Republic of the Philippines

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Urdaneta City Campus

Navigating Educational Inequality:

Unpacking the Impact of Digital Divide on Academic
Achievement Among the Civil Engineering Students of
Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City Campus

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY,
URDANETA CITY CAMPUS

IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

SUBJECT CONTEMPORARY WORLD

BY:
RINA JOY ANCHETA
RALPH VINCENT ABALOS
TRISHA BAGUIO
LENJI CODIAMAT
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

1.2. Statement of the Problem

1.3. Significance of the Study

1.4. Scope and Delimitation

1.5. Definition of Terms

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

2.1. Related Studies

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1. Research Design

3.2. Locale of the Study

3.3. Respondents of the Study

3.4. Sampling Techniques

3.5. Research Instrument

3.6. Data Gathering Procedure

• References
 Navigating Educational Inequality: Unpacking the Impact of Digital Divide
on Academic Achievement Among the Civil Engineering Students of
Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City Campus

Abstract:
The proposed research aims to investigate the influence of digital divide on academic achievement among
civil engineering students at Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City Campus. This study seeks to
identify and understand the key factors contributing to educational inequality in the context of technology
access and utilization. The research will employ qualitative methods to gather insights from students,
faculty, and administrators, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital
landscape.

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Education has been an essential necessity that everyone must possess. It serves as a requirement and a
reward at the same time since it molds our minds with all the things in the world that we know very little
of. Through education, we become knowledgeable, and as we become knowledgeable, we get to have the
intelligence on seeing more of our points of view to things that matter. We get to be more rational with the
decisions that we make as well as envision the logic and outcome behind it. It is indeed factual when we
say “knowledge is power” because once we possess such power, we will be able to grasp and become aware,
even a little, about what is happening around us which is probably the most important reason why
knowledge along with intelligence is said to be more powerful than being an ignorant fool.
The education system in the Philippines is unique in such a way that the history of colonialism had
impacted and influenced the country for so many years. During the Spanish Era, Filipino teachers were
replaced by Spanish teachers, and they focused their education more on religion Christianity, which is still
relevant today, making the country the only Asian country that is predominant in Christianity (Macha et.
al., 2018). The U.S colonization brought significant transformation and development to the education
system in the Philippines, with English language being a part of the national language along with Filipino
language (Tagalog) which is very evident in the present-day. Japanese occupation, on the other hand, ceased
the educational progress in the Philippines. They shift the focus of education into vocational, children were
taught Japanese language (Nihongo) through their songs and games, they even helped enhance the morality
of Filipinos and administer wariness to materialism (Musa & Ziatdinov, 2012). Due to being imprisoned in
our own country, the Philippines acquire the colonial mentality, not only in the education system but also
in different aspects which includes the language, culture, government system, and such.
There are several ways in procuring knowledge, albeit through searching the web, reading books or
newspapers, watching educational or documentary films, and many more. Also, as we grew up, we were
enrolled in schools to get a proper education as well as get into stable jobs in the future. However,
circumstances, particularly the COVID-19, had led the school system to transform and take any necessary
actions just to deliver the education that we need to have in life. The government implemented a new class
system which shifted teaching platforms to virtual learning, or e-learning, which is also commonly called
online class. These changes have brought new challenges and opportunities to both students and teachers
in the time of pandemic wherein we are still facing this problem until now.
 Education has long been regarded as a fundamental driver of societal progress, empowering individuals,
and shaping the course of nations. In the contemporary educational landscape, the integration of digital
technologies has become inseparable from the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence. However, as
we stride into this digital era, a discernible gap in access to and utilization of these technologies has
surfaced, particularly among students pursuing civil engineering at Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta
City Campus.
Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City Campus serves as a microcosm of this larger educational
narrative. With its diverse student body and commitment to academic excellence, the campus encapsulates
the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. As civil engineering students engage with
complex course materials, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning experiences, their access to and
proficiency with digital tools become integral factors that merit exploration.
This study seeks to delve into the multifaceted aspects of the digital landscape within the context of civil
engineering education. By understanding the nuances of technological disparities, we aim to shed light on
how these digital divides manifest and, subsequently, impact the academic achievement of civil engineering
students. The exploration of this terrain is crucial not only for the specific academic community at
Pangasinan State University but also for informing broader educational practices and policies in the face of
an increasingly digitalized learning environment.
As we embark on this inquiry, the goal is to unravel the complexities of educational inequality in the
digital age, to contribute to the scholarship surrounding technology-mediated learning, and to provide
actionable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers. Through this research, we aspire to
pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive educational experience for civil engineering students and,
by extension, for students across diverse disciplines facing similar challenges in the digital era.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
While digital technologies offer unprecedented access to educational resources, a discernible gap in access
and utilization persists among civil engineering students at Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City
Campus. This study seeks to unravel the impact of these digital divides on academic achievement, aiming
to identify the key factors contributing to educational inequality within the context of technology.
The paper's specific goals were to answer the questions as follows:
1. What is the prevailing digital divide among civil engineering students at Pangasinan State
University - Urdaneta City Campus?
2. How does this digital divide impact the academic achievement of civil engineering students?
3. What are the perceptions of students, faculty, and administrators regarding the role of digital
technologies in shaping educational experiences and outcomes?
1.3. Significance of the Study
This research holds significance in addressing the evolving challenges in higher education, specifically
within civil engineering programs. Understanding the digital divide and their impact on academic
achievement is crucial for designing targeted interventions and policies that promote inclusivity and equal
educational opportunities. Furthermore, the results of this study will be of benefit of the following
individuals/groups:
School Faculties. The contents of this research will be useful for their job to deliver quality educations to
the students. This can give them ideas that can enhance their teaching methods and strategies. This will also
help them determine things that are hindering their goal to educate.
Academic Institutions. The useful and relevant information acquired from the study will encourage them
to develop more flexible and auspicious strategies for academic evolution.
Students. For students who are not aware of the impact of digital divide that are addressed on this research,
this study will help them understand the adversities of their fellow students who are undergoing the same
circumstances.
Future researchers. Besides from the enlightenment this can provide, this research can serve as a reference
material and a guide for people who wants to conduct research related to this kind of topic.
1.4. Scope and Delimitations
The study focuses on Civil Engineering Students at Pangasinan State University - Urdaneta City Campus,
acknowledging the unique aspects of their academic environment. Limitations may include the
generalizability of findings beyond this specific context and the potential influence of external factors on
the research outcomes.
1.5 Definition of Terms
Digital Divide: Disparities in access to and utilization of digital technologies for educational purposes.
Education: The method of providing or receiving structured education, particularly in a school or
university.
Educational Inequality: The unequal distribution of academic resources to socially excluded
communities, such as school money, experienced and qualified instructors, books, and technology.
Technology: Applications of conceptual knowledge to practical objectives, particularly those that can be
repeated.
Technological Disparities: Inequality in how various people, groups, or societies use and access
technology.
Academic Achievement: The measurable outcomes of students' performance in their academic pursuits,
including grades, exam scores, and project evaluations.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1. Related Studies

This chapter discusses several literatures and studies that support the research. Most of the literatures
gathered represent the impact of the digital divide involved in e-learning, its effect on the academic
performance of students, and the impacts it has on schools, teachers, and students. In a timely manner, the
proposed study to be conducted is indeed significant since for some schools and universities, the
pandemic has been the reason to implement this kind of setting, and this online learning has been an issue
to ponder, especially for students. This can also be beneficial for the government, institutions, and the
public to better understand the issues on both sides in order to come up with a better solution regarding
the matter.
As technology has been developing in the nation and in some other countries, e-learning is actually old
news for some people, especially in those countries where schools and universities have been using it, but
not on a daily basis. As a result, in order for schools to benefit from this new trend and continue to grow,
they must also use or practice this technology. Students can now conduct research or obtain information
by going online, regardless of their location or time of day, thanks to advancements in technology. Since
then, communication has evolved as well. People can now communicate online with their friends, family,
and other acquaintances. The news and media have also been active on the internet. According to
Carbonilla et al. (2016), there are 29% more knowledge gains, 40% more skill acquisitions, 67% no
differences in students' attitudes, and 14% better e-learning satisfaction in high-income nations. The
Philippines, however, has a different situation with e-learning than some other nations because it is a
developing nation with low wealth and a culture that believes that attending in-person classes is the most
practical way to receive a quality education.
A major consequence of the digital divide for developing nations is the potential denial of
socioeconomic prospects to segments or groups with limited or no access to this technology. Millions of
people remain without adequate internet access even though the Philippines is known as the global centre
for social media. Many students are disadvantaged as a result of the digital divide and are falling behind
in their academics because too much learning occurs online or necessitates mastering information
technology skills.
According to the study of Youssef et al. (2022) the use of technologies of students greatly affects the
academic performance on students. The study they conducted revealed that, in contrast to the rhythm of
traditional instruction, asynchronous modes of learning let students adjust their work rhythms if they have
access to digitalized instructional materials. Students who learn asynchronously would be better able to
manage their time and devote more time to their studies, which could help to explain why they perform
better on exams. It was also emphasized how the use of ICTs, which are regarded as advances in
education, can support specific learning styles that lead to improved retention of the material being
taught.
On the other hand, the study of Kearns (2012), she mentioned 3 broad themes with regards to the
challenges that students experienced on e-learning, namely: impact on distance between the learners and
instructors, adaptation aspect which results from usage of technology as a way of communication, and the
workload as well as time management. Accordingly, Gillett Swan (2017) determined that challenges faced
by the student in online learning may also be personal such as the anxiety of an individual in terms of
using technology, particularly in accessing assignments, projects or activities online, and peer interaction
such as group reportings, or group participation during online class.
Additionally, the study of Esteban & Cruz (2021) demonstrated that during a pandemic, there is a
greater digital divide and the detrimental impacts of COVID-19 on students are more noticeable. Even
though bridging the digital divide in education is a huge task, this study offers pertinent data to help
create strategies that will level the playing field for all students. All facets of society must work hard to
close the growing digital divide in order to guarantee that no one is left behind.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter describes the subjects and how they were selected for inclusion in this study. In
addition, the instrument being used to collect information will be discussed as to its content.
3.1. Research Design
This study will employ a mixed-method research design, combining both quantitative and
qualitative research approaches. Its purpose will be to investigate the extent of the impact of digital divides
on academic achievement among the Civil Engineering Students of Pangasinan State University – Urdaneta
City Campus, aiming to determine the correlation between students’ socio-demographics and potential
impacts of digital divide.
The quantitative approach will aim to furnish statistical evidence regarding the impact of digital
divides among students, enhancing their knowledge and offering ways to mitigate these effects.
Simultaneously, the qualitative phase will be designed to uncover the effects of digital divides, fostering
awareness of potential impacts.
3.2. Locale of the Study
This study will be conducted at Pangasinan State University, Urdaneta City Campus, and is located
in San Vicente, Urdaneta City since the chosen respondents of this study are the Civil Engineering students
at the said school.
3.3. Respondents of the Study
The respondents of this study are the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Students of
Pangasinan State University, Urdaneta City Campus for the academic year 2023 -2024. The Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering Students at the said school was chosen as the target population indicating the
sample of the study that will represent the entire population.
3.4. Sampling Techniques
For the quantitative sampling technique, the study will employ a stratified random sampling
approach, categorizing students based on socioeconomic status, geographical location, and academic
performance. This will ensure representation across diverse groups, allowing for a comprehensive statistical
analysis of the impact of digital divides.
For the qualitative sampling technique, the research will opt for purposive sampling, selecting
participants deliberately based on their unique experiences with digital divides. This will include students
from different socio-economic backgrounds and varying levels of access to digital resources. The goal will
be to capture a rich variety of perspectives to thoroughly explore the qualitative aspects of the effects of
digital divides.
3.5. Research Instrument
The researchers formulate questionnaires to gather essential study data, utilizing informal
interviews with the respondents as the means of acquisition. The questionnaires are composed of two parts:
the first part is focused on the socio-demographic profile of the students, and; the second part is focused on
the impact of digital divides on academic achievement among the Civil Engineering students of Pangasinan
State University, Urdaneta City Campus.
3.6. Data Gathering Procedure
In conducting this study, a survey questionnaire will be used to gather the data needed for this
study, where we will personally distribute the questionnaires to some of the Civil Engineering students of
Pangasinan State University in Urdaneta City Campus. But before we gather statistics, we will obtain
informed consent from the participants. The collected data will be tailed, tabulated and subjected to data
analysis.
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Esteban, A. & Cruz, M. J., (2021). Digital Divide in Times of Pandemic among Teacher Education Students
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experiences.
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