Use of Audience Response System (ARS) In Response to the Needs of 21st Century Teachers in Selected Private Elementary Schools

Abstract

Introduction

One of the characteristics of a 21st-century teacher is being concerned about learner-centerEd classroom and personalized instructions. Teachers must go global and stay connected with students using any form of Audience Response System like Ipad, tablet, smartboard and computer. However, studies found that there are some factors why only a few students participate in the discussion. The challenge for the teachers is to determine what instructional tool and how to engage and improve students' participation. This study was conducted to find out the uses of ARS and the problems encountered by the respondents.

Methods

Descriptive-Survey research was used in this study. A self-made survey questionnaire and interview were formulated and agreed upon by the respondents and researcher for gathering data. The population included 82 teachers and 146 students who were using different ARS from 5 selected elementary private schools in Cavite, Laguna, and NCR. For the treatment of data, frequency count, mean and percentage were used to answer the specific problems in this study.

Results

Most teachers used ARS to increase student participation, to make visual aid more realistic and fun and to maintain the interest of the students. These findings gathered through questionnaires and reinforced by the same findings through interviews. Both students and teachers respondents found the advantage of using it because it enhances students’ participation, show immediate feedback accessible to all learners and does not cost much maintenance. However, it showed that most of the problems of both respondents were the slow internet connection and the lack of skills in using it.

Discussions

Schools administrators must consider the use of ARS in their respective schools with the high-speed connection of the internet considering that gadgets and devices are the 21st-century learners' needs. Teacher’s staff and other students should be trained in manipulating the ARS used. This can be done by setting up a calendar of activities for the benefit of the users.