EXPLORING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY’S PERCEPTIONS AND USAGE PATTERNS OF E-WALLETS AS A PAYMENT OPTION FOR SCHOOL TRANSACTIONS: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Abstract

As the world continues to evolve, so does technology. Technological advancements—particularly the rise of e-wallets—are becoming increasingly widespread, influencing many aspects of society, including education. This study explores the perceptions of the St. Mary’s College, Inc. Quezon City (SMCIQC) community regarding the potential implementation of an e-wallet system as an option for conducting school transactions. The researchers conducted the study with a diverse sample of 277 participants from the school community, with the only criterion being that participants were 14 years old or older. A simple random sampling method was employed. Additionally, a thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the respondents’ perceptions. To gain administrative insight into the challenges and potential benefits of e-wallet implementation, a face-to-face interview was conducted with Sr. Maria Apolina Dumandan, RVM, the Vice President for Finance. Quantitative Results: Students: Responses ranged from Neutral (2.93) to Strongly Agree (4.92), with most falling under the Agree (A) category. Parents: Responses were generally higher, ranging from Neutral (2.91) to Strongly Agree (4.70), with the majority in the Strongly Agree (SA) category. Personnel: Responses varied from Neutral (3.65) to Strongly Agree (4.68), showing a mix of Agree (A) and Strongly Agree (SA) ratings.  Overall Results: Most respondents agreed (average rating: 4.10). Questions Q3 (4.54) and Q14 (4.77) received the highest Strongly Agree ratings, while Q4 had the lowest rating (Neutral, 3.16). Questions Q9 and Q12 were marked as not answered (NA).  Qualitative Results: The study identified several challenges related to implementing e-wallets for school transactions. Security concerns emerged as a major issue; Sr. Maria Apolina highlighted the risks associated with processing large transaction volumes, such as daily enrollment fees exceeding half a million pesos. Verification difficulties were also noted, particularly with e-wallet-to-e-wallet transactions, which complicate record-keeping and reduce transparency during disputes compared to the existing system. Students, parents, and school personnel expressed a generally positive view of e-wallets, highlighting their convenience and efficiency. However, concerns about internet reliability, accessibility to technology, and privacy and security issues hindered the full adoption and potential implementation of the system. Overall, while the community appears ready to embrace e-wallets, addressing these challenges is essential to ensure successful integration.