this study can inform targeted interventions to enhance professional development programs for educators. Educational institutions can tailor training sessions and allocate resources more effectively by identifying areas of digital literacy deficiency and gauging confidence levels.