Running head: COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15

The ICT Preparedness of Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus Freshmen

Students for the School Year 2014 2015

Charles Aloba Dalogdog

Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15

Chapter 1

Introduction
Albano, et al. (2007) questioned why we need computers. Agreeing to them, the
answer is clear. In all facets of daily living education, work, pleasure, entertainment,
communication, marketing, business, and the like, computer is constantly present. With
the dawn of globalization, technological revolution has taken place. Man has to be
computer literate because that is the demand of the time. If he does not go with the tide,
he will be left behind. Today, there is no doubt that majority of the human beings are
computer literate. There are three measurements to assess the level of computer
literacy. The first is awareness. When you begin to study computers, you will be aware
of their importance, versatility, and pervasiveness in our society. Second is knowledge.
You will learn what computers are and how they function. This requires knowing some
technical jargons in order to understand the computer language. The last is interaction.
The best way to understand computers is to use it directly for some simple applications,
like doing research via the Internet, mailing and chatting electronically.
Nowadays, computers play a big part in education especially in mounting
countries like the Philippines. According to Casiano (2007), computer has a capability
for administrative and managerial users, namely: easing enrollment procedures,
preparing transcript of records, recording grades, paying school fees, and others, as
well as for teaching purposes. Moreover, it has given way to the development of multimedia which is creating an exciting and very real interactive learning environment.
According to a survey conducted by SEAMEO (2000-2001) for DepEd, 14.28% of
Elementary Schools and Secondary Schools, both public and private, have computers
on their respective institution. In another survey research 80.4% (FIT-ED. Survey 2002)
of the total number of hours of computer use in the schools is allotted for the basic ICT
skills training under Technology and Home Economics. Also DepED estimates that only
one out of seven schools has teachers who are computer literate (Abad, 2004).
Being computer literate gives the student a prospect to excel rapidly in the
changing environment in technology. According to Reynolds (2007), computer literacy
means being knowledgeable about the capabilities of hardware and software and
understanding how computers and the internet can enhance students educational
experiences.
The government and the education sector have come up with plans for computer
literacy of learners as well as teachers. According to Carandang (2010), Senator Angara
commended the incoming administration to legislate an integrated computer education.
He also proposed the creation of the Board of Computer Education which will promote
the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme of the program that will facilitate the
computer literacy training of teachers. Angara also admonished to integrate computer
subjects in private and public schools from elementary up to high school; providing
materials and equipment to be used in implementing computer literacy. They are making

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15

laws and bills like House Bill No. 632 introduced by Senator Escudero (2003), an act to
integrate a computer education program into the educational system and for other
purposes, for pursuing the objectives in achieving goals for better quality education.
McKay (2012) stated that in businesses, a computer is standard. In the bank they
use computers to look up your account information. They use computers in the auto
repair shop to assess ones car. One can't find books in the library by looking in a card
catalog a computerized database must be used. Doctors' offices utilize computers to
store patient information. The point is no matter where one can find employment, there
is a good chance a computer will be a basic tool he or she will have to use. It is in ones
best interests to start off computer literate. It will help one get a job and it will help one
advance in his or her career. Computer literacy does not mean one needs to know how
to use every single piece of software he or she may encounter. It does not mean one
needs to know how to write programs or network computers. He or she just needs to
know some basics how to save and open a file, how to use a word processing
program, and how to send and receive email for starters. It means having some sort
of level of comfort around computers rather than a look of fear and a feeling of
foreboding.
In universities, some books utilized by the teachers can have additional and
useful links to the internet. There are also instances that teachers integrate the use of
computer in their class activities. In this way if the students will have enough knowledge
with computers and its applications, it will be easy for the students to understand the
advantage of being computer literate. They will also realize that the computer is not only
for recreation and entertainment but a useful benefit to them. Consulting to Carlson and
Gadio (2002), educational technology is not, and never will be, transformative on its
own. It requires teachers who can integrate technology into the curriculum and use it to
improve students learning. Teachers are the keys to how technology is used
appropriately and effectively.
Currently, as observed by the researcher, students in Cebu Technological
University Tuburan Campus have acquired laptops, tablets, computers, etc. to help
them in their tasks in terms of preserving records, encoding documents, computation
and browsing the internet. Hypothetically thinking most of the students have only a
minimal knowledge in computer except for those who have guts to explore the
components of the gadgets and it uses. The researchers clinched; do these students
know how to utilize computer?
Realizing the compelling need of students to be computer literate for them to be
competitive when they will surface to the business industry after the graduation, the
researcher was motivated to determine the computer aptitude and skills of the freshmen
students at Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus for the school year 2014 2015. It is hoped that the study results can help the researcher come up with a
possibility of students to utilize computers in order to improve their computer skills and
for them not to be left behind on the requirements of the businesses. Especially
nowadays business establishments require a worker who is computer literate. As what

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15

Warnat (1983) stressed that computers drive today's workplace and technological
literacy is identified as a matter for critical concern in an information society. Employers,
therefore, seek computer literacy in almost everyone they hire. A possible solution also
is for the university to have a computer preparedness program to the newly enrolled
students right before the start of the school year.
Significance of the Study
This study will be significant to:
University. The results of this study will be the basis for a program which will
benefit the university. This will elevate the quality of education of the students through
the use of computers.
Administrator. The outcomes of this study will be used as a basis for planning,
designing and implementing a computer literacy program for the students.
Teachers. The output of this investigation would make the teachers aware of
updated technology and utilized technology to improve instructional materials, learning
experiences, teaching competence, and learners performance. Also computers can
help teachers in terms of information access and research. Moreover, they will also be
aware of their weaknesses and strengths about computer; and consequently, make the
necessary adjustments from outdated to updated trainings and seminars.
Researchers. The results of the study can be a basis for other researchers
future references. It will also give them idea on the importance of computer in the
research process. They may include other variables to deepen the study for effective
computer literacy program.
Parents. Endless support to upgrade the technological expertise of their children
and the teacher will in a better teaching-learning process for their children.
Students. They will benefit from this study because they are the ultimate
recipients of computer literacy program delivered to them.
Limitations of the Study
This study focused on the assessment of the computer preparedness of the
freshmen students of Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014
2015. The findings were the basis for a proposed computer literacy program to be done
before the start of the classes each school year. The study covered the assessment of
the students computer literacy in terms of general computer operations; communication
and the internet; word processing; spreadsheets; graphics. The respondents are the
total populace of freshmen students of Cebu Technological University Tuburan
Campus, S.Y. 2014 - 2015 from the different courses.

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
5

The courses scoped are:

1. Bachelor of Arts (AB English)
2. Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED major in CE)
3. Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSED majors in Business Technology, Home
Economics Technology, Math and Industrial Technology)
4. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE)
5. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
6. Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE)
7. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
8. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA)
9. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
10. Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology (BSICT),
11. Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT majors in Automotive,
Computer Technology, Drafting Technology, Electricity, Electronics, Food
Technology, Garments Technology, Machine Shop and Welding and Fabrication)
Definition of Terms
For a better and clearer understanding of this study, the following terms are
operationally defined, while others were taken from other sources:
Assessment means to evaluate a students progress in learning new skills and
knowledge. (Stronge, et al. 2004).In this study, assessment means to estimate the
literacy rate of students in computer applications.
Computer literacy means being knowledgeable about the capabilities of
hardware and software and understanding how computers and the internet can
enhance students educational experiences (Reynolds, et al. 2007).
Information Communication Technology (ICT) means any piece of technology
that allows users to create, store, display information in all its forms (text, images, video,
and audio) and communicate it over distance. ICT includes computers, handheld
computers, and cell phones and the convergence of any of these technologies (Gaible,
2005).
COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
freshmen
studentS.Y.
enrolled
TUBURAN Student
CAMPUS means
FRESHMEN
STUDENTS,
14 - 15 in various courses in Cebu
Technological University Tuburan Campus for S.Y. 2014 2015.
Word Processing is a software program that includes tools for entering, editing,
and formatting text and graphics. It allows you to create and enhance a wide range of
documents quickly and easily (Beskeen, 2009).

Spreadsheet is the type of application software used to create computerized

spreadsheets, which typically contain a great deal of numbers and mathematical
calculations (Morley, 2009).
Graphics/Graphics Presentation is an image designed to visually enhance a
presentation, typically to convey information more easily to people. It can be used in
electronic slide shows, as well as in printed handouts, overhead transparencies, word
processing documents, and Web pages (Morley, 2009).
Communications/Communication network is to convey message from one
point or place to another. It is associated with machine to machine communications,
such as terminals to computer and computer to computer communications (Dhotre,
2007).
Internet is a worldwide collection of separate, but interconnected, networks that
are used daily by millions of people to obtain information, disseminate information,
access entertainment, or communicate with others (Morley, 2009).
Objectives of the Study
This study aimed to assess the students computer literacy at Cebu Technological
University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014 - 2015. Specifically, the researcher sought
answers to the following questions:
1. Determine the number of respondents and demographic profile in terms of:
1.1 name;
1.2 age;
1.3 gender;
1.4 address;
1.5 last school attended;
1.6 course;
1.7 computer
trainings
COMPUTER
LITERACY
OFattended;
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
1.8 ownership of computer; and
1.9 numbers of hours of computer usage per week?
1.10 Access to a computer
1.11 Person who taught the use a computer

1.12 Computer literacy rating

1.13 Current typing skills rating
2. 2. How the computer competencies of student respondents may be described in
terms of:
2.1 General Computer Operations;
2.2 Communication and Internet;
2.3 Word Processing;
2.4 Spreadsheets; and
2.5 Graphics?

Workplan Schedule

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
Hyphothesis to be tested
Computer literacy of the students enrolled in different courses may vary
according to the students knowledge of computer.
Methodology
To attain the objectives of the study, the researcher used the descriptive method.
Jackson (2007) says that in descriptive method the researcher used questionnaires
distributed to the respondents. After the questionnaires were distributed and answered
the researcher retrieved the questionnaires and collected the data. The researcher also
asks questions to the respondents on a topic or topics and then describing their
responses.
The Respondents
The respondents of the study are the freshmen students enrolled in various
courses of Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014 2015.
Data Gathering Instrument
Questionnaire is the principal instrument used in gathering data on the computer
literacy of respondents. This has seven parts, namely: Part I is about the profile of the
students which includes age, gender, address, last school attended, course, computer
trainings attended, ownership of computer, and number of hours of computer usage per
week, access to computer of the student, person who taught the use a computer,

computer literacy rating of student to himself/herself, current typing skills rating of

students to himself/herself and; Part II is about the level of computer literacy of the
students.
Construction of the Instrument
Survey questionnaires were administered personally by the researcher based on
the information needed by the researcher. To interpret the responses of the students,
the researcher used the ratings with its descriptive equivalent. The questionnaires scale
was used in the interpretation of the responses of the students.
Administration and Retrieval of Research Instrument
The questionnaires will be distributed to the students who were first oriented on
the significance of the study. The questions were explained to them by the researcher,
after which, they were asked to answer individually. The questionnaires were collected
right after they were accomplished.
COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
Statistical Treatment of Data
The frequency counts and percentage used in describing and assessing the
computer literacy program presents the formula for this as Calmorin (2006):
P = f/n x 100%
Where:
P = Percentage
f = frequency
N = number of respondents
To interpret and analyze the data on the respondents assessment of their
computer literacy in the areas of general computer operations, communication and the
internet, word processing, spreadsheets, the following formula was used:
WM = TWF/N
Where:
WM = weighted mean
TWF = total weighted mean
N = number of respondents
Expected Output

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The expected output should present the summary of the findings based on the
gathered data relative to the problems of this study. This study evaluated and assessed
the computer literacy of freshmen students at Cebu Technological University Tuburan
Campus, S.Y. 2013 -2014. The output also includes the conclusions drawn derived from
the findings, and the recommendations
Budgetary Requirements
The researcher expects that the questionnaire is the only thing that needs
budgetary amount in the study. The questions are embedded in a page long bond paper
and printing cost of each bond paper is 3 pesos. There are 876 freshmen students (as
of July 2, 2014) enrolled to various courses in the university as what the researchers
have acquired to the Registrars Office of the institution. The target respondents of the
researcher should compose 30% of the total population of freshmen students at Cebu
Technological University Tuburan Campus, S.Y. 2014 2015, which are
approximately 263 of the populace.

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
Here is the budgetary breakdown for the study:
Questionnaire x Questionaire Cost/Page --------------------------- 2 page * 3 pesos = 6 Php
-

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -

No. of Students x Questionnaire Cost ------------------------------ 263 * 6 pesos = 1578 Php

Proposal Drafting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
Php
Editing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100 Php
Miscellaneous Expenses -------------------------------------------------------------------- 200 Php
Overall Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1, 978 Php

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature.

The researchers of this study reviewed a number of related literature and
research studies to have a good background of the present study.
According to Moursund (2012), the concept of "computer literacy" is receiving
much mention today. Computer literacy refers to knowledge of the non-technical and

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low-technical aspects of the capabilities and limitations of computers, and of the social,
vocational, and educational implications of computers. While such a definition can
provide a focus for thought and discussion, it still does not pinpoint what is meant by
computer literacy. Among other things it does not provide a measure of computer
literacy nor a method for improving a person's level of computer literacy.
Alvarez (1995) maintains that the age of computer literacy is upon us, with
thousands of computers being bought each day and thousands more already in use
they are quickly becoming a mainstay in our lives. It is even more apparent in the
economy where companies depend on machinery and equipment that is far more
advanced than past equipment. Most companies that wish to succeed in this global
economy have to become computer-literate in one way or another. This computerliteracy entails not so much the intricate knowledge about how a computer works but
rather just the ability to use it for work related tasks. Whether the firm uses some type of
machine that is controlled by a microprocessor or whether they directly use these
computers they do interact with these machines and must learn to use them. He argues
that computers however small have, and will to a greater extent, become a part of the
fundamental knowledge needed to survive in society.
According to a study by Ndahi and Gupta (2000), computers drive today's
COMPUTER
OFtherefore,
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL
UNIVERSITY
workplace.LITERACY
Employers,
seek computer literacy
in almost everyone they hire.
TUBURAN
CAMPUS
FRESHMEN
STUDENTS,
S.Y.
14
15
In the workplace 'computer literacy' means ability to operate a computer, knowledge of
keyboarding skills, word-processing and familiarity with some basic software such as
Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, and Excel. The basic idea behind seeking computer
literate employees is to facilitate the training of other workplace-specific software and
programs. Computer literate hires make it easier to train them further. It is analogous to
the basic skill of reading, which enables technical, content area reading for learners. In
today's workplace, the job applicant who lacks computer skills is seriously handicapped,
both in obtaining a job and qualifying for promotion (Martin, Carrier & Hill, 1997).
According to recent projections, only about 22 percent of people currently
entering the labor market possess the technology skills that will be required for 60% of
new jobs in the year 2000 (Zuckerman, 1994). A study conducted by the WadleyDonovan Group (September 1999) showed that companies have difficulty finding
employees with the necessary computer skills; basic computer skills are required of
over 75% of office personnel; among software applications. Work processing is the most
required and knowledge of database software needs is growing. Employees who work
at least-skilled levels will need some knowledge of operating computers if they are to
move upward in the job-market. Thus, basic technology skills and knowledge are
viewed as necessary employment tools for the workforce.
In a separate study conducted by Gupta and Ndahi (2002), they found out that
about 22 percent of adults currently entering the labor market possess the technology
skills that are required for 60% of new jobs. The paper described the training provided
to tutors and trainers of adult learning centers in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Results
showed that the trainees, prior to the training, had limited access to computer

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technology and needed training in incorporating computer technology in the curriculum.

After the training, trainees have shown increased levels of comfort with various
software, including word processing programs, such as MS Word, PowerPoint,
Netscape, Hyperstudio and MS FrontPage.
This computer-literacy study entails not so much the intricate knowledge about
how a computer works but rather just the ability to use it for work related tasks. The
results of this study can be a way for the students and the institution to help the
essential of being a computer literate for nowadays and in the near future the industry
requires a computer literate worker, for that near future establishments will be equipping
their workplace with high technology devices for an efficient and time saving working
phase.

COMPUTER LITERACY OF CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TUBURAN CAMPUS FRESHMEN STUDENTS, S.Y. 14 - 15
References
A. Books
Martin, J., Carrier, A., & Hill, E. (1997).Changing Workplace: Employers Speak.
Weldon
Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia.
B. Journals
Gupta, A. &Ndahi, H. (2002).Meeting the Digital Literacy Needs of Growing
Workforce. The Reading Matrix, Vol. 2, Issue No. 1.
Ndahi, H. & Gupta, A. (2000). Computer Literacy for Workforce Development. The
Reading Matrix, Vol. 37, Issue No. 1.
C. Web Sources
Alvarez, F. Jr. (1995).Computer Literacy. Retrieved August 2, 2014, from
http://eserver.org/courses/spring95/76-100g/Felix.Contribution.txt.html
Moursund, D. (2012). What is Computer Literacy? Retrieved August 2,
2014, from http://www.atariarchives.org/bcc2/showpage.php?page=61
D. Other Sources
Wadley-Donovan Group (1999). Workforce Development and Training Systems
Audit. Technical report prepared for the city of Harrisonburg and the
county of Rockingham, Virginia.

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