Assistant Professor,
*Corresponding Author: Dr Archana Dwivedi, Email: archanadwivedi7305@gmail.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid shift from face-to-face to online education, presenting significant psychological and technical barriers for teachers. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the challenges faced by teachers during this transition. Psychologically, teachers experience increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy due to the sudden change in teaching methods and the pressure to acquire new technological skills. The absence of face-to-face interaction and limited non-verbal cues in online settings also affect the teacher-student relationship and their ability to establish a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the digital divide and varying access to technology further exacerbate concerns about equity and inclusivity in education. Technically, teachers encounter barriers related to their limited familiarity with online teaching platforms and tools. The rapid adoption of new technologies requires extensive training and technical support, which may contribute to additional stress and time constraints. Technical issues such as internet connectivity problems and software glitches disrupt the flow of online classes, affecting teaching efficiency and student engagement. These psychological and technical barriers have profound implications for teaching and student engagement. The lack of in-person interaction hinders teachers' ability to gauge student comprehension and adjust instructional strategies accordingly. Student participation, motivation, and academic performance may be negatively impacted. The digital divide widens educational inequalities, limiting access to quality education for disadvantaged students. Addressing these challenges requires providing teachers with adequate training, technical support, and opportunities for professional development. Efforts should also focus on bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive online learning environment. By recognizing and mitigating these barriers, educators can navigate the transition to online education more effectively, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education during the pandemic.
Technical Barrier, Psychological Barrier, Online Teaching