Computer Technology Competencies of Public Elementary School Teachers in the District of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite: Basis for a Training Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Today, most of the teachers in public schools have computers to help them with everyday teachings. Unfortunately, based on the researcher's observation, some teachers still have minimal computer competency. This study was conducted to evaluate the computer technology competencies of public elementary school teachers in the District of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite. It sought to find out the level of competencies on the use of computer technology as perceived by themselves and by the school administrators. The result helped the researcher to come up with a basis for developing a Suitable, Feasible and Accessible (SFA) teachers' Computer Technology Training Program.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted in the eight (8) public elementary schools in the District of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite during the school year 2016-2017 which involved 195 public elementary school teachers and eight school administrators selected through convenient sampling technique. The survey questionnaire used was adopted, modified, and validated to evaluate the computer technology competencies of public elementary school teachers. Frequency counts, percentage, and weighted mean were used to determine the effectiveness of the variables. T-test was also used to find out the significant difference between the assessment of the teachers and administrators. The chi-square was also used to determine the relationship between the respondents' profile and their computer technology competency.

RESULTS

Teachers were found to be on the "Basic Level" on the use of the word with the composite mean of 3.28; on Email (CM=3.12); on Presentation (CM=3.00); on Browsing (CM=2.97); on Spreadsheet (CM=2.86); and lastly, on Computer-Aided Instruction (CM=2.67). The overall weighted mean of 3.08 was obtained which reveals that teachers possess the Basic Level of competencies in all software applications.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers in the District of General Mariano Alvarez can only perform some of the competencies in computer technology and needed improvement for the success of their teaching profession. The computer technology competency of the respondents needs upgrading in most of the computer technologies indicated. The Computer Technology Training Program can be implemented in the District of General Mariano Alvarez since the respondents have a positive assessment of its suitability, acceptability, and feasibility as highly suitable, highly acceptable, and highly feasible.