International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Nigerian education sector is surrounded with fast and available online activities such as virtual tools that facilitate teaching and learning activities. This technological explosion was driven by the aftermath of COVID-19 Pandemic. This study investigated the knowledge of Zoom Communication Technology for academic activities among teaching staff of public universities in southeast, Nigeria.
Objective: The study investigated the level of knowledge and use of Zoom Communication Technology by the teaching staff of public universities in South-East, Nigeria.
Method: The descriptive survey research design was adopted of which two public universities (1 for federal and the other, for state) were used to represent south-East. The population of teaching staff was 2,281 from both universities with source from personnel units. The sample size of 376 participants was used with Taro Yamane formula and this was complemented with focus group discussion (FGD) of 16 participants split into two groups, one for each of the two universities covered. The study used simple probability sampling technique to obtain the representatives. While the research instruments were the questionnaires and interview guide. Data were analysed interpreted using alpha cronbach analysis and descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables. Results: There were low result on the knowledge and use of zoom communication technology for academic activities among teaching staff of public universities in southeast, Nigeria. Findings from FGD revealed that 80% of the respondents agreed that each of them lacks suitable electronic devices, face huge Internet data consumption and unsteady electric power supply which significantly inhibit the use of the Zoom technologies among few academic staff of public universities in the study area.
Unique Contribution: The study provides new insights on the technological tools and devices used by academics in the southwest, Nigeria and the global south.
Key Recommendation: The study recommended that members of teaching staff of public universities in the area should develop themselves by getting acquainted with video conferencing facilities such as the Zoom Technology. The study aims to contribute in the adoption of technological tools as well as physical presence in teaching and learning activities in southeast, Nigeria.