A Usability Analysis of Wolfram Alpha for the Students of Saint Augustine School-Senior High School in Tanza, Cavite

Abstract

Technology is a necessity in the lives of people. It has been an integral part of the academic performance of students since it is widely used as a scaffolding device for understanding complex lessons. It has been integrated into classrooms all around the world and will continuously be used in the future. Thus, the use of alternative learning solution like the implementation of technology in classrooms is now more common. In addition, the implementation of the internet in education gives new opportunities for students to learn at their own pace. Hence, this qualitative research study aims to show the usability of a computational knowledge engine entitled ‘WolframAlpha’ to help Senior High School students easily cope with their studies. 56 from 400+ students of Saint Augustine School-Senior High School-Tanza, Cavite were systematically and conveniently selected to answer the survey questionnaire for this study. The results shed light on the idea that most of the students (97%) used this kind of engine to help them in coping with subjects like Math and Science. Due to this, the student participants deem that it is important for struggling students to make use of Wolfram Alpha to get a step by step procedure on how one can understand how to solve a specific problem. Technology integration in the curriculum is deemed to be one of the most important priorities in 21st-century learning. It has undoubtedly played a major role in the way students learn. The respondents of the study shed light on the fact that most of the students on their age group rely heavily on the existence of online platforms for understanding complex questions especially in subjects like Math, English, and Science.