CHAPTER 1

Introduction, statement of the problem, scope and delimitation, significance of the study,

and definition of terms

INTRODUCTION

Computers and information technology have become key to educational institutions

worldwide (Hsu and Huang,2006). It suggests that, as technology becomes more

central to education, the availability of resources like computers becomes increasingly

important for students' academic success. This can strengthen the argument that limited

computer access could have serious implications for ICT students' learning and

performance, since they are deprived of essential tools that are now fundamental in

educational environments worldwide. Computers or technology has been an invaluable

tool,and it is being taken under consideration in students academic achievement

including not only in acess to the internet but also the way students use it (Levine and

Donitsa-schmidt,1998;Torres -Diaz et al.,2016;voogtet.,2013). This support the view that

simply having computers is not enough; how students engage with and utilize these

tools is equally important for their academic success. Schools are expected to have a

particular concern regarding integrating computers in classroom teaching ( schmid and

petko,2019). It emphasize the role of schools in not just providing computers but also

ensuring that they are effectively integrated into one classroom environment. This adds

another layer to the study by suggesting that the lack of computers in school may not
only limit students acess to technology but also hinder the school's ability to meet this

expectation of integrating technology into teaching.

Many schools, particularly in rural or underfunded areas, face significant challenges in

providing sufficient computer access to their students. Amtic National High School is

one such institution where limited access to computers poses a substantial barrier to the

academic success of its ICT students. This limitation may prevent students from fully

engaging with their coursework, completing assignments, and developing the technical

competencies required for their future careers.

The relationship between computer access and academic performance has been the

subject of various studies, with many findings suggesting a positive correlation between

the availability of technology and student outcomes. Students with adequate access to

computers tend to perform better academically, as they can more easily complete their

assignments, conduct research, and practice their skills. Conversely, students with

limited access to technology often struggle to keep up with their peers, leading to lower

academic performance and a diminished ability to compete in a technology-driven

world.

At Amtic National High School, the shortage of computers for ICT students is a pressing

concern. These students, who are already facing the challenges of mastering complex

technical subjects, are further disadvantaged by the lack of necessary resources. This

situation not only affects their current academic performance but could also have long-

term implications for their future educational and career opportunities. The ability to use

computers effectively is a critical skill in the ICT field, and without adequate practice and
exposure, students may find themselves ill-prepared for the demands of higher

education or the job market.

This study seeks to investigate the impact of limited computer availability on the

academic performance of ICT students at Amtic National High School. By analyzing the

extent to which computer access influences student outcomes, this research aims to

provide valuable insights that can inform school administrators, educators, and

policymakers. The findings of this study could serve as a foundation for developing

strategies to improve computer access in schools, thereby enhancing the quality of

education and supporting the academic success of students in the ICT field.

Furthermore, this research will contribute to the broader discourse on educational

equity, particularly in the context of technological resources. In a world where digital

literacy and technical skills are increasingly important, ensuring that all students have

access to the tools they need to succeed is essential.

While numerous studies have explored the general importance of technology in

education, there is a lack of specific research examining how limited computer access

directly impacts the academic performance of ICT students in under-resourced schools

like Amtic National High School. This study will highlight the importance of addressing

resource disparities in education and underscore the need for targeted interventions to

support students who are at risk of falling behind due to a lack of access to technology.
Statement of the problem

To investigate the impact of limited computer availability on the academic performance of

ICT students at Amtic National High School.

This study seeks to address the following specific research questions:

1.What is the total number of ICT students enrolled at Amtic National High School?

2.How many computers are available for use at Amtic National High School?

3.Is there a significant relationship between the availability of computers and the

academic performance of ICT students at Amtic National High School?

4.What effect does the limited availability of computers have on the academic

performance of ICT students at Amtic National High School?

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study aims to investigate the impact of limited computer availability on the academic

performance of ICT students at Amtic National High School during the school year 2024-

2025. The research focuses on two sections: Grade 10 Dynamic and Grade 11 Respectful

ICT students, consisting of a total of 66 participants (31 students from Grade 11 and 35

students from Grade 10). The study will measure two main variables: computer availability

within the school and the academic performance of the ICT students. Data will be

collected using a survey method to understand the relationship between limited access

to computers and how it affects student performance. However, the research is limited to

ICT students of Amtic National High School and does not include students from other

tracks or year levels. Other factors that could influence academic performance, such as
teaching methods, personal study habits, or access to technology outside the school, are

not considered in this study. Additionally, this research will focus only on computer

availability within the school environment, excluding any external sources of technology

or computer use outside of school premises. The findings of this study will be specific to

Amtic National High School and may not be applicable to other schools with different

levels of resources or student populations.

Significance of the study

This study on the impact of limited computer availability on the academic performance of

ICT students at Amtic National High School holds significance for various stakeholders:

Students: The findings of this study will benefit ICT students by highlighting how limited

access to computers affects their academic performance. Understanding this relationship

can help students become more aware of how their resources impact their learning, and

it may encourage them to seek alternative ways to enhance their academic performance

despite resource limitations.

Teachers: For teachers, the study provides insights into the challenges their ICT students

face due to limited computer access. This can help educators adjust their teaching

strategies and provide more effective support to students who may be struggling with

insufficient resources. By being aware of these limitations, teachers can tailor their

lessons to maximize student learning, even in a resource-constrained environment.

The School: The study will serve as valuable feedback for the administration of Amtic

National High School. It will highlight the significance of computer access in improving

academic outcomes, particularly for ICT students who heavily rely on technology. The
results could guide school administrators in making informed decisions about resource

allocation and possibly prioritizing the provision of more computers to enhance the

academic performance of their students.

Researcher: This study will contribute to the body of knowledge concerning the

relationship between computer availability and academic performance in ICT education.

For the researcher, it provides an opportunity to explore a pressing issue that affects

student outcomes.

Future researchers: this study can serve as a foundation for further investigation into

similar issues, potentially leading to broader studies that can include other schools or

regions, and even compare different educational environments to draw more generalized

conclusions.