Utilization of DCP Packages: Basis for Developing "Project COMMON" (Computerized Monitoring)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Incorporating technology usage within education has been highly recommended while it has also been struggling to secure rights and recognition, similar to how a new country scuffles to establish internationally recognized sovereign boundaries. Thus, it has been suggested that the application of technology in teaching should indeed be encouraged and even be incorporated. Thus, with the legal mandate of promoting the right of all citizens to make appropriate steps in making education accessible to all, theDepartment of Education (Department of Education) launched theDepartment of Education Computerization Program (DCP) towards the transformation of education. Consequently, challenges encountered by the students in utilizing the DCP packages was determined to devise a simple application that will speed-up the tasks and address common concerns.

METHODS

In the conduct of this study, the descriptive method was used in collecting and analyzing the necessary data, which involved the description, recording, analysis and interpretation of the condition existed. This method was used to obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe "what exists" with respect to variables or conditions in a situation. After considering the issues and problems to be answered, extensive research through interview, formulation of the questionnaire, distribution to the target respondents, gathering and analyzing the instruments and reviewing related information was conducted to obtain sufficient information.

RESULTS

The results of that study showed that there were factors that affected the utilization of the DCP packages. Students spent several minutes just to log in to the logbook instead of spending their time using computers. Furthermore, ballpens (for the logbook) and teachers to assist the users are not always available. Same problems were also observed when logging out. Though all units have the same specifications, the space inside the laboratory also served as hindrance in using the assigned computers. Furthermore, not all users are familiar to the programs installed due to the lack of orientation and training.

DISCUSSIONS

Since all of the identified challenges were related to time spent for each process, "Project Common" (computerized monitoring) was developed. It enables user to log in, log out, identify the PC to be used and learn basic information in using the programs installed in each computer. The program is still subjected for further development to address other possible concerns in the utilization of DCP packages.