Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Students of a Remote Barangay Maasin Through Information and Communications Technology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I2.80Keywords:
Affordability, Digital Ability, Digital Divide, Digital Literacy, Information and Communication Technology, Tech4Ed Center, Technology AccessAbstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of the Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (Tech4Ed) Center in bridging the digital divide among senior high school students in Purok Centro, Barangay Maasin, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Anchored in the Casey Digital Equity Framework 2021–2025, the study examined digital literacy in terms of access, affordability, and digital ability; challenges related to the center’s infrastructure, capacity building, and promotion; its perceived impact on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development; and differences in digital literacy across demographic and socioeconomic profiles. A quantitative descriptive design was employed using total enumeration of 90 senior high school students from School Years 2022–2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire that demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s Alpha of .979. Findings showed a high overall level of digital literacy (M = 3.82), with digital ability obtaining the highest mean (M = 3.97), followed by access (M = 3.79), while affordability was lowest (M = 3.69). Students reported relatively few challenges in using the Tech4Ed Center, although limitations in physical space, training organization, and feedback mechanisms were identified. The center demonstrated a positive overall impact (M = 4.17), particularly in education (M = 4.21), employment (M = 4.15), and entrepreneurship and economic development (M = 4.14). Significant differences in digital literacy were found according to age and school year attended, but not according to sex, grade level, strand, socioeconomic status, distance from the center, or device ownership. The study recommends strengthening infrastructure, training, stakeholder support, and sustainable funding, including upgrading the center into a Digital Transformation Center. The study aligns with SDG 4–Quality Education, SDG 5–Gender Equality, and SDG 9–Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Its sustainability contribution lies in strengthening educational, digital, socio-economic, community, and institutional capacity through continued and equitable access to ICT services.
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