Effects of Computer Literacy on the Academic Performance of Senior High School Students

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter includes the introduction, theoretical and conceptual framework, statement of the
problem, scope and delimitation, significance of the study and the definition of terms.

Background of the Study

In today’s digital age, computer literacy is crucial for effective learning. As educational systems
integrate technology, understanding its impact on academic performance becomes essential.
Research shows that students proficient in using computers and digital tools generally perform
better academically (Park & Levy, 2019; Chen et al., 2020). This study investigates how
computer literacy influences the academic performance of senior high school students,
particularly in core subjects such as mathematics and language arts.

In the 21st century, computer literacy has become essential for academic success. As
educational systems increasingly integrate technology into learning environments,
understanding the impact of computer literacy on academic performance is critical. This study
investigates how proficient use of computers affects the academic achievements of senior high
school students, particularly in subjects that require digital resources, such as research,
collaboration, and presentations.

Computer literacy is the ability or knowledge to use computers efficiently and effectively.
Acquiring computer literacy would enhance the learning process for students manifold. In order
to be futuristic, students need to acquire computer literacy. In the coming years, their education
and learning will take place on computers and for that teachers must equip students with the
skills required to use computers seamlessly. Moreover, studies have shown that the students
who are computer literate perform better academically, and hence, it is necessary that teachers
incorporate computer literacy into their curriculum. Digital literacy would enable students to be
aware of the basic hardware and software functions of the computers which would come in
handy in multiple situations in their lives. A person is called computer literate if one has the
knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering

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levels. As cited by Igenewari (2015), computer literacy can refer to the comfort level someone
has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers.

Computer literacy is a necessity to senior high school students. Minimal usage of books has
been implemented. It is a requirement for the senior high school students to have access a
computer or tablet for browsing, searching and serve as an eBook (Staff Writer, 2018).
Computers and the internet help students to discover creativity and imagination. Understanding
technologies is one of the many uses of computers. For the advancement of education, it is
really important to teach students in schools about computers, the internet, and its benefits
(Sharma, 2016).

The goal of this study is to find the relationship between computer literacy of senior high school
students and their academic performance. The researchers also want to measure the computer
literacy level of the students and to determine the factors that affects computer literacy among
senior high school students.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the Effects of Computer Literacy on the Academic Performance of
Senior High School Students at Calaya National High School.

Specifically, this study also seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of computer literacy among senior high school students?

2. How does computer literacy correlate with students’ academic performance in various
subjects?

3. What specific aspects of computer literacy (e.g., word processing, online research,
software use) contribute most significantly to academic performance?

Theoretical Framework

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 This study is grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Constructivist
Learning Theory. TAM posits that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness influence
individuals’ acceptance and use of technology. Constructivist Learning Theory emphasizes
the role of technology as a facilitator of collaborative and self-directed learning. Together,
these frameworks suggest that higher levels of computer literacy may lead to improved
academic outcomes.

Conceptual Framework

According to Bhasin (2018) an individual’s motivation to achieve something in life or the dire
need to achieve a specific goal is governed by various internal factors such as willingness,
determination, punctuality, personal drive along with numerous external factors (also
known as environmental factors) such as pressures, expectations, targets, etc., set by
relevant organizations, members of the family or the society. A person’s need to achieve
something and the reason behind his/her overall motivation to achieve a certain goal,
according to the achievement motivation theory, more often than not, comes from within and
is strongly related to the individuals need for power and affiliation.

Research Paradigm

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 Hypothesis

1. There is no significant positive relationship between the level of computer literacy and
the academic performance of senior high school students.

2. Specific components of computer literacy (e.g., online research skills) have a greater
effect on academic performance than others.

Significance of the Study

This study will aim at finding any significant relationship between Computer Literacy of Senior
High School Students and their Academic Performance. The findings of this study could be of
great significance to the following:

The students, especially senior high school students, would immensely benefit with this study,
for it could give them valuable information related to the computer literacy of their fellow
students and if it positively correlates to their academic performance. This study contains such
information that would give them thoughts about how significant computer literacy is on their
education and its connections with their performance in school.

The teachers may also find this study useful for observing their fellow students inside and
outside the classroom. This study would also help teachers give their students extra treatment
regarding their computer literacy as this study could also have significant relationship in regard
to their such literacy and their academic performance.

Aside from teachers, school administrators could also find important bits of information on this
study as they are the ones responsible in giving students positive feedbacks regarding their
computer literacy and academic performance, or none in some cases.

This study will provide the researchers with data and information that is beneficial to the study.
The data results that will be gathered will help in the fulfilment of the study. This will also give a
better understanding and learning about the relationship of computer literacy to academic
performance of senior high school students.

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The findings may also help future researchers as they may gain inspirations or ideas on this
study regarding the relationship between a student’s computer literacy and his/her academic
performance. Studies regarding computer literacy could potentially be widened even more by
them in the future if such significant findings will be found on this study.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will mainly focus on finding the relationship between Computer Literacy of Senior
High School Students and their Academic Performance. The profile of the respondents will
cover gender and their chosen track and strand. The level of computer literacy of the
respondents will be described in terms of identification of computer parts, use of microsoft
office, use of graphic programs, and use of web.

Definition of Terms

Computer Literacy - The ability to use computer systems and applications effectively, including
skills in word processing, online research, and basic troubleshooting.

Academic Performance - The measurable outcomes of education, often assessed through

Senior High School Students - Learners typically aged 16 to 18 enrolled in the last two years
of secondary education.

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