Voices of Proficiency: A Qualitative Study on Computer Literacy among Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Learners Researchers: Ma. Theresa Villa Rhian Saida Emeterio Noraine Aguilar Kerby Tobias Dave Feleo Carmi Angelie Penzon Prince Andrew Sabile Kiel Bonilla John Kennedy De Guzman Justine Miles Gabbac John Rey Tomi CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION RATIONALE What predicts students’ future ICT literacy? Evidence from a large-scale study. This study focuses on the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy in solving future societal challenges and leading an independent and responsible life in an increasingly globalized and digitalized world. Hübner, et al 2023 Computer literacy holds significant relevance in a global context. It has become an essential skill in our increasingly digital world. As technology continues to evolve, there are key shifts and transformations in the ways that literacy is conceptualized. Computer literacy interconnect world, it enables individual to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, it facilitates communication, collaboration, and exchange of ideas on a global scale. In today's digital age, computer literacy is not only a fundamental skill but also a prerequisite for success in various academic and professional domains, especially within the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). There is research indicating a gap in academic proficiency in computer literacy. Studies have shown that there are discrepancies between students' self-perceived computer skills, their actual computer skills, and the computer skills This study aims to identify educational gaps and provide solutions to enhance learners’ skills and knowledge in the field of ICT. It also aims to prepare students for their future careers by identifying the necessary skills and knowledge in the industry. Furthermore, the study aims to advance technology by expanding and strengthening the use of technology in the field of ICT. By addressing these issues, the study can positively impact education, employment, and technology advancement. This study will be conducted to comprehensively explore and understand the computer literacy levels among ICT students by identifying and analyzing the specific skills they have developed through their experiences. The objective of this study is to provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of computer literacy within the context of ICT education. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This study aims to determine the proficiency of ICT students of Eduardo L. Joson Memorial High School regarding the computer literacy. 1. What are the challenges encountered by ICT learners in computer literacy? 2. How did the learners cope up with the challenges in efficientlt using computer? 3. How does the given challenges strengthen the skills of ICT students in using computer? SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This research study will benefit the following: ICT Learners - This study would help them understand their strengths, improve their skills, tailor curricula to their needs, and boost academic performance. School - This study could help schools identify gaps in computer literacy, develop targeted interventions, and enhance teaching and learning resources. The findings can also guide the revision of the school's ICT curriculum, highlighting specific skills and knowledge areas. Teachers - This study would help the teachers to determine the learners who need to enhance more when it comes to using a computer. DEFINITION OF TERMS Information Communication and Technology (ICT) - a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share or exchange information. Proficiency - practical ability to apply the necessary knowledge, skill, and experience; the mastery of skills and knowledge for a specific grade or subject. Computer Literacy - The ability to efficiently use computers and related technology. It includes understanding how to use them and the abilities required to do so. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION The scope of this study will be the experiences of ICT learners to computer literacy. The primary subjects of this research study will consist of the Grade 7 to Grade 10 ICT students. The respondents will be limited to twenty (20) Grade 7 to Grade 10 learners who are in the ICT section of Academic Junior High School of Eduardo L. Joson Memorial High School. On the other hand, this study will not cover their proficiency in all digital platforms and tools, as these are constantly evolving and vary greatly; as well as the ability to repair or troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 1. Advantages and Necessity of Computer Literacy: - Kenson (2019) emphasizes the advantage of computer literacy in succeeding in a rapidly evolving technological environment. - Deivam (2016) Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer Literacy is must for every individual in the digital age. - Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are common, with usage patterns differing among generations and individuals (Youssef et al., 2022). - Building a skill set that would enable them to be efficient users will have a significant impact on how well pupils are able to utilize the material available on the internet (Atoy Jr. et al., 2020). 2. Digital Literacy in Education: - Digital competencies, computer proficiency, information literacy, and associated skills are vital components of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) education. However, they are less commonly explored within secondary education compared to higher education (Stopar et al., 2019). - Developing digital literacy skills is crucial for students to become independent learners in the digital era. Previous research has shown a positive correlation between digital literacy skills and student performance (Tohara, 2021). - Computer-Based Learning denotes employing digital devices and software applications to deliver educational content, foster interactive experiences, and involve students in various learning tasks (Joseph et al., 2023). 3. Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Technology: - In a world that is changing quickly, digital literacy (DL) is a critical learning ability for pupils. (Jin et al., 2020) - There are challenges and opportunities associated with the growth of digital technology, especially for youth. (Suwarto et al., 2022) - People working in the education sector, such as students, teachers, and policy officials, have serious concerns about digital literacy. (Peatolo et al., 2021) - Mokgosi (2018) delves into the difficulties encountered by students when learning computer programming, an essential aspect of computer literacy. - Gabejan et al. (2021) assess junior high school students' computer literacy levels and their impact on academic performance. - Evaluating students' understanding of specific computer competencies can offer faculty valuable insights into their strengths and areas needing improvement in computer literacy skills (Shuster et al., 2014). 4. Attitudes, Assessments, and Variability in Computer Literacy: - Ainley (2018) discusses significant differences in computer literacy between secondary school pupils and the potential for using assessments to guide curriculum development. - A study aimed to uncover the links between computer experience, selfefficacy, and performance in an introductory computer literacy course. It assessed students' experience and self-efficacy before the course and analyzed their impact on subsequent performance (Rex et al., 2016). - This study examines how computer literacy enhances the skills of undergraduate students, offering insights into its importance in their academic journey. Silva (2020) - Link et al. (2014) explore the connection between computer literacy and ICT students' attitudes towards e-learning, highlighting the influence of computer literacy on perceptions of online learning. - Oye (2020) investigates the relationship between computer literacy and students' attitudes towards e-learning in a Nigerian university, emphasizing cultural context. - Farhan et al. (2024) utilize the Social Cognitive Theory to investigate how students' social interactions and self-perceptions affect their development of computer literacy skills, supported by empirical evidence linking computer literacy to academic success. CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY RESEARCH METHOD This study will use the qualitative research method. Qualitative research method involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It is argued that the modern understanding of qualitative research comprises a ‘package’ of component parts, and that the essential elements of these were first identifiable, beginning in 1925, in the work and advocacy of the psychologist, Paul Felix Lazarsfeld. Generally, qualitative research is concerned with cases rather than variables, and understanding differences rather than calculating the mean of responses. In-depth interviews, focus groups, case studies, and open-ended questions are often employed to find these answers. We chose qualitative method as we are interested in analyzing and understanding the challenges faced by the ICT learners and the effect of their experiences in terms of computer literacy. RESEARCH DESIGN The research design we have chosen for this study is case study. A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. It is a context-based study of the phenomenon, rather than a study conducted in a lab or through modeling, that is bounded, or defined in time, space, and activity with an in-depth investigaion and should possess multiple sources of evidence . We have chosen to use this research design as it aligns with our objective of examining the experiences and challenges faced by our selected participants - the ICT learners. Through case study, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of their personal behaviors, experiences, the challenges they encounter, and the ways they navigate their academic journey. PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDY The participants of this study are the ICT learners of Eduardo L. Joson Memorial High School (ELJMHS). This means that the insights and findings from our research will be relevant to the experiences and challenges faced by the students at ELJMHS. This study’s participants are the twenty (20) male and female ICT students from grade 7 to grade 10. Conducting this study within the school ensures that ethical guidelines are followed, especially when involving minors. It allows for proper consent procedures, confidentiality, and protection of the participants' rights. The participants were chosen using the following criteria below. Criteria used: Information Communication and Technology (ICT) student Male or female At least 12 to 16 years of age Student in Eduardo L. Joson Memorial High School Knowledgeable of computer and its uses SAMPLING PROCEDURE This study will use the convenience sampling. This sampling technique is a type of non-probability sampling wherein the sample is taken from a group or people who are easy to contract or to reach (Etikan, 2016). We chose this technique as it is convenient and simpler for us to select our participants since we will only be selecting ICT learners from within Eduardo L. Joson Memorial High School. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT In this study, we will be interviewing the ICT learners to gather our information. An interview is generally a qualitative research technique that involves asking open-ended questions to converse with respondents and collect elicit data about a subject. We chose this instrument because this is the appropriate way of understanding the learners’ experiences better. DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE We used a time table to present the flow of our study’s data gathering prodecure: DATE ACTIVITY April 16, 2024 We will determine the specific participants for our study. April 17, 2024 We will make the questionnaires that will be used in interviewing the ICT students. April 19, 2024 We will make a formal approval letter to be validated by english teachers. April 22, 2024 We will propose the approval letter to be validated by the school principal. April 23, 2024 We will start interviewed. piloting the chosen students to be April 24, 2024 We will proceed in interviewing our participants for our study.
