Teachers' Proficiency Level in the Utilization of Information and Communication Technology Under the Kto 12 Program in Public Secondary Schools at San Nicolas District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Technology plays a lot in the teaching-learning process especially under the K to 12 program. Competence with technology is now considered a basic literacy requirement for employment and school systems expect teachers to do more with technology. The challenge for teachers is how to become knowledgeable and competent about uses of technology given the constraints on their time. To be able to use new technologies, teachers must be equipped with skills which they need to demonstrate in teaching to cope up with the current demands of the curriculum and their clients, the students.

METHODS

A descriptive design was used in this study. This method suits the nature of this study since it deals on the measurement of the status of proficiency level in the utilization of technology and the different aspects enclosing it. The main research instrument used in gathering the data was the questionnaire. It dealt with the profile of respondents and centered on the computer literacy of teachers.

RESULTS

The proficiency level of the secondary public school teachers of San Nicolas district in using new technologies under the K to 12 program was on the level of satisfactory. The secondary school teachers were seriously affected by the problems and hindrances encountered in using new technology. The problems were unstable internet connection, inadequate training in using new technologies and inadequate number of functional technology in the school. The teachers did not significantly affect the proficiency level of the teachers in the utilization of new technology.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers must be adaptable and enthusiastic in attending and learning from training's they will be attending regarding the proper usage of new technology for teaching to promote a deeper understanding or learning of the students. The findings implied that the satisfactory proficiency level of the teacher-respondents in utilizing new technology was adequate enough to cope with the serious problems encountered by the teachers in the utilization of new technologies. The school administrators and teachers must be resourceful in looking for sponsors who will help the school in providing the digital teaching tools needed by the teachers and students for better teaching-learning process. The school administrators should find ways and means to resolve problems affecting the use of new technology by acquiring stable internet connection; allocate funds to obtain the necessary technology needed in the classroom.