CHAPTER I
The Problem
Introduction
The Internet has revolutionized education, particularly in ICT fields,
by providing students with access to various digital tools and learning
platforms. According to Siemens (2019), online learning resources such as
Coursera, Udemy, and edX have made high-quality education more accessible
to students worldwide. These platforms offer courses on programming, artificial
intelligence, and cybersecurity, allowing ICT students to learn at their own
pace. With online learning and digital tools becoming an integral part of modern
education, students without internet access experience a growing educational
divide. This research aims to explore the struggles faced by these students, their
coping mechanisms, and the broader impact on their academic success.
The study seeks to propose possible solutions to support students in ICT
programs who are disadvantaged due to limited connectivity. The internet
serves as an essential tool for academic learning, allowing students to conduct
research, complete assignments, and develop digital skills. For ICT students, it
plays a crucial role in programming, software development, and online
certifications. According to a study by Anderson and Perrin (2018) from the
Pew Research Center, students without reliable internet access face academic
setbacks, as they struggle to complete online homework and engage in digital
learning opportunities.
Many students rely on expensive mobile data, shared connections, or
offline materials that do not always meet their learning needs. Moreover,
according to Anderson (2020), online collaboration tools like Google Meet,
Microsoft Teams, and Slack enable students to engage in group projects,
attend virtual classes, and communicate with instructors in real time. Such
platforms are critical for ICT students, as teamwork and remote work are
integral parts of the technology industry.
Additionally, research by Robinson (2021) highlights the role of virtual
coding environments such as GitHub, Replit, and CodePen in helping students
develop practical skills. These tools allow learners to practice coding, work on
open-source projects, and receive feedback from global ommunities. Without
internet access, ICT students miss out on these opportunities, making it difficult
to keep up with the demands of their coursework. According to Selwyn (2020)
in his study on digital exclusion, students without internet access are at a
disadvantage compared to their peers, leading to lower academic performance
and limited opportunities for digital skill development. Van Dijk (2017)
explains that the digital divide creates social and economic inequalities,
affecting students from low-income backgrounds the most. These studies
emphasize the importance of internet access in education and support the need
for interventions to assist ICT students.
Statement of the Problem
The implementation of modern technology requires fast internet
connections, along with this is the opportunities it holds for students,
particularly in the ICT field. However, due to lack of internet connections, the
students are having a hard time in fostering these opportunities. This has
encouraged the researchers to conduct their study to provide insights and
recommendation to improve and develop the internet service towards the
students within certain fields. This study aims to explore the lived experiences
of ICT students at Kalian National High School who lack internet access.
Moreover, it aims to answer the following queries that are practically
made:
1. What challenges do ICT students face without internet access in their
academic journey?
2. How does the lack of internet access impact their overall education and ICT
skill development?
3. What interventions can be implemented to support these students?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the struggles of ICT students who
are expected to thrive in a digital-based curriculum but are hindered by their
lack of internet access. In conducting the study, the researchers will lean and
seek knowledge from certain people that will be beneficial to various
stakeholders, including students, teachers, school administrators, and
policymakers.
ICT Students. This research will help students understand that they are
not alone in facing these challenges. It will also provide insights into coping
mechanisms and strategies used by others in similar situations.
Teachers. Educators can gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties
their students face and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. They may
also develop offline alternatives and more flexible learning approaches.
School Administrators. The study can help school officials recognize
the urgency of addressing internet accessibility issues and possibly advocate for
better resources and infrastructure.
Policymakers. The research can serve as a reference for government
and education authorities to implement policies that support ICT students in
underprivileged areas, such as providing free or subsidized internet access in
schools.
Future Researchers. The study serves as a foundation for further
research on digital inequality in education, particularly in ICT-related courses.
Parents and Guardians. The parents and guardians will develop a
deeper understanding of their child’s academic situations and how their lack of
connectivity affects their performance as students.
Scope and Delimitations
This study focuses on the lived experiences of Grade 11 ICT students
from Kalian National High School who do not have reliable internet access. It
explores how the lack of connectivity affects their learning, performance, and
skill development.
The study will be conducted within the secondary schools of
Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, Kalian National High School. The
researchers will ask permission from the stakeholders and teaching staff before
proceeding to conduct their study.
Definition of Terms
Navigating. Plan and direct the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation,
especially by using instruments or maps. Sail or travel over (a stretch
