A Survey of Factors Affecting the Improvement of Virtual Education Quality: Teachers’ Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Subject Areas :hamid reisi 1 , fateme reisi 2
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Keywords: Virtual Education, Quality of Education, Lived Experiences,
Abstract :
This research explores the factors affecting the improvement of educational quality in virtual classrooms of elementary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a phenomenological method. The participants included 37 elementary teachers from Shiraz in the 2021-2022 academic year, selected through purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation criteria. The selection criteria included having at least two years of experience in virtual teaching and a willingness to participate in the research. Data were collected through structured interviews and were analyzed using the Colaizzi method and thematic analysis. Ultimately, 46 foundational themes were extracted and categorized into 8 organizing themes, which included teaching strategies, teaching methods, educational materials and tools, artistic activities, practical activities, games and entertainment, classroom atmosphere, and the physical classroom environment. The results indicate that teachers, as the most critical element in enhancing the quality of virtual education, can create an effective learning environment by selecting appropriate teaching strategies, designing practical activities, and employing engaging and diverse teaching methods. Furthermore, artistic activities, games, entertainment, and humor are recommended as the most suitable strategies for invigorating the virtual classroom atmosphere. Attention to the psychological climate of virtual classes and teaching in attractive and subject-related locations were also among the findings of this study.
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