The Effect of In-Service Virtual Training on Smart Equipment Use and Quality of Teaching-Learning Process among Elementary Teachers

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of virtual education on teachers' empowerment in the use of smart equipment in elementary school. In this study, a hybrid method was used. In the qualitative section, we interviewed 14 elementary teachers, experts, and administrators. In the quantitative part, a questionnaire with 22 items was developed based on the findings of the interviews. The validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by experts and its reliability coefficient was 79 to 92. Standards of G power were used to select sample size. Findings indicate that the use of smart equipment among elementary school teachers is limited. Another finding was the use of smart devices has a negative (nonsignificant) relationship with the quality of the teaching-learning process. Attending virtual training courses is not related to the amount of using smart equipment, while attending these courses has positive relationship with the knowledge and skills of teachers and the quality of the teaching-learning process. The final analysis, conducted with the help of qualitative findings, led the researcher to conclude that although virtual training courses lead to improved attitudes and knowledge of teachers, they do not actually lead to increased use of smart equipment and promotion of the teaching process. It is recommended that virtual and theoretical training be replaced by in-person and applied in-service training. At least, in-person training courses getting serious parallel to virtual training.