Learning through pandemic: the significance of Modern Technology

and its effects as students' aid facing the new normal

Assessment of Students' learning circumstances amidst of corona

Charles Pilapil, Dwight Gambet, Charlie Mato Et Al.

Course #: BSIT -2C

Professor. Andrea Bautista

Assignment due date

 CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background if the study

Technology and pandemic, two familiar things that most of us are dealing with at the

moment. We are currently facing a pandemic that is hindering nearly all of our options to go

through our daily lives, as the technology stands as alternative to ease some problems this

pandemic have caused. Technology brings tools to promote development and give information,

making things easier and solving many problems for mankind. As it progresses, it makes our

lives even more convenient (DIGITALEDENZINDIA, 2019). It stands as convenience to our

everyday life on this times of pandemic, we use the help of technology for our work, necessities

and to help keep intact on our communication; other than that, it also serve as an instrument

to keep our studies/academics to carry on. But, what really is its relevance when it comes to
our academics? In this study we will apprehend the significance of technology and will consider

other aspects that affects one students' academic performance that are often overlooked.

It has been more than a year since the novel coronavirus (covid 19) struck the Philippines. More

than 1 million people have been infected by the said virus and we are sitting on a quarantine

since. It have been affecting many sectors of our country but the most affected is our economy,

On Biswas' (2021) blog about his study on the country's economy; he stated that:

The Philippines economy suffered a deep recession in 2020 due to the impact of the

COVID-19 pandemic, with GDP contracting by 9.6% year-on-year. This was the largest

annual decline ever recorded since National Accounts data series for the Philippines

commenced in 1946.

As our economy decline it also affects the sector of education, as our education have been

temporarily interrupted. Specifically, the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

released a COVID advisory stating the cancellation of classes and school activities on may on

march 9, 2020(Abel, 2020); And other branches of education just resumed recently. Also, it

adds weight for the majority of Filipino family that is struggling how can they support their

children's academics.
 On a study conducted by Rohman et al., (2020) - “Online Learning in higher Education during

Covid-19 Pandemic: Students’ Perceptions” exhibits that most of the students aren't fond of

online learning and is looked in a negative manner.

This study aims to give information about how can technology and any other means plays a

role on a student's education or way of learning. It'll give focus on the current circumstances of

information technology students from City of Malabon University.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The main objective of this study is to know the significance of technology to students and

how it can affect the academic performance of the students from City of Malabon University

(CMU)

This study ought to answer the following:

1. The significance of technology to students’ academics during pandemic.

1.1. The importance of having one.

1.2. How it can reflect on their performance.

2. How can technology support them.

2.1. Does it help them on their academics

2.2. Is the support it gives enough.

3. How can it be of use on their learning capabilities.

4. What are the effects of technology on educational standpoint.

4.1 Does technology have positive effect for the students' education.

4.2. Does technology usage have negative effects.

4.3. Does one of this factor outweigh the other

1.3. Theoretical framework

As the pandemic continues, we have to use the help of technology. We need to use the

convenience that technology brings to its potent. Everybody in academic sectors should stress

how important the technology is to us either with pandemic or not.

With the use of technology, it allows the students to help each other to work along to better

understanding material. In a sense, one can serve as (supervised) teachers – also, learning the

help of set of instructions is known to be highly effective for mastering topics and solving

problems (Brown 2019). Wantulok (2015) also believed that technology is capable of enhancing

relationships not just between students but also with teachers. Technology helps make

teaching and learning more meaningful and fun if one can find a way to execute it correctly,

there are many things you can find with the use of technology for academic approach.
 According to Jizat & Sulong (2021) the rationality of e learning approach being implemented

is to have better, more convenient, and effective way to deliver instructions and learning. To

make students academics circumstances during pandemic better. With that being said, Basilaia

& Kvavadze (2020) stated that teacher competencies in both pedagogy and technology should

be in existence still. This transition to the new normal, from traditional to online classes, every

learning intuition needs to study how successful online learning exist to provide quality

education and outcomes-based education to students.

1.4. Scope and Delimitation

This study is focused on students from BSIT department of City of Malabon University on

how important it is to have the aid of technology and its effects when it comes to their

academics.

The study is only limited to BSIT department as it may not be able to gather information from

other departments of City of Malabon University.

1.5. Definition and Terms

To have a better comprehension and understanding of the study, the following terms given

are defined.
Bachelor in Information Technology (BSIT) information technology students from City of

Malabon University.

Technology the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

Pandemic outbreak of disease prevalent over a whole country or the world.

Necessities something that is absolutely needed.

Instrument device or something that is used.

Covid 19 a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and

'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel coronavirus' or '2019-nCoV.

Gross domestic product (GDP) final value of the goods and services produced within the geographic

boundaries of a country during a specified period of time.

Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) the governing body covering both public and

private higher education institutions as well as degree-granting programs in all tertiary educational

institutions in the Philippines.

Coronavirus large family of viruses causing a range of illnesses, from the common cold to more

serious infections such as those caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus

(MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Higher Education education beyond high school, specially at a college or university.

Traditional classes an educational place where the teacher delivers knowledge to the students in

person without any third-party medium.

Online learning Education that takes place over the internet.

Outcome based education an educational theory that bases each part of an educational system

around goals.

1.6. Significance of the study

The research information gathered will provide insight on how important technology is to BSIT

students of City of Malabon University whilst facing pandemic.

The information acquired on this study will provide information on the following sectors:

CMU Admin. it will give them insight if the help of technology is enough for the students to cope up.

Parents. this study will give them knowledge on how critical it is to have technology’s aid.

Teachers. they will understand the circumstances of students’ learning associating with technology.

Teachers. will have understanding on how important it is to have technology to support them and

others as students.

Researchers. this study conducted will greatly help future researchers who will find interest on a

similar topic.

Hypothesis
The study is conducted to know how the aid of technology is crucial for students' academic

performance as it plays a major role on keeping up with school works and classes.

Ho: Technology is a huge factor to be considered on students' academic performance.

Ha: The use of technology won't affect the students' performance the least.

CHAPTER 2

2. STUDY OF RELATED LITERATURE

Technology has become part of our lives within the past years. It helps us to do the given task

easily and faster but now technology plays a vital role for us, especially the students who are

studying amidst the pandemic. One of the changes students notice are they are not conducting

traditional or face-to-face classes instead students are now using different online learning

platforms with the help of technology.

Online learning can be termed as a tool that can make the teaching–learning process more

student-centered, more innovative, and even more flexible. Online learning is defined as

“learning experiences in synchronous or asynchronous environments using different devices

(e.g., mobile phones, laptops, etc.) with internet access. In these environments, students can be

anywhere (independent) to learn and interact with instructors and other students” (Singh &

Thurman, 2019). Online learning, as a subset of all distance education, has always been

concerned with provision of access to educational experience that is, at least, more flexible in

time and in space than campus-based education. The theory of online learning must
acknowledge the change from an era of shortage and restriction to an era of abundant content;

content resources are now so large that filtering and reducing choice is as important as provision

of sufficient content itself. Interaction has long been a defining and critical component of the

educational process and context. However, the term itself is used in many ways to describe many

different types of exchanges between different actors and objects associated with teaching and

learning.

According to (UNESCO,2020). These are the online learning platforms such as Google, TV

Broadcast, guidelines, resources, video lectures and online channels were introduced. The

schools must plan on how do they implement the new forms of teaching during this pandemic

and they must provide a good quality of education to every student who are facing the challenges

during this pandemic. As university is a public place where the students are vulnerable against

COVID-19.

There must be an implementation of a new policies and provide online learning platforms.

Many innovative online learning platforms had been introduced by the different sectors in the

country. This means that students are not necessarily need to go to school and learn inside the

classroom. The Commission on Higher Education suggested to strengthen the online platforms

and blended learning such as but now limited to google classroom, zoom, Edmodo, Facebook

and YouTube (CHED,2020). But these online learning platforms would pose a problem to those

students who can’t afford or buy gadgets, computers and internet connection. On the

report of Akamai (2017), The Philippines has the lowest internet connectivity in Asia. The

government must develop and strengthened the internet connectivity in the country. Many
students are struggling to attend their class, pass their requirements and compromising their

safety and health during this pandemic due to poor or lacking of internet connection.

Incorporating the use of several technological applications allows the students to participate in

high-order thinking, enhance communication, engage in collaborative problem-solving activities

and discussions, critically effect on content and expand digital competencies (Schindler et

al.,2017). The academic achievements of the students had been improving by the help of using

technology in their academics unlike the students who does not know or use technology in their

academics.

The emerging technologies like Facebook can also be used as an online learning platform in

this pandemic. According to (Bond, Buntins, Bedenlier, Zawacki-Richter, & Kerres, 2020). In

using social media to supplement future endeavors relate to digital learning in the Philippines,

the social media can increase student's engagement in terms of behavioral, affective, cognitive

domains.

The research review's purpose is to show the readers how technology is important to the

students in this pandemic. Technology is a very important and versatile tool for the students for

them to attend the class in a way of conducting online learning using different technologies.

Although the presence of technology does not ensure accessibility in online learning, it has the

ability to lower the risk of students against COVID-19. Many studies and researches prove that

technology helps the students to increase and improve their skill, enhance their achievements in

academics and how to use different online learning platforms.

 CHAPTER 3

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains various methodologies that were used in gathering data and

analysis which are relevant to the research. The methodologies will include the area such as

research method, research locale, sample and sampling techniques, research instrument and

statistical treatment.

3.2 Research Method

The sudden change on the learning of the students in face to face to online learning due to

global outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic that has spread throughout the world. Technology plays a

big role for the students to continue their studies. In this study will use Google form that will

determine and consider other aspects that affects the academic performances of the students with

the use of technology that focuses on the students in City of Malabon University during this
pandemic crisis. The students will answer the following question that correspond to their

answers.

3.3 Research Locale

The study was conducted at City of Malabon University located in Pampano Corner,

Maya-maya St. Brgy. Longos Malabon City. This study was been implemented among the

student from City of Malabon University (CMU) from first year to fourth year college. The

research study was implemented among the students of CET department from CMU, this study

has tested how important technology is during a pandemic and how it contributes to our studies.

3.4 Population, Sampling Size and Sampling Techniques

The method of convenience sampling was used to develop the sample of the research

under discussion. According to this method, which belongs to the category of non-probability

sampling techniques, the sample is taken from a group of people easy to contact or to reach

(Saunders, M; Lewis, P; Thornhill, A., 2012). In the current study, all of the respondents that we

gather provides the information that we need in our research study.

The researchers used the convenience sampling technique to have at least 25 respondents

as minimum.

Table 1

Distribution of the Respondents in terms of year level

Year level Frequency Percentage (%)

1st year 6 20.7%
2nd year 12 41.4%
 3rd year 7 24.1%
4th year 4 13.8%
Total 29 100%

3.5 Research Instrument

We are all aware that there's a pandemic spreading at the moment and for that reason we

used the google forms on distribution for our group's research survey. With the use of the said

platform it will make the data gathering easier in a more safe and sound manner. The students of

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) are the target respondents to answer the

said survey. The relevant data collected will be analyzed in addition for our research.

3.6 Statistical Treatment of Data

For the purpose of analysis and interpretation, the data gathered were coded tallied and

tabulate subjected to the following statistical treatment:

Frequency and Percentage

The frequency and distributions were used to categorized the respondents according to

their personal thoughts. The researchers used the formula below to determine the proportion of

students who answered.

 P = F/R * 100

Where:

P = Percentage

F = Frequency

R = total Respondents

Chapter 4

4. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the data gathering of the study along with the interpretation of statistical analysis.

Table 2

Gadget (s)/device the respondents are using

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Smartphone 20 69.1
Desktop/laptop 1 3.4
Both 7 24.1
None 1 3.4
Total 29 100

Table 2 above shows the device the students are using for online classes. It shows that majority of the

respondents(20 or 69.1%) were using smartphone, seven(7) with a percentage of 24.1% uses both of the
said gadgets, while respondents who uses desktop or laptop and those who don’t have neither devices

both have one(1) with a percentage of 3.4%.

Table 3 below presents the scale of the importance of technology usage at their current circumstances.

It indicates that for the majority of the respondents (22 or 75.9%) the technology as of now is very

important, followed by the second highest rate which is 4 that consist of 6 or 20.7 of the respondents, 1

or 3.4 stated that it’s not important at all, and 2 and 3 scale both sitting at zero rate.

Table 3

Scale on how important technology is for students on their current circumstances.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

1(not important at all) 1 3.4
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 6 20.7
5(Very important) 22 75.9
Total 29 100

Table 4

Technology in helping students for their classes.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Strongly agree 11 37.9
Agree 14 48.3
Neutral 2 6.9
Disagree 0 0
Strongly agree 2 6.9
Total 29 100
Table 4 above presents the statistics if the technology helps the students for their classes. Majority (14

or 48.3%) agree that technology, 11 or 37.9% strongly agree on the said topic, while there is both 2 or

6.9% each respondents that is neutral and strongly disagree, and there’s none on disagree.

Table 5 below presents if the lack of resources affecting students’ academic performance. The majority

which is 25 or 86.20% answered yes while the remaining 4 or 13.80% answered no.

Table 5

Statistics on lack of resources affecting their academic performance.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 25 86.20
No 4 13.80
Total 29 100

Table 6

Distribution on if the transition of classes made technology more convenient

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 24 82.8
No 5 17.2
Total 29 100

Table 6 above indicates that the majority (24 or 82.8) agreed that the transition from traditional classes

to virtual class made the use of technology more convenient on the other hand 5 or 17.2% answered

that it didn’t.
Table 7 below shows the students perspective if the virtual classes can par with the quality traditional

learning brings without the convenience of technology. Majority (27 or 93.1%) of the respondents

answered no and the remaining 2 or 6.9% answered the opposite.

Table 7

Distribution on if the online classes is better in any way than traditional learning without the

convenience of technology

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 2 6.9
No 27 93.1
Total 29 100

Table 8

Distribution on if technology can help the in their overall academics.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 27 93.1
No 2 6.9
Total 29 100

Table 8 above presents the statistics if technology is a factor on students’ overall academic performance.

It shows that the majority (27 or 93.1%) of the respondents answered that technology helps them when

it comes to their academics, while the opposite answer have 2 or 6.9% of the respondents on the

category.
Table 8.1 below shows the effects of technology when it comes to their academics. The majority (16 or

55.2%) stated that there’s no minor changes on their grades, 7 or 24.1% of the respondents answered

that their grades have elevated, and the remaining 6 or 20.7% of the respondents answered that their

grades declined.

Table 8.1

Technology in helping students for their classes.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Grades elevated 7 24.1
No minor changes 16 55.2
Grades declined 6 20.7
Total 29 100

Table 9

Effectivity of technology to academics.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

1(not effective at all) 2 6.9
2 0 0
3 5 17.2
4 13 44.9
5(very effective) 9 31
Total 29 100

Table 9 above shows that the majority(13 or 44.9%) of respondents rated the effectivity of technology to

education at 4, followed by 5 which have the 9 or 31% of the respondents, 5 or 17.2% at the 3 point

rating, 2 or 6.9% on 1 being not effective, and zero respondents at 2.

Table 10 below presents the rate of students to the University’s approach along with the help of

technology. 14 or 48.3 of the respondents is at 3 being the average response, follow by 5 or 17.2% at 2,

while both 1 being not satisfied and 4 next to the highest rating have 4 or 13.8% respondents each, and

the category with the least rating is at 5 with only 2 or 6.9% of the respondents.

Table 10

University’s approach on virtual learning along with the use of technology.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

1(not satisfied) 4 13.8
2 5 17.2
3 14 48.3
4 4 13.8
5(satisfied) 2 6.9
Total 29 100

Table 10

Distribution of data if technology reduce student’s thinking ability.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 0 0
No 29 100
Total 29 100

Table 10 above shows that all of the respondents (29 or 100%) didn’t get their thinking ability affected

or reduced by the use technology.

Table 11 below shows the statistics of what students’ think of being more reliant to technology for their

academics. It shows that majority (18 or 62.1%) of the respondents answered yes as it’s fine to be more

reliant on technology’s convenience when it comes to academics, while 11 or 37.9% of the respondents

answered the opposite.

Table 11

Distribution of data if its more convenient to rely on technology when it comes to academics.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 18 62.1
No 11 37.9
Total 29 100

Table 12

Rating statistics of the positive effects when using technology for academics.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

1 0 0
2 0 0
3 3 10.3
4 9 31.1
5 17 58.6
Total 29 100

Table 12 above shows the rating of the positive effects of technology for education. It seems to have

positive effects on the majority (17 or 58.6%) of the respondents when it comes to their education,

followed by 4 which is the second highest with 9 or 31.1%, then 3 being the average rating that have 3

or 10.3% of the respondents, and both have zero on the lower category.
Table 13 below hows the rating statistics negative effects of technology for academic use. Most of the

participant seems they don’t experience the negative aspect since both the lower category which is 2

and 1 have both 9 or 31% each having 18 or 62% of the respondents combined, followed by 3 which

means average have 8 or 27.7% of the respondents; on the other hand there’s only 3 or 10.3%

combined the higher category with 2 or 6.9% on 4 and only 1 or 3.4% on the 5.

Table 13

Rating statistics of the negative effects when using technology for academics.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

1 9 31
2 9 31
3 8 27.7
4 2 6.9
5 1 3.4
Total 29 100

Table 12

Distribution of data if negative factors of technology outweigh the support it gives.

Device Frequency Percentage(%)

Yes 4 13.8
No 25 86.2
Total 29 100

Table 12 above presents that the negative effects of technology doesn’t affect positive factors the use of

technology gives on the students by the majority (25 or 86.2) answering no, on the other hand it shows

that 4 or 13.8% of the respondents are somehow eclipsed by its negative effects.