The Effects of Using Computer-Based Learning in

Ateneo de Naga University

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Education has evolved throughout the years to adapt to changing times and to cater to diverse set

of learners. At the start of the 21st century, technology became even more popular and the

internet started incorporating itself into different human activities. Today, internet is no longer

just a medium of communication or a tool used by corporations. Today, the Internet has become

a partner of education in what we call Computer-Based Learning or “CBL”.

Computer-based learning is the use of technology, primarily computers and the internet, in order

to conduct a lesson, assessment, and/or to share learning materials to students (Williams, 2012).

In Ateneo de Naga Univeristy (AdNU), CBL is commonly used in subjects like economics

(ECOS001) wherein they make use of Aplia, an online course, to conduct quizzes, exams, and

distribute learning materials.

There have been a lot of debates whether CBL is more beneficial or is more detrimental to

education. Wang, Ryu and Katuk (2015) note that when learners are being exposed to the

computer-based learning environment they may experience different cognitive-affective states

which is beneficial because it could address the need of the diverse learning performance of the

learners. However, they also stated that some students may tend to hamper themselves in the

process of the computer-based learning due to the fact that they are falling into either anxiety or

boredom states.
Furthermore, one study suggests that students who study through computer based learning

experience different emotions. The result of this study was able to identify three kinds of

emotion namely; engaged concentration, boredom and anxiety. It showed that 75 percent of the

participating students were concentrated in learning when using computers. Interestingly, it was

discovered that boredom and anxiety affect the students’ performance, especially those who are

academically challenged, positively. Firstly, boredom increases a student’s curiosity. Also, it

helps low performing students to focus more since CBL gives an organized content of lessons

which makes the student organize his or her own tasks (Ruili, Hokyoung and Katuk, 2015).

According to Ural and Ercan (2015), web-based learning improves the academic performance,

specifically in grade 7. This is because web-based learning provides a conducive learning

environment which is adaptable to each student’s pace of learning. They further explained that

web-based learning enables students to repeat lessons or sections which are not yet clear for

them. This feature is very useful especially to students who are hesitant to ask questions to their

teachers.

However, we must never take CBL for granted. One research suggests that instructors must teach

in a computer based learning environment in a conversational manner. It is found that students

see computers as more friendly when instructions are given in a personalized way (Liew, 2013).

Whether CBL is beneficial, detrimental, or is the ultimate solution for illiteracy is completely

relative to the context of the people/school using it. This research will aim to identify whether or

not CBL is beneficial not just for the students, but also for the teachers and the school.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research aims to assess whether Computer Based Learning is an effective strategy for
teaching.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following question:

1. How often do students access the Internet?

2. What subjects incorporates CBL?
3. What are the challenges experienced by the students in CBL?
4. How do students perceive CBL?

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study will try to identify the effects of Computer-Based Learning in terms of how they

affect the facilitation of learning. This study made use of the students of several classes in

ADNU.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will prove to be beneficial to the following stakeholders:

The Students – The students will be able to understand CBL more and in the process be
able to adjust to their classes.

The Teachers – They will be able to know the benefits and detriments of using CBL and
in doing so, make adjustments that will benefit them and their students.

The School – The school can adjust and further strengthen school policies to best
maximize the learning potential of the students.
 The Future Researchers – Future researchers can use this paper as a reference and as a
foundation for their own studies regarding CBL.