CHALLENGES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AMONG JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CABADBARANCITY DIVISION

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the challenges faced by Junior high school students in the development of information and communication technology (ICT) skills in the Division of Cabadbaran City. Specifically, the enabling factors considered in the development of ICT skills were in terms of teachers‘ ICT skills, adequacy of ICT equipment and ICT support system. Likewise, the challenges met by the students were in terms of computer literacy and school environment. Further, the study sought to determine the significant relationship of the enabling factors on the development of ICT and the challenges met by the students, and, the test of significant relationship across grade levels was also tested.

This study used the descriptive research design having 1,136 Junior high school students as respondents who were randomly selected using the Raosoft software. Using a researcher-made instrument, data gathered were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and t-test to test the significant relationship between the enabling factors and the challenges met, as well as the test of relationship across grade levels.

Results from the study revealed that teachers’ limited knowledge on ICT skills made them hesitant to teach ICT. Although the Department of Education continuously provides computers to schools under its modernization program, schools have still insufficient number of computers, thereby limiting teachers and students to have access to these facilities. Lack of support from school heads and maintenance of internet connectivity in school were challenges met that need to be addressed. There was a significant relationship between the enabling factors and the challenges met among Junior high school students in the development of their ICT skills. There was also a significant relationship between the enabling factors and the challenges met by students across grade levels.

It was therefore concluded that teachers teaching ICT have to upgrade their ICT skills in order to be confident in teaching the subject. School heads have to establish rapport with stakeholders for the acquisition of more facilities and internet connection in school.

The researcher then recommended that qualified teachers with ICT skills be employed or in-service trainings be provided for this purpose.