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Manuscript (Final)
Manuscript (Final)
OF COMMUNICATION STUDENTS
INTRODUCTION
With the extraordinary rise in the use of digital tools and platforms, it is
more important than ever to understand how new technology affects students'
academic achievement. Notably, the seminal work of Selwyn (2016) underlines
the necessity for a broad investigation of the ways in which digital technologies
influence all elements of education. In online learning environments, distractions
and multitasking can make it difficult to concentrate and stay focused, which can
have an impact on academic engagement and retention of material (Junco &
Cotten, 2012). In addition, issues with digital literacy and information overload—
discussed by Bennett and Maton (2010)—make it harder to go through and
assess the large amount of information available online. Students' anxiety levels
are also increased by privacy and cybersecurity concerns, which affects how
they use digital technologies (Selwyn, 2016).
While technology offers abundant resources, it's imperative to guide
students in cultivating digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible online
behavior. Among the most impacted groups are communication students, those
individuals who are not only consumers of digital communication but are also
future professionals in the field. This study delves into the intricate relationship
between digital technology use and academic performance among
communication students, seeking to unravel the multifaceted ways in which they
engage with and adapt to these technological tools most especially in their
academic performances.
The gap in existing research lies in the need for a nuanced understanding
of the specific mechanisms through which digital technology influences academic
performance. While there is a substantial body of literature on the broad topic,
there is a dearth of comprehensive studies that delve deeply into the diverse
aspects of this relationship. However, despite the growing importance of this
topic, there exists a notable gap in the literature that warrants urgent attention
and further research.
By offering insights into the ways in which digital tools can be harnessed
to enhance learning experiences, this study contributes to the broader discourse
on effective technology integration in education. By addressing these specific
research gaps, scholars can contribute valuable knowledge that informs
evidence-based practices, shaping the effective integration of technology into
education and ultimately improving academic outcomes for students in the digital
age. Ultimately, this study aims to explore how communication students can
harness constant connectedness through digital technology to make informed
choices about their learning.
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This research study can provide insights into effective strategies for
integrating digital technology in education and enhancing student's digital
literacy, ultimately shaping their future careers in a technology driven world. The
study of digital technology’s impact on the academic performance of
communication students is crucial in several ways. It can reveal how technology
affects information consumption, communication skills, and learning strategies.
Understanding this relationship can lead to the development of more effective
educational approaches, the identification of potential challenges posed by
technology, and the enhancement of students' digital literacy.
Understanding how communication students use digital technology for
learning can (1) reveal their preferences, habits and strategies. This contributes
to the broader body of knowledge about the intersection of technology and
education, advancing our understanding of how digital tools shape learning
outcomes, (2) this can also reveal challenges students face when integrating
technology into their academic routines. Addressing these challenges could also
empower communication students to engage interactive simulations, helping
them grasp complex concepts and reinforce their learning. (3) for parents,
research in this field can assist parents in recognizing indicators of scholastic
difficulties linked to particular digital technology usage habits. When these
problems are identified early on, parents can take proactive measures to support
their child's academic path by seeking out extra help or changing technology-
related behaviors. When parents are aware of how digital technology affects
academic achievement, they may interact with instructors more productively.
School Administrators. The study's results can inform curriculum updates,
ensuring that communication programs stay relevant in an increasingly digital
world. This adaptation can equip students with skills that are directly applicable to
their future careers. Also, it can help educators tailor their teaching methods to
better align with the technological landscape.
Communication Faculty. The school faculty can make informed decisions
based on data-driven insights and allocating resources effectively. They can also
implement appropriate policies, and continuously improve the learning
experience.
Communication faculty can address the disadvantages of digital technology by
incorporating explicit guidelines on technology use, emphasizing digital literacy,
and fostering active learning strategies, such as providing regular check-ins and
feedback can further contribute to a balanced and focused learning environment
and to minimize distractions and enhance student engagement with course
content.
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
The study solely focuses on the relation between the level use of
technology and its effects to the academic performance of students. The study
only considers the technologies used by students in their academic activities
such as: gadgets (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, computers) and the Internet.
This chapter presents literature which best describes the variables of the
study and it also cites several researchers and studies which serve as the basis
of the said study.
Most students find that they can use digital technology and will have
access to it at home, and many of them use it for educational purposes Erlich
(2013). It has been found that those in authority positions at schools are
responsible for setting technology use standards. But there was an inconsistency
over how much digital technology is actually used for instruction throughout all
schools participating in the study. The variation in the use of students and
teachers in the various schools is directly related to technology culture. Learning
how to teach in a way that will better serve their students is important for the
future generation of teachers. Education for teachers starts at the college level.
The number of universities and colleges using electronic learning (or e-learning)
has increased, although there is a gap in student adaptability research. Park
(2009). Occasional users of technology have found it difficult to implement
teaching technology, while regular users of digital technology have felt successful
in creating a technology-enhanced environment Meyer, et al. (2011.)
Technologies in School
between digital technology usage and academic performance was stronger. The
results revealed that its uses for educational purposes positively related to
academic performance. It also demonstrated that it can negatively affect
academic performance. This study reveals that the age and level/year of tertiary
students as well as prior experience of computer usage have no significant
influence on perceived usefulness of a computer. The study also indicates that
both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use had a significant effect on
the attitude of students towards their technology usage.
Digital literacy skills hold growing significance for digital inclusion and
citizenship. Many individuals assume a grasp of computer and internet usage for
basic tasks. However, those lacking digital literacy remain excluded from the
digital realm Orrick, 2011; Seale (2009; Van Dijk (2006). Inadequate skills and
knowledge in operating ICTs pose a crucial hurdle to advancing digital literacy.
The divergence in ICT use across various activities sparks concern regarding the
digital literacy gap, furthering the divide between information-savvy and
information-limited populations Seale (2009); Selwyn (2006); Van Dijk (2006).
The digital literacy divide is viewed as a significant issue of social equity in
the digital era Seale (2009). Individuals in marginalized situations often exhibit
limited digital literacy, which contributes to this gap Hadjerrouit (2010); Junge &
Hadjivassiliou (2010). The importance of addressing the digital literacy divide lies
in the fact that those lacking digital skills can face increased marginalization,
given the growing reliance on the internet for information, communication,
business, and societal functions. To narrow this divide, digital literacy education
(DLE) plays a pivotal role, especially for those lacking digital skills Hohfeld et al.
(2008); Seale (2009). DLE aims to support learners in developing knowledge and
skills, enhancing their digital literacy through education and practical experience.
Social Media Engagement
Rouis, Limayem & Salehi-Sangari (2011) effectively observe that the
extent of cognitive absorption dictates how often and for how long social media is
used. However, they add that the level of cognitive absorption is influenced by
factors such as self-control and personality traits. Although multitasking skills
have no impact on reducing social media usage frequency, they do moderate the
effects of social media on student performance by adjusting cognitive absorption.
This study also reinforces the common conclusion found in numerous well-
structured studies: the use of social networking sites generally does not
significantly harm students' academic performance. They further suggest that
other factors like social media addiction, excessive internet usage, chatting, and
cognitive absorption linked with the internet or specifically social networking site
usage may contribute to lower academic performance.
Kaiser Family Foundation (2010), serves as a noteworthy exploration into
the media behaviors of adolescents. While it doesn't adhere to the conventional
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Without students, school, colleges and universities have no value. For any
educational institution, students are the most valuable assets. The country's
social and economic development is directly related to academic performance of
students. The performance of the students (academic achievement) plays an
important role in producing the highest quality graduates who will become the
country's leader and manpower responsible for the economic and social
development of the country. Measurement of student academic performance in
previous research has received considerable attention, it is challenging aspects
of academic literature, and the performance of students is affected by social,
psychological, economic, environmental and personal factors. These factors
have a strong influence on student performance, but these factors vary from
individual to individual and from country-to-country Ali, et.al (2009).
Engagement Level
Utilizing digital technology for delivering content, connecting learners, and
enabling flexible learning experiences is on the rise. However, maintaining
student engagement in technology-mediated learning is a challenging task
Charles R Graham (2015). It's crucial to incorporate instructional methods that
foster higher engagement in order to make the most of digital educational
technologies. To assess how innovative instructional methods impact learning,
it's important to have effective indicators of student engagement. These
indicators should be adaptable to the specific challenges posed by technology-
mediated learning, such as remote or blended learning scenarios Halverson
(2017).
In this review, we explore existing approaches for gauging engagement in
technology-mediated learning. We pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of
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however, no significant direct effect was found between technology use and
academic performance. The findings point towards the complex interchange of
relationships of the students’ technology use with student engagement, self-
directed learning and academic performance.
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Method
Survey Scale
Instructions: This assessment contains a number of statements about the
level of Digital Technology Usage of Communication Students. Read each
statement carefully and decide how well it describes your level. Check the cell
that corresponds to your preference.
Ethical Considerations
This part addresses the distinct moral factors and principles that the
researcher will uphold and implement during the study. Ethical standards are
crucial in research to guarantee that investigations are carried out in a way that
respects, treats fairly, and is equitable to all involved parties, which include
research participants, researchers, and society at large. Additionally, the
researcher will follow the ethical directives set by the Philippine Health Research
Ethics Board (PHREB, 2017). The measures that the researcher will take, the
nine ethical considerations, are in line with the PHREB’s and HCDC-REC’s
goals. The researcher will protect and respect the respondents’ rights and roles
and ensure a balance between the two parties.
Social Value. This study focuses on how various forms of
technology are incorporated into learning environments and how they
affect academic performance overall, student learning, and student
achievement. In order to improve the educational experience in schools,
colleges, and universities, this study investigates the use of digital tools,
online resources, and cutting-edge teaching techniques. The results can
be utilized to enhance efforts that promote the development of school
administrators’ research skills, leading to significant research
advancement. This study can give school administrators insightful
knowledge and practical skills they can use to boost communication,
improve educational outcomes, and maintain the overall efficacy and
efficiency of their educational institutions. Communication students can
benefit from the skills, resources, and knowledge they need to flourish in
their studies and get ready for successful jobs in a profession that is
continually expanding by studying how technology affects academic
achievement. Furthermore, this study has the potential to serve as a tool
for educators to evaluate their own attitudes, self-efficacy, and research
capabilities, thus fostering research growth. In the study, the researchers
ensured to follow and observe all ethical considerations in the entire
research process. The researchers will make sure that the study contains
the social value required.
Informed consent. To ensure that the respondents will be treated
fairly, kindly, and with respect, informed permission is sought prior to data
collection. A signed consent form will be secured before taking the survey
questionnaire. This is done in an effort to uphold the respondents' rights
as autonomous people. The respondents can participate in this case freely
and without worrying about consequences. In this study, respondents will
be given consent papers that will be distributed face-to-face by the
researcher before they participate in the data collection. Additionally, the
main objective of informed consent is for participants to decide for
themselves whether or not to engage in the study, therefore the
researcher makes sure that the information is clear. The respondent will
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be made aware of the study's objectives, the relevance of its results, and
any possible drawbacks to participating. The researcher guarantees that
he will give respondents more information that is appropriate for them if
they develop dissatisfaction while participating. Respondents are free to
revoke their responses at any moment and for any reason. According to
the informed consent forms, participants' decisions won't have an effect on
their participation in future services or their ties with the researcher or
research organizations involved.
Risks, Benefits, and Safety. The researchers will provide the
rights, safety and well- being of the research respondents. If there are any
possible risks such as misinterpretations within the survey questionnaires,
the researcher will provide the needed assistance to discuss the questions
thoroughly. The researcher will impartially explore the advantages of the
research for the participants prior to their response to the survey forms.
The respondents stand to gain from this current study and its discoveries,
as they can utilize the outcomes to reflect on their competencies and
confidence in research. The conclusions, results, and suggestions of the
study will provide a chance for the respondents to contemplate their
learning, assume accountability, and respond appropriately when
engaging in any form of research. During the survey, certificates of
appreciation will be given as a symbol of gratitude.
Privacy and Confidentiality of Information. Ensuring the privacy
of data collected from participants holds paramount significance for the
researcher. Thus, stringent measures will be taken to safeguard the data
acquired from respondents during the research. All hard copy materials
will be stored in a securely locked file cabinet, and will be shredded for
disposal, one semester after the conduct of the study. For soft copy, it will
be stored in a password secured laptop and will be deleted from the
device, one semester after the conduct of the study. These practices
adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which is
dedicated to upholding the rights of respondents by ensuring their
protection in relation to all types of information.
Justice. The researchers will use a purposive sampling method to
select the study’s respondents. Also, the respondents will be chosen
based on the study criteria; male or female, 18 years old and above,
communication students and willing to give their consent to be part of this
study. The researchers are dedicated to guaranteeing that all participants
are treated with utmost dignity and equal regard, particularly throughout
the process of data collection. The researcher will duly acknowledge the
significant role played by the respondents in the accomplishment of the
study's objectives. This recognition will be conveyed through expressions
of appreciation for their time and commitment, along with their inclusion in
the acknowledgment segment of the research.
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After passing the proposal defense, the researchers will submit the
research instrument for validation and reliability. The researcher will secure
ethical clearance from the HCDC-REC. Once granted, the researchers will ask
permission from the Program chair and Office of the Vice President for Academic
Affairs to conduct the study. Prior to the dissemination of the survey instrument,
the researcher will distribute the Informed Consent Forms to the respondents and
allow them to ask questions related to the research. Once everything is clear and
established that there are no queries from the respondents, they will be then
asked to sign the Informed Consent Form. After which, the researcher will
distribute the survey forms to the respondents. Once accomplished, the said
forms will be retrieved. After administering the informed consent, the researchers
shall conduct the survey that would take five to eight minutes. Once the survey is
done, the researchers will give certificates and provide snacks to the
respondents as a token of appreciation. They will later on be acknowledged in
the acknowledgement section of the manuscript. Should there be respondents
who wish to not continue, they will not be forced and they are allowed to
withdraw. They will still be eligible for the benefits of the study. Tabulation and
subjecting data to statistical analysis will then ensue.
After which, Establishing Findings, Implications, Conclusions, and Drawing
Recommendations will follow. Lastly, Securing Clearance for Publication from the
Research Ethics Committee of Holy Cross of Davao College will be sought out by
the researcher.
Data Analysis
Frequency Distribution and Percentage will be utilized to determine the
profile of the respondents; it will further be utilized to determine the level of
academic performance. Pearson-r will be used to determine the significant
relationship among each indicator. Finally, Linear Regression will be utilized to
determine whether the indicator significantly influences the academic
performance of the students.
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opportunities, and the ability to utilize social media strategically for academic and
professional advancement.
The overall mean of the perceived level of Digital Technology Usage of
Communication Students is 3.52, described as very high. This means that,
collectively, communication students exhibit an outstanding and comprehensive
integration of digital technologies. This indicates a well-rounded and
technologically adept approach to communication studies. The impact involves
enhanced collaboration, expanded access to educational resources, and a
proactive engagement with technology to support academic success.
The use of computers, mobile devices and the Internet is currently at its
greatest point and is anticipated to continue to rise as technology becomes more
available, especially to users in developing nations. Most students find that they
can use digital technology and will have access to it at home, and many of them
use it for educational purposes Erlich (2013)
Digital literacy skills hold growing significance for digital inclusion and
citizenship. Many individuals assume a grasp of computer and internet usage for
basic tasks. However, those lacking digital literacy remain excluded from the
digital realm Orrick (2011); Seale (2009); van Dijk (2006).
Also, it supports the study conducted by Wang, Z., Tchernev, J. M., and
Solloway, T. (2012), titled "A dynamic longitudinal examination of social media
use, needs, and gratifications among college students," published in Computers
in Human Behavior, the researchers delve into the intricate dynamics of social
media usage within the college student demographic. The study takes a
longitudinal approach, offering a comprehensive exploration of how the patterns
of social media engagement evolve over time among college students. By
narrowing its focus to social media, the research aims to unravel the complex
interplay between students' usage of these platforms and their academic needs,
providing a nuanced understanding of the potential influences exerted by social
media on academic performance.
Utilizing digital technology for delivering content, connecting learners, and
enabling flexible learning experiences is on the rise. However, maintaining
student engagement in technology-mediated learning is a challenging task
Charles R Graham (2015). It's crucial to incorporate instructional methods that
foster higher engagement in order to make the most of digital educational
technologies. A significant amount of time is spent by most students in gaining
knowledge and acquiring new skills. The speed of change, the ongoing
generation of fresh knowledge, and the expanding accessibility of information
necessitate these acquisitions when using digital technology R Hiemstra (1993).
The theory of reasoned action by Ajzen and Fishbein (1975) explains and
predicts human behavior based on an individual's attitudes regarding the use of
certain technology. In essence, it suggests that people's behavioral decisions in
utilizing digital technology is influenced by their intentions, which are shaped by
their attitudes towards the behavior and the perceived social norms associated
with it.
Perception H0
Outcome: Academic Performance
**. Correlation is Significant at 0.01 Level (2-tailed)
N = 88
Coefficients
Model Unstandardized Coefficients Standardized t Sig.
1 Coefficients
B SE B β
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As shown in the table above, the results of the regression indicated that
the predictors explained 71.1% of the variance [R 2= .711, F (4,83) = 51.009, p
= .000b]. It was found out that none of the indicators significantly influence
academic performance among the respondents
Summary
This study delves into the correlation between the use of digital technology
and the academic performance of communication students. It investigates the
various ways in which social media, online platforms and other digital
technologies may influence students' academic performance and aims to provide
insights into the potential advantages and challenges presented by this
technology within the educational context.
Communication students demonstrated a strong connection between their
use of digital technology, especially in communication tools and digital literacy.
Notably, social media management also displayed a significant correlation. As a
result, the overall digital technology usage among participants was considered
exceptionally high.
Conversely, academic performance showed a high correlation, alongside
engagement level and self-directed learning, leading to an overall strong
academic performance among the participants.
Conclusion
Based on the results, the researchers concluded in the first statement that
the correlation of the level of digital technology usage of communication Students
is very high. The level of digital technology usage in terms of technologies in
school are of very high correlation, while the level of digital technology usage in
terms of digital literacy skills are in very high correlation. Similarly, the correlation
of the level of digital technology usage in terms of social media management is
high. Consequently, the respondents' overall level of digital technology usage is
also assessed as very high.
In addressing the statement of the problem number four, it was found out
that none of the indicators significantly influence academic performance among
the respondents.
Recommendations
interdisciplinary collaboration with the teachers and other field programs, with this
mean, the study will lead to a holistic understanding of the relationship between
technology and education.
References
Ali N., Jusoff, K., Ali S., Mokhtar N., and Salamt A. (2009). ‘The Factors
Influencing Students’ Performance at UniversitiTeknologi MARA Kedah,
Malaysia’
Amirault, R. J., Anderson, M., & Horrigan, J. B. and Anderson, M., &Horrigan, J.
B. (2012). Distance learning in the 21st century university. Quarterly
Review of Distance Education (2016).
B. Gurung et al. (2014 Digital learners and the overlapping of their personal and
educational digital engagement Computers & Education
Ehrlich, S. B., Sporte, S. E., & Sebring, P. (2013, April). The use of technology in
Chicago
public schools 2011: Perspectives from students, teachers, and
principals.
Gandhi, P., Khanna, S., &Ramaswamy, S. (2016). Which industries are the most
digital (and why?).
Jones, A.M. (2015). The Use and Abuse of Powerpoint in Teaching and Learning
in the Life Science.
Lau, W. (2016). Effects of social media usage and social media multitasking on
the academic performance of university students.
Rideout, V. J., Foehr, U. G., and Roberts, D. F., and published by the Henry J.
“Media in the Lives of 8-to 18-Year-Olds,"
Roussinos, D., & Jimoyiannis, A. (2013). Analysis of students’ participation
patterns and learning presence in a wiki-based project.
APPENDICES
29
APPENDIX A
Minute of the Final Defense and Matrix of Correlations with Corresponding Compliance
Introduction 1 Ms. Romelyn Luzon “Please indicate what The focus of the
the study is all about; study has been
it's too general. Make it indicated and
more specific.” specified, to ensure
that the supporting
information of the
study is strong.
Significance of 4 Ms. Romelyn Luzon “Include your parents Parents have been
the Study in the significance of included in the
the study.” significance of the
study.
Results and 17 Mr. Kevin Paul C. “You shouldn't just The details and
Discussion Bonotan provide the data; you intricacies of the
also need to present the information were
discussion. Elaborate further developed.
on it further.” This involved the
introduction of
supplementary
theories aimed at
fortifying and
supporting the
presented findings
or data. The intent
was to provide a
more
comprehensive and
nuanced exploration
of the subject
matter, enhancing
31
Results and 17 Mr. Kevin Paul C. “In what way that Ways that students
Discussion Bonotan students engaged with engaged with social
social media media management
management effectively have
effectively, discuss it been discussed.
more why and in what
ways.”
Review of 8 Ms. Weila Ignalig “Make sure that your The manuscript
Related related studies and underwent
Literatures related literatures are revisions,
above 2013 or 2014 specifically
aside from theories” updating related
studies and
literature published
after 2013.
Results and 18 Mr. Kevin Paul C. “In what way, most The discussions on
Discussion Bonotan especially on the how and in what
academic front? ways the results can
Discuss it further” contribute,
especially on the
academic front,
have been expanded
and enhanced, and
we delved into them
further.
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APPENDIX B
Informed Consent
33
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX D
Research Instrument
39
40
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APPENDIX E
APPENDIX F
CURRICULUM VITAE
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Baptist
Sex Male
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Junior High School Davao City Natinal High School - Annex 2017
Senior High School Davao City Natinal High School - Main Campus 2020
WORK EXPERIENCE
Company Year
44
Online Tutor LZL School House Tutorial April 2021 - December 2022
Citizenship Filipino
Sex Female
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
WORK EXPERIENCE
Company Year
45
N/A N/A
Citizenship Filipino
Sex Male
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
WORK EXPERIENCE
Company Year