Assessing The ICT Skills of Senior High School Students in Mansalay
Assessing The ICT Skills of Senior High School Students in Mansalay
A Research Paper
By
Castillo, Jerome G.
Fancubit, Merryjo C.
Ferrancullo, Marjury F.
Julianes, Janine M.
Sari, Lourdes T.
April 2025
Chapter I
This chapter introduces the research problem and its context. It includes the
background of the study, the research questions, objectives, and hypothesis. It also
presents the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that support the research.
Additionally, the chapter outlines the scope and limitations, highlights the significance of
has emerged as a global imperative, reshaping how learners acquire knowledge and
skills. In an increasingly digital world, the ability to utilize technology effectively is crucial
for personal and professional development. The United Nations Educational, Scientific
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which advocates for
inclusive and equitable quality education. Despite the recognized benefits of ICT in
nations.
undertaken significant initiatives to integrate ICT into the educational system, aiming to
enhance the learning experience for students across various regions. The “21st Century
Education for All” initiative focuses on creating an ICT-enabled education framework that
equips students with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern life.
However, despite these ambitious goals, students in rural areas like Mansalay face
unique challenges that hinder their ability to develop essential ICT skills. Reports indicate
that many students in the Philippines exhibit only average levels of ICT competency, with
significant gaps in their ability to perform advanced digital tasks (Derasin et al., 2021).
This situation is exacerbated by socioeconomic factors that limit access to technology,
rural areas where economic constraints often prevent families from acquiring the
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted that students from low-income
families often lack adequate access to digital resources, leading to disparities in digital
disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts, who typically enjoy better access to
technological tools and resources. In Mansalay, many families struggle with financial
shaping students' ICT skill acquisition. Many schools in rural areas contend with
from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) indicated that many
teachers are not adequately trained to integrate ICT into their teaching practices, which
further exacerbates the skills gap among students (PIDS, 2020). Without effective
guidance and support from educators, students may not develop the necessary skills to
develop ICT skills. One primary challenge is the inconsistent availability of technology in
Technology (DICT) found that many schools in rural areas lack adequate ICT facilities,
such as computer laboratories and internet connectivity, which are crucial for practical
skills development (DICT, 2020). Without access to these resources, students are unable
to engage in hands-on learning experiences that are essential for mastering ICT
competencies.
Furthermore, the limited integration of ICT into the curriculum poses another
on the use of technology, resulting in a gap between the skills students are expected to
acquire and the training they receive. In the case of Mansalay, the curriculum may not
adequately reflect the importance of ICT skills, leading to a disconnect between students’
learning experiences and the skills required in the workforce. Recent studies indicate
that many students possess only average levels of ICT skills. For instance, a study
conducted by Derasin et al. (2021) found that while students showed proficiency in basic
tasks like using digital devices and downloading applications, their abilities in more
advanced skills, such as creating and managing web pages, were lacking. The study
reported a general weighted mean of 2.97, categorizing the overall ICT competency of
Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities to enhance ICT skills
among Senior High School students in Mansalay. One such opportunity lies in leveraging
government units and non-governmental organizations can play a vital role in providing
resources, such as computers and internet access, to students in need. Programs aimed
at promoting digital literacy and technology training can empower students to develop
their skills and enhance their employability prospects. Additionally, investing in teacher
training programs focused on ICT integration can significantly impact students’ learning
effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices, schools can foster an
environment that encourages students to explore and utilize digital tools. Research has
shown that teachers who are confident in their ICT skills are more likely to engage their
In conclusion, the assessment of ICT skills among Senior High School students in
Mansalay reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing their digital literacy. While
By identifying these challenges and exploring opportunities for improvement, this study
seeks to contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance ICT education in rural areas, ensuring
This study aims to assess the ICT skills of Senior High School (SHS) students in
Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, to identify the levels of proficiency, challenges faced, and
opportunities for improvement in their digital literacy. Despite the increasing emphasis on
ICT education in the Philippines, the extent to which SHS students in rural areas are
equipped with these essential skills remains unclear. Specifically, it aims to answer the
following questions:
1. What is the current level of ICT skills among Senior High School students in
Mansalay?
5. What opportunities for enhancing ICT education and skills exist in relation to the
The objectives of this study aim to systematically assess the ICT skills of Senior
High School students in Mansalay, identify challenges and opportunities, and explore the
1. To assess the current level of ICT skills among Senior High School students in
Mansalay.
2. To determine the percentage of SHS students with access to necessary
5. To explore opportunities for enhancing ICT education and skills that address the
and the ICT competency levels of Senior High School students in Mansalay.
Theoretical Framework
The assessment of ICT skills among Senior High School students in Mansalay
theoretical framework incorporates five key theories: the Technology Acceptance Model
(TAM), Constructivist Learning Theory, Digital Divide Theory, Social Cognitive Theory,
these theories provides a unique lens through which to examine the factors influencing
Davis (1989) and further refined in recent studies, posits that perceived ease of use and
educational context, TAM suggests that students' attitudes toward ICT are shaped by
their perceptions of how technology can enhance their learning experiences. Recent
engagement and motivation in learning activities. Therefore, this study will investigate
how these factors impact the ICT competency levels of Senior High School students in
as Piaget (1973) and Vygotsky (1978), emphasizes the active role of learners in
the importance of students actively engaging with technology to build their ICT skills.
to learning, which integrate technology, enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-
solving skills. Thus, the principles of constructivism will guide this investigation into how
and the internet between different socioeconomic groups. This theory is particularly
relevant in the context of rural education, where students may face significant barriers to
accessing technological resources. According to a study by Van Dijk (2019), the digital
divide not only affects access but also influences the quality of ICT skills that students
can acquire. Consequently, the findings from this research will help contextualize the
acquisition. In the context of ICT skills, this theory posits that students can develop
Recent studies, such as that by Alharbi and Alshahrani (2020), suggest that social
motivation to engage with technology. Thus, this study will explore how social cognitive
factors influence the development of ICT skills among SHS students in Mansalay,
pedagogy, and content knowledge. This framework emphasizes that effective technology
interplay among these three components. Recent research, such as that by Buehler et
al. (2019), highlights the importance of TPACK in developing teachers' ability to facilitate
ICT learning experiences that enhance students' skills. Therefore, this study will utilize
the TPACK framework to evaluate the role of teacher competence in fostering ICT skill
understanding of the factors influencing ICT skills development among Senior High
School students in Mansalay. The insights gained from this theoretical framework will
inform the research design, guiding the collection and analysis of data to address the
challenges and opportunities present in enhancing ICT education in this rural setting.
Conceptual Framework
research problems on assessing ICT skills among Senior High School students in
Mansalay.
develop ICT skills. This includes technological resources available to students, which are
crucial for learning and practice. The students' backgrounds, including their
socioeconomic status and prior exposure to technology, are also considered important
as they affect their engagement and comfort with ICT. Teacher training is highlighted as a
critical input, as educators need the necessary skills to effectively integrate technology
into their teaching. Finally, school infrastructure plays a significant role in facilitating or
directly impacts skill acquisition. Collaboration and support from peers and teachers are
Practical learning opportunities, such as hands-on projects and guided practice, are vital
for helping students apply their knowledge and develop their skills effectively.
process. The primary output is the assessment of students' ICT skills, which can be
evaluated through various means such as tests and practical demonstrations. Identifying
challenges provides insights into specific obstacles students face in developing their
skills, informing the need for targeted interventions. Finally, the framework allows for the
This streamlined IPO framework aligns with the research problems and is
designed to offer a clear understanding of the factors influencing ICT skills development
This study will focus on assessing the ICT skills of Senior High School students
Del Mundo National High School, Balugo National High School, and Don Pedro High
School, during the academic year 2023-2024. The research will specifically target
students in grades 11 and 12, as these students are expected to possess foundational
knowledge of ICT based on their prior education. The study will examine key aspects of
The scope of the study is geographically limited to the town of Mansalay, which
may affect the generalizability of the findings to other rural areas in the Philippines or
urban contexts. Additionally, the study will not include students from other educational
institutions outside of the specified public high schools, nor will it cover lower grade
levels, as the focus is on the specific context of Senior High School education.
Furthermore, advanced ICT skills, such as programming or graphic design, will not be
assessed, as the primary aim is to evaluate basic to intermediate skills necessary for
This research holds significant value in addressing the challenges of ICT skills
resources may be limited. The findings of this study will benefit several stakeholders:
Students. Senior High School students will gain insights into their current ICT
skills, allowing them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This
knowledge can motivate them to enhance their skills, which are essential for academic
Educators. Teachers will benefit from the study by identifying the specific
challenges their students face in developing ICT competencies. This information can
guide educators in tailoring their teaching methods and resources to better support
School Administrators. School leaders can utilize the findings to advocate for
improved ICT infrastructure and resources within their institutions. By understanding the
existing gaps in ICT education, administrators can make informed decisions to enhance
this research to develop targeted initiatives and programs aimed at improving ICT
education in rural areas. This can lead to increased funding and resources for
Community and Parents. The findings may also inform parents and the
awareness of the challenges students face, families can be more engaged in providing
To ensure clarity and consistency in this study, the following key terms and
ICT Skills. The abilities and competencies required to effectively use technology
for various purposes, including basic computer operations, software applications (such
Philippine educational system, typically aged 16 to 18 years, who are preparing for
effectively teach and integrate technology into their instructional practices, particularly
students’ ICT skills to ensure their readiness for academic and professional endeavors.
This chapter presents a review of related literature and studies that explore ICT
competencies, challenges in digital literacy, and the opportunities that ICT integration
provides for senior high school students. The discussion is divided into four main
sections: Foreign Literature, Foreign Studies, Local Literature, and Local Studies. The
synthesis at the end highlights key insights relevant to the present study.
Foreign Literature
The integration of ICT in education has been widely explored in various global
studies. Selwyn (2020) discusses the digital divide and its impact on student learning,
emphasizing that students in rural areas often lack access to digital resources, thereby
limiting their ICT skill development. This disparity in technological access continues to
backgrounds.
and problem-solving. They argue that modern education should prioritize the
society. Similarly, Pelgrum and Law (2019) highlight the challenges in integrating ICT into
education, noting that despite advancements, many schools still struggle with inadequate
infrastructure and teacher preparedness, which affect students' overall ICT proficiency.
Further, Anderson (2021) discusses ICT and student engagement, stating that
particularly when interactive tools and multimedia resources are utilized. Lastly, Hepp et
al. (2022) explore ICT in global education policies, examining various strategies
Foreign Studies
Several international studies have examined ICT skills among students and their
implications for education. A study conducted by Fraillon et al. (2019) assessed the ICT
literacy levels varied significantly based on socioeconomic status and school resources.
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to bridge the ICT skills gap.
In the United States, Johnson et al. (2020) conducted research on digital learning
and student performance, finding that students with higher ICT competencies
research and analytical skills. The study also noted that schools with robust ICT
natives", arguing that while younger generations are often assumed to be proficient in
technology, many students still lack essential ICT skills for academic and professional
use. They emphasize the importance of formal ICT education to address this gap.
Moreover, Redecker and Punie (2018) examined the role of ICT in 21st-century
education, emphasizing that students must develop not only technical proficiency but
also critical thinking and problem-solving skills when using digital tools. Their research
Lastly, Lai and Bower (2020) investigated the challenges of online learning,
revealing that while technology offers numerous opportunities, many students face
difficulties adapting to digital platforms, particularly those from low-income backgrounds
Local Literature
In the Philippine context, ICT education has been recognized as a crucial factor in
student development. According to Alipio (2021), ICT plays a vital role in modern
study points out that many public schools struggle with limited resources, which affects
Similarly, Pascua and Bagayas (2019) discuss digital literacy among Filipino
students, noting that while many students are familiar with social media and
entertainment applications, they often lack the skills required for academic and
professional use of ICT. The study calls for stronger ICT integration in the Philippine
curriculum.
A study by David et al. (2020) highlights the DepEd ICT initiatives, exploring
government-led programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy. Despite these efforts, the
study notes that challenges such as insufficient funding and lack of teacher training
persist.
Furthermore, Cabral and Ronda (2018) examine ICT and student performance in
the Philippines, revealing that students who regularly engage with technology for
Lastly, Santos (2022) investigates ICT competency among senior high school
students, finding that while many students have basic digital literacy, they struggle with
more advanced tasks such as coding, data analysis, and multimedia production. The
study recommends increased access to ICT resources and teacher training to address
these gaps.
Local Studies
Empirical studies within the Philippines have also examined the state of ICT skills
among students. Reyes et al. (2020) conducted a study on the ICT proficiency of senior
high school students in rural areas, concluding that students often have limited access to
digital devices, which negatively impacts their ability to develop essential ICT skills. The
study suggests that school-based ICT programs could help bridge this gap.
Similarly, Garcia and Mendoza (2021) explored the impact of ICT training
significantly improves students' ability to use technology for research and learning.
However, they noted that many public schools lack the necessary infrastructure to
learning showed higher engagement and better academic performance. The study
supports the argument that ICT should be integrated into daily classroom activities.
ICT integration, highlighting that many educators feel unprepared to teach digital skills
due to a lack of proper training and resources. This finding underscores the importance
Lastly, Martinez (2023) conducted research on ICT skill levels among Filipino
senior high school students, concluding that while most students are comfortable with
basic tasks such as word processing and internet browsing, they lack advanced ICT
skills necessary for career readiness. The study recommends partnerships between
Synthesis
The reviewed literature and studies collectively highlight the significance of ICT
development. Foreign literature underscores the importance of digital literacy, the role of
ICT in academic performance, and the challenges associated with integrating technology
socioeconomic backgrounds and stress the need for structured ICT education.
technology. They also emphasize the potential of ICT in improving student learning and
Overall, the review underscores that while ICT presents numerous opportunities
for enhancing student learning, significant challenges remain, particularly in rural and
underprivileged areas. The present study seeks to assess the ICT skills of senior high
school students in Mansalay, identifying gaps and proposing strategies for improvement
to ensure that students are well-equipped for the demands of the digital age.
Chapter III
Research Methodology
This chapter presents the research methodology utilized in the study, including
the research design, respondents, research instruments, validity and reliability of the
Research Design
skills of senior high school students in Mansalay and determine the challenges and
opportunities they face. The descriptive aspect aims to provide a comprehensive profile
The respondents of this study consist of senior high school students from
selected public schools in Mansalay, including Manaul National High School, Fe Del
Mundo National High School, Balugo National High School, and Don Pedro High School.
from each school. The total number of respondents is determined based on Slovin’s
Research Instruments
respondents, (2) assessment of ICT skills covering digital literacy, software proficiency,
internet usage, and problem-solving in digital environments, and (3) challenges and
opportunities related to ICT access and utilization. The items are adapted from
studies.
education and ICT to ensure relevance, clarity, and comprehensiveness. A pilot test is
consistency of the instrument. Necessary revisions are made based on expert feedback
(DepEd) Division of Oriental Mindoro and school administrators of the selected public
schools. Informed consent is obtained from the respondents. The questionnaires are
administered in-person and through Google Forms for those with internet access. The
The following statistical methods will be utilized to analyze the gathered data:
proficiency.
2. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient – Used to determine relationships between ICT
skills and factors such as access to resources and frequency of ICT usage.
internet access.
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