The Demographic Variables as the Predictors of the Teaching Competencies of Online Instructors in the Universities of Pakistan

Abstract

Instructors’ demographic variables plays an important role in their teaching competencies for quality instruction (Aramide, Ladipo, & Adebayo, 2015). The demographic variables includes instructors’ qualification, age, years of teaching experience, and the number of professional training attended. The main aim of this research was to identify the influence of demographic variables on the teaching competencies of the instructors, teaching in online learning environment. The ‘online teaching competencies (OTCs) matrix was utilized as theoretical framework for current research. This study was conducted in the three universities of Pakistan those who are offering online programs and courses to their students. The sample of the study consisted of 250 instructors, teaching in online learning environment. Data was collected through a Five-point Likert scale questionnaire developed by Bigatel, Ragan, Kennan, May, & Redmond (2012). Multiple regression analysis was applied to analyze the data. Finding shows that the demographic variables ‘years of experience’ and ‘qualification’ influenced teaching competencies of instructor, as compared to their age and ‘number of professional trainings attended. Findings showed that ‘years of experience’, ‘number of professional training attended’ and ‘qualification’ are the predictor of instructors’ teaching competencies.