Teachers’ technological competence and success in online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis: the moderating role of resistance to change

Abstract

PurposeSimilar to education systems all over the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli education system shut its doors and moved to an online format. The present study aims to examine the relationship between Israeli teachers’ technological competence and their success in online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on 383 teachers’ who responded to a questionnaire about a month and a half after the transition to online teaching due to the COVID-19 crisis.FindingsThe study revealed a significant, positive relationship between technological competence and success in online teaching. Further, the study found that resistance to change among teachers played a key role in teaching success, such that it moderated the association between technological competency and online teaching success. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to both theory and practice with regard to the matter of successful online teaching among teachers. The study introduces vital factors – specifically, resistance to change and technological competence – which may predict successful online teaching in schools during times of crisis.