Effectiveness of the Computer and Internet Literacy Project in Public High Schools of Tarlac Province, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Evaluation is important to gauge the strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness of any activity. This study evaluated the iSchools Project implemented in the Public High Schools of Tarlac Province, Philippines by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in partnership with the selected State Universities and Colleges.  Using survey questionnaires, data were gathered from the public high school teachers who were the recipients of the project. To supplement data from the survey, interviews with Principals and ICT Coordinators and actual observation of classes in the laboratory were also done. Findings showed that the beneficiary schools encountered problems in project implementation. These problems include hardware failure, difficulty on the use of software package, lack of follow-up on capability building, no available internet connection, limited access to the laboratory, and lack of repair/maintenance of the equipment in the laboratory. Despite these problems, however, the project was rated by the teachers as very satisfactory in terms of project administration, project components, and project delivery system. This implies that the project in general was effective in attaining its objectives which is ICT integration in education and to bridge the digital divide among public high school teachers.