INTEGRATING GOOGLE CLASSROOM INTO TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA: PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS ASSESSMENT OF BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Abstract Google Classroom, a free learning management system developed by Google, offers many benefits to teachers and students at all levels of the educational system. However, research has shown that the deployment and use of this application in schools in Nigeria are still very low. The role of the teacher in the adoption and use of new technology cannot be overemphasized. This paper examines the pre-service teachers’ assessment of the benefits and challenges of integrating Google Classroom into the pre-service teacher education, to ensure the successful deployment and use of Google Classroom in the Teacher Education programme in Nigeria. Two research questions were formulated, and the purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-five 400 level students from the Departments of Guidance and Counseling and Early Childhood and Care Education, Lagos State University in affiliation with the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools in Microsoft Excel. Findings showed that using Google Classroom has so many benefits among which is fostering communication between students and teachers or among students. It also encourages students to learn anywhere and anytime. Integration of Google Classroom into the pre-service teacher education programme will go a long way to ensure that would-be teachers are equipped with the necessary skills required for 21st-century education. The management of teacher education institutions in Nigeria should train and encourage lecturers on the use of Google classroom so that they can integrate it when teaching their students.

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