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Chapter 1
Introduction
Albano, et al. (2007) questioned why we need computers. Agreeing to them, the
answer is clear. In all facets of daily living education, work, pleasure, entertainment,
communication, marketing, business, and the like, computer is constantly present. With
the dawn of globalization, technological revolution has taken place. Man has to be
computer literate because that is the demand of the time. If he does not go with the tide,
he will be left behind. Today, there is no doubt that majority of the human beings are
computer literate. There are three measurements to assess the level of computer
literacy. The first is awareness. When you begin to study computers, you will be aware
of their importance, versatility, and pervasiveness in our society. Second is knowledge.
You will learn what computers are and how they function. This requires knowing some
technical jargons in order to understand the computer language. The last is interaction.
The best way to understand computers is to use it directly for some simple applications,
like doing research via the Internet, mailing and chatting electronically.
Nowadays, computers play a big part in education especially in mounting
countries like the Philippines. According to Casiano (2007), computer has a capability
for administrative and managerial users, namely: easing enrollment procedures,
preparing transcript of records, recording grades, paying school fees, and others, as
well as for teaching purposes. Moreover, it has given way to the development of multimedia which is creating an exciting and very real interactive learning environment.
According to a survey conducted by SEAMEO (2000-2001) for DepEd, 14.28% of
Elementary Schools and Secondary Schools, both public and private, have computers
on their respective institution. In another survey research 80.4% (FIT-ED. Survey 2002)
of the total number of hours of computer use in the schools is allotted for the basic ICT
skills training under Technology and Home Economics. Also DepED estimates that only
one out of seven schools has teachers who are computer literate (Abad, 2004).
Being computer literate gives the student a prospect to excel rapidly in the
changing environment in technology. According to Reynolds (2007), computer literacy
means being knowledgeable about the capabilities of hardware and software and
understanding how computers and the internet can enhance students educational
experiences.
The government and the education sector have come up with plans for computer
literacy of learners as well as teachers. According to Carandang (2010), Senator Angara
commended the incoming administration to legislate an integrated computer education.
He also proposed the creation of the Board of Computer Education which will promote
the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme of the program that will facilitate the
computer literacy training of teachers. Angara also admonished to integrate computer
subjects in private and public schools from elementary up to high school; providing
materials and equipment to be used in implementing computer literacy. They are making
laws and bills like House Bill No. 632 introduced by Senator Escudero (2003), an act to
integrate a computer education program into the educational system and for other
purposes, for pursuing the objectives in achieving goals for better quality education.
McKay (2012) stated that in businesses, a computer is standard. In the bank they
use computers to look up your account information. They use computers in the auto
repair shop to assess ones car. One can't find books in the library by looking in a card
catalog a computerized database must be used. Doctors' offices utilize computers to
store patient information. The point is no matter where one can find employment, there
is a good chance a computer will be a basic tool he or she will have to use. It is in ones
best interests to start off computer literate. It will help one get a job and it will help one
advance in his or her career. Computer literacy does not mean one needs to know how
to use every single piece of software he or she may encounter. It does not mean one
needs to know how to write programs or network computers. He or she just needs to
know some basics how to save and open a file, how to use a word processing
program, and how to send and receive email for starters. It means having some sort
of level of comfort around computers rather than a look of fear and a feeling of
foreboding.
In universities, some books utilized by the teachers can have additional and
useful links to the internet. There are also instances that teachers integrate the use of
computer in their class activities. In this way if the students will have enough knowledge
with computers and its applications, it will be easy for the students to understand the
advantage of being computer literate. They will also realize that the computer is not only
for recreation and entertainment but a useful benefit to them. Consulting to Carlson and
Gadio (2002), educational technology is not, and never will be, transformative on its
own. It requires teachers who can integrate technology into the curriculum and use it to
improve students learning. Teachers are the keys to how technology is used
appropriately and effectively.
Currently, as observed by the researcher, students in Cebu Technological
University Tuburan Campus have acquired laptops, tablets, computers, etc. to help
them in their tasks in terms of preserving records, encoding documents, computation
and browsing the internet. Hypothetically thinking most of the students have only a
minimal knowledge in computer except for those who have guts to explore the
components of the gadgets and it uses. The researchers clinched; do these students
know how to utilize computer?
Realizing the compelling need of students to be computer literate for them to be
competitive when they will surface to the business industry after the graduation, the
researcher was motivated to determine the computer aptitude and skills of the freshmen
students at Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus for the school year 2014 2015. It is hoped that the study results can help the researcher come up with a
possibility of students to utilize computers in order to improve their computer skills and
for them not to be left behind on the requirements of the businesses. Especially
nowadays business establishments require a worker who is computer literate. As what
Warnat (1983) stressed that computers drive today's workplace and technological
literacy is identified as a matter for critical concern in an information society. Employers,
therefore, seek computer literacy in almost everyone they hire. A possible solution also
is for the university to have a computer preparedness program to the newly enrolled
students right before the start of the school year.
Significance of the Study
This study will be significant to:
University. The results of this study will be the basis for a program which will
benefit the university. This will elevate the quality of education of the students through
the use of computers.
Administrator. The outcomes of this study will be used as a basis for planning,
designing and implementing a computer literacy program for the students.
Teachers. The output of this investigation would make the teachers aware of
updated technology and utilized technology to improve instructional materials, learning
experiences, teaching competence, and learners performance. Also computers can
help teachers in terms of information access and research. Moreover, they will also be
aware of their weaknesses and strengths about computer; and consequently, make the
necessary adjustments from outdated to updated trainings and seminars.
Researchers. The results of the study can be a basis for other researchers
future references. It will also give them idea on the importance of computer in the
research process. They may include other variables to deepen the study for effective
computer literacy program.
Parents. Endless support to upgrade the technological expertise of their children
and the teacher will in a better teaching-learning process for their children.
Students. They will benefit from this study because they are the ultimate
recipients of computer literacy program delivered to them.
Limitations of the Study
This study focused on the assessment of the computer preparedness of the
freshmen students of Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014
2015. The findings were the basis for a proposed computer literacy program to be done
before the start of the classes each school year. The study covered the assessment of
the students computer literacy in terms of general computer operations; communication
and the internet; word processing; spreadsheets; graphics. The respondents are the
total populace of freshmen students of Cebu Technological University Tuburan
Campus, S.Y. 2014 - 2015 from the different courses.
Workplan Schedule
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The expected output should present the summary of the findings based on the
gathered data relative to the problems of this study. This study evaluated and assessed
the computer literacy of freshmen students at Cebu Technological University Tuburan
Campus, S.Y. 2013 -2014. The output also includes the conclusions drawn derived from
the findings, and the recommendations
Budgetary Requirements
The researcher expects that the questionnaire is the only thing that needs
budgetary amount in the study. The questions are embedded in a page long bond paper
and printing cost of each bond paper is 3 pesos. There are 876 freshmen students (as
of July 2, 2014) enrolled to various courses in the university as what the researchers
have acquired to the Registrars Office of the institution. The target respondents of the
researcher should compose 30% of the total population of freshmen students at Cebu
Technological University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014 2015, which are
approximately 263 of the populace.
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Chapter 2
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low-technical aspects of the capabilities and limitations of computers, and of the social,
vocational, and educational implications of computers. While such a definition can
provide a focus for thought and discussion, it still does not pinpoint what is meant by
computer literacy. Among other things it does not provide a measure of computer
literacy nor a method for improving a person's level of computer literacy.
Alvarez (1995) maintains that the age of computer literacy is upon us, with
thousands of computers being bought each day and thousands more already in use
they are quickly becoming a mainstay in our lives. It is even more apparent in the
economy where companies depend on machinery and equipment that is far more
advanced than past equipment. Most companies that wish to succeed in this global
economy have to become computer-literate in one way or another. This computerliteracy entails not so much the intricate knowledge about how a computer works but
rather just the ability to use it for work related tasks. Whether the firm uses some type of
machine that is controlled by a microprocessor or whether they directly use these
computers they do interact with these machines and must learn to use them. He argues
that computers however small have, and will to a greater extent, become a part of the
fundamental knowledge needed to survive in society.
According to a study by Ndahi and Gupta (2000), computers drive today's
COMPUTER
OFtherefore,
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL
UNIVERSITY
workplace.LITERACY
Employers,
seek computer literacy
in almost everyone they hire.
TUBURAN
CAMPUS
FRESHMEN
STUDENTS,
S.Y.
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In the workplace 'computer literacy' means ability to operate a computer, knowledge of
keyboarding skills, word-processing and familiarity with some basic software such as
Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, and Excel. The basic idea behind seeking computer
literate employees is to facilitate the training of other workplace-specific software and
programs. Computer literate hires make it easier to train them further. It is analogous to
the basic skill of reading, which enables technical, content area reading for learners. In
today's workplace, the job applicant who lacks computer skills is seriously handicapped,
both in obtaining a job and qualifying for promotion (Martin, Carrier & Hill, 1997).
According to recent projections, only about 22 percent of people currently
entering the labor market possess the technology skills that will be required for 60% of
new jobs in the year 2000 (Zuckerman, 1994). A study conducted by the WadleyDonovan Group (September 1999) showed that companies have difficulty finding
employees with the necessary computer skills; basic computer skills are required of
over 75% of office personnel; among software applications. Work processing is the most
required and knowledge of database software needs is growing. Employees who work
at least-skilled levels will need some knowledge of operating computers if they are to
move upward in the job-market. Thus, basic technology skills and knowledge are
viewed as necessary employment tools for the workforce.
In a separate study conducted by Gupta and Ndahi (2002), they found out that
about 22 percent of adults currently entering the labor market possess the technology
skills that are required for 60% of new jobs. The paper described the training provided
to tutors and trainers of adult learning centers in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Results
showed that the trainees, prior to the training, had limited access to computer
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