The Implementation of the Department of Education Computerization Program (DCP) in Elementary Schools of Gingoog City Division, Philippines

The study examined the implementation of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) in elementary schools in Gingoog City, Philippines. The research involved a variety of stakeholders, including the division ICT coordinator, district supervisors, school ICT coordinators, principals, teachers, and Grade 6 students from randomly selected public elementary schools. A survey questionnaire was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DCP and to assess teachers' experiences and proficiency in utilizing the program. The findings provide insights into the current state of the DCP and its impact on educational practices within the division. Specifically, the research sought to answer several questions: the extent of DCP implementation in terms of the professional qualifications of teachers handling ICT, the ICT skills of teachers and ICT coordinators, the expertise of the ICT supervisor, the hardware and software inventory of schools, the integration of ICT into the school system, repair and maintenance, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, it aimed to assess the level of ICT skills of Grade 6 pupils, identify the challenges in implementing the DCP, and propose intervention programs to enhance its successful implementation. The study employed a multi-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative approach involved surveys completed by EPP/ICT teachers and Grade 6 students, with teachers' responses determining the level of DCP implementation and students' responses assessing their ICT skills. The qualitative approach included interviews with selected ICT coordinators and administrators to explore the challenges faced in implementing the DCP, providing deeper insights into the obstacles and experiences encountered during the program's deployment and operation. By combining both methods, the study aimed to present a well-rounded analysis of the DCP's implementation and its impact on ICT education in Gingoog City's elementary schools. The study's respondents included three principals, 54 ICT school coordinators, three district supervisors, one division Information Technology Officer, 71 EPP teachers handling ICT subjects, and 178 Grade 6 learners from the recipient elementary schools of the DCP in the Gingoog City Division, all selected at random. For data analysis and interpretation, the study used statistical tools such as mean to determine the level of DCP implementation and ICT skills of Grade 6 learners, Pearson r to test the reliability of the research instrument, and thematic analysis to analyze participants' responses to the challenges faced in implementing the DCP.