Google Meet as Emerging Technology in Business Education Programme

The study examined Google meet as Emerging Technology in Business Education Programme. The study's framework consisted of three objectives, research questions, and null hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was employed, encompassing a population of 48 business educators from four Ebonyi State tertiary institutions (comprising two state and two federal institutions). Given the small population size, a census approach was adopted, eliminating the need for sampling. Data collection utilized a 26-item questionnaire, validated through expert review and pilot-tested using Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Statistical analysis involved mean and standard deviation to address research questions, while independent t-tests (α = 0.05) evaluated hypotheses. Findings indicated that Google Meet can effectively supplement traditional face-to-face instruction in Business Education programme, conducting online group discussions, engaging students in virtual field trips, sharing learning experiences by students among others. It also showed the benefits of using Google Meet in business education which include students increased academic flexibility, enhanced students’ participation in lessons and discussions, accessibility to students with disabilities, collaboration among students on group projects etc. The challenges of using Google Meet were also highlighted as cost of funding and sustaining the logistics, poor audio quality, poor video quality, limited interaction between students and teachers, vulnerability to hacking, inaccessibility to reliable internet connectivity and so on. This study's results suggest that Google Meet, as an emerging technology, holds promise for enhancing Business Education programs. The researcher recommended among other things, that tertiary institutions in Ebonyi state should use Google Meet in their business education programme to enhance students’ academic flexibility and learning experiences.