Computer Literacy of Public Secondary School Teachers in Candaba: Its Implications to Science

Abstract

IntroductionScience is one of the subjects inclined with the use of modern technology such as computers. Thus, the variation in computer literacy among science teachers can somehow be a subject for discussion. Although government programs were initiated toupgrade computer skills, the fact still exists that some educators are stuck-up to the traditional methods of teaching. It is for this reason that this study was conducted to find out the extent of computer literacy of public secondary school teachers in Candaba and determine its implications for science instruction.

Methods

A mixed-method was used in this study. The descriptive method was used in gathering relevant information on the status of computer literacy of the science teacher respondents. School heads were likewise surveyed to determine the competency of their science teachers. The experimental method, on the other hand, was conducted to analyze the implications of computer literacy to science instruction as reflected in the results of the experimental students' pretest and post-test using the traditional and computer-aided methods of instruction.

Results

Results revealed that the majority of the science teachers in Candaba still use traditional methods in teaching. It also showed that the teacher respondents lack training in computers. As regards the extent of computer literacy, the science teacher respondents were verbally described as "very proficient" in MS Word but are "moderately proficient" in the use of MS Excel and MS Powerpoint. Data gathered likewise proved that students' performance in the Regional Achievement Test is verbally described as "below average" and therefore needs improvement. Results also indicated a highly significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores using traditional and computer-aided instruction. This study then disclosed that science teacher respondents' computer literacy is highly and significantly correlated with their teaching competency.

Discussions

Based on the results of this study, computer literacy has a significant impact on science instruction. In this sense, traditional science teachers should deviate from the view that computer technology is just an “add-on” to the educational process. Each educator must be aware that computers now play a vital role in upgrading classroom instruction. Hence, science teachers should design more creative means in teaching the subject such as exposing students to the modern methods of instruction.