Home⇛International Social Science Review⇛vol. 10 no. 1 (2024)

An Assessment of Professional Attributes and 21st Century Digital Skills of Teachers Implementing Biology Laboratory Courses in an Online Distance Learning Mode

Gualberto A Lantaya

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Teachers’ professional attributes and digital skills are vital components in the delivery of quality online instruction. Current educational research is increasingly drawn to investigate these attributes considering the implementation of flexible and distance education in the Philippine higher education institutions hence this study was conducted to determine the professional attributes of teachers implementing biology laboratory courses in an online distance learning mode and their level of 21st century digital skills. A total of fourteen (N=14) biology teachers participated in the survey and self-assessment inventory of 21st century digital skills which were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean scores, and percentages. The analysis of the study shows that majority of the participants are not full-fledged master’s degree holder indicating the lack of minimum qualification to handle tertiary level education. The data also revealed that the biology teachers have participated several seminars and trainings to equip themselves on the necessary techno-pedagogical skills. In the aspect of their level of 21st century digital skill, data showed that the biology teachers demonstrated moderate digital knowledge and skills, indicating the need for occasional assistance to apply digital skills in the actual lesson delivery. In addition, creating interactive instructional video content is the least learned digital skills among teachers. The study concluded that teachers’ professional attributes and the 21st century digital skills are key elements in improving the quality of instructional delivery in line with the current educational developments and reforms in higher education institutions in the country.



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