IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY - BASED CLASSROOM ON SELECTED GRADE 12 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is revolutionizing education by introducing digital tools and online resources that enhance teaching and learning experiences. However, several challenges accompany this digital transformation:​  Digital Divide: A significant concern is the disparity in access to technology and the internet, known as the digital divide. For instance, in California, approximately 27% of schoolchildren lack the necessary broadband to attend school remotely, and 16% have no internet connection at all. This gap hinders students' ability to develop essential digital skills and participate fully in educational activities.​  Non-Educational Distractions: The widespread availability of digital devices can lead to distractions, as students might engage in non-educational activities during learning sessions.​  Privacy Concerns and Over-Reliance: Integrating technology into education raises privacy issues related to data security. Additionally, an over-reliance on technology may affect the development of fundamental skills that are traditionally nurtured through non-digital means.​  Digital Literacy: In the digital age, possessing digital literacy skills is crucial for academic and professional success. Educators and students alike must be proficient in navigating and utilizing digital platforms effectively.​  Equitable Access: Ensuring all students, including those from low-income families and rural communities, have access to technology and the internet is vital. In Australia, for example, the rising costs of digital tools have placed significant pressure on family budgets, with many parents concerned about affording essential educational resources. ​ News.com.au  Flexible Learning Environments: Technology has transformed traditional classrooms into flexible learning spaces, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.​  Educator Training and Support: Proper integration of ICT in education requires comprehensive training and ongoing support for educators. Organizations like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provide professional development courses to help teachers integrate technology effectively into their lessons. Additionally, initiatives like Open AI's free AI training course for teachers aim to demystify artificial intelligence and enhance educators' digital competencies. This study employed a descriptive research design, targeting seventy (70) Grade 12 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students from Bestlink College of the Philippines. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to select participants based on specific characteristics pertinent to the research objectives. The study evaluated the impact of technology-based classrooms on students, focusing on engagement, academic performance, and the development of 21st-century skills. A five-point Likert scale was used, where higher weighted means indicate stronger agreement with positive statements. The study examined the impact of technology-based classrooms on Grade 12 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students at Bestlink College of the Philippines, focusing on engagement, academic performance, and the development of 21st-century skills. Findings:  Engagement: Students reported a weighted mean of 3.35, indicating a positive perception of increased engagement in technology-based classrooms.​  Academic Performance: A weighted mean of 3.27 suggests that students perceive a moderate enhancement in their academic performance due to the integration of technology.​  Development of 21st-Century Skills: With a weighted mean of 3.45, students acknowledged a significant improvement in skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.​  The overall weighted mean across these areas is 3.47, reflecting a generally positive impact of technology-based classrooms on the students.​  Barriers Identified:  Despite the positive outcomes, students faced certain challenges:  Lack of Technological Knowledge: A weighted mean of 2.47 indicates that students generally disagreed with this being a significant barrier.​  Network Issues: With a weighted mean of 4.01, network connectivity problems were identified as a major obstacle in technology-based learning environments.​  Power Fluctuations: A weighted mean of 2.46 suggests that power instability was not considered a significant barrier by the students.​  The overall weighted mean for these barriers is 2.98, indicating a moderate level of concern, primarily due to network issues.​  Conclusions:  The integration of technology in classrooms has notably enhanced student engagement and the development of essential 21st-century skills. However, the anticipated improvement in academic performance was moderate, suggesting that while technology facilitates learning, it may not directly translate to higher academic achievement without additional supportive measures. Network connectivity emerged as the most significant barrier, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure to fully realize the benefits of technology-based education.​  Recommendations:  Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:  Infrastructure Enhancement: Invest in robust and reliable network infrastructure to mitigate connectivity issues, ensuring uninterrupted access to digital learning resources.​  Professional Development: Provide continuous training for educators to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices, thereby maximizing its potential to improve academic performance.​  Student Support Programs: Implement initiatives to assist students in developing technological proficiency, ensuring they can effectively engage with digital tools and resources.​  Comprehensive Evaluation: Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based classrooms, allowing for data-driven adjustments to enhance learning outcomes.​  By addressing these recommendations, educational institutions can optimize the benefits of technology-based classrooms, thereby enriching the learning experience and better preparing students for the demands of the digital age.