internet access

This study examined the challenges and opportunities experienced by elementary teachers in the new normal education in the Third Congressional District of the Schools Division of Iloilo, Philippines, during the school year 2021–2022, as a basis for developing an instructional training program. Anchored on the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) framework, the study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving 60 elementary teachers. Data were collected using a researcher-modified questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman rho correlation. Findings revealed that teachers experienced a moderately challenging level of difficulties (M = 2.68), primarily involving limited internet connectivity, health safety concerns, insufficient technological devices, and financial constraints. Conversely, respondents reported a high level of opportunities (M = 3.85), particularly in professional learning, personal development, technological adaptation, and learner engagement. No significant differences were found in challenges and opportunities when respondents were classified according to age, sex, and civil status. However, a significant negative relationship was established between challenges and opportunities (rs = −0.453, p < 0.001), indicating that greater challenges were associated with fewer perceived opportunities. Based on these findings, a five-day instructional training program focusing on technological competencies and digital instructional applications was proposed. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing teacher professional development and inclusive instructional practices, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through educational technology integration. Its sustainability implications highlight the importance of continuous professional development, institutional technical assistance, and adaptable instructional strategies in strengthening educational resilience and sustaining quality elementary education.

Access to functional digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for teachers to convert information and communication Technology (ICT) competence into classroom practice, yet the quality and distribution of infrastructure remain uneven in many developing education systems. This paper examined the effect of the status of institutional ICT infrastructure and digital tools on teacher use of digital technologies in public junior schools (JS) in Kakamega County, Kenya. Relying on the Theory of Organizational Information Processing, the study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design involving 332 responding JSS teachers, 11 Sub-County Directors of Education and observations from 78 schools. Factor analysis of 12 infrastructure indicators produced a factor-based index of 3.500, interpreted as good, although important differences were evident across infrastructure components. Electricity, computer rooms, broadband connectivity, and technical support were relatively strong, whereas specialized digital tools, suitable educational software and security mechanisms were weaker. Teachers most frequently identified inadequate computers/devices (26.8%) and unstable or absent internet connectivity (22.9%) as the leading infrastructure challenges. Pearson correlation showed a significant positive moderate relationship between infrastructure status and technology use (r = .417, p < .001). In Model 1, infrastructure significantly predicted technology use (B = .525, β approximately .417, p < .001; R² = .174). After adjustment for gender, age, education, teaching experience, subject and JSS enrolment, the detailed regression table reported B = .579, β = .465, t = 7.94, p < .001, R² = .473 and adjusted R² = .451. The null hypothesis was rejected. The paper concludes that functional infrastructure and appropriate digital tools are essential enabling conditions, but infrastructure development should address advanced tools, software, connectivity, maintenance and security rather than focusing only on basic provision. This study also recommends that the infrastructure budgets should move beyond hardware acquisition to include suitable educational software, specialized digital tools, maintenance, backups, antivirus protection and user-safety measures.

This study designed and validated a Technology-Enhanced Inquiry-Based Learning Package (TIBLEP) for junior secondary natural science in a resource-constrained context, addressing the offline connectivity barriers common in under-resourced schools. A Design and Development Research (DDR) approach guided needs analysis, design, development, expert validation, revision, and field implementation. TIBLEP was built as an offline environment combining curriculum-aligned content, guided inquiry, multimedia demonstrations, self-paced navigation, and formative feedback. Five experts assessed the package across six dimensions. Sixty Grade 8 students from two intact classes then completed a five-week field trial (30 in the TIBLEP group and 30 in the conventional group), with interviews capturing participant experiences. Expert ratings were consistently positive (grand mean = 3.69, SD = 0.29), with the highest ratings for overall suitability (M = 3.78) and the lowest for technology integration (M = 3.60). Posttest achievement was higher for TIBLEP (M = 68.30, SD = 6.20) than for the control group (M = 54.70, SD = 5.80). Interviews indicated perceived gains in conceptual clarity, autonomy, engagement, collaboration, and teachers' technological competence. TIBLEP is a feasible, expert-validated offline model for inquiry-oriented science learning where connectivity is unreliable and access remains uneven. The package offers teachers and policymakers a validated, curriculum-aligned tool for delivering inquiry-based science instruction without depending on internet access.

The widespread availability of smartphones and internet access has made TikTok part of children’s everyday entertainment. This situation requires parents to guide children not only by limiting screen time but also through communication that helps children understand appropriate content and use. This study aims to describe and analyse parents’ interpersonal communication patterns in controlling TikTok use among children aged 7–12 years in Villa Gading Harapan 5 Housing Estate, Tambun Utara, Bekasi. The study used a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected from April to June 2026 through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation. Five parents were selected as key informants using purposive sampling, while two children participated as supporting informants. The data were analysed through data reduction, presentation, conclusion drawing, and technique triangulation. The findings show that parents apply the five elements of effective interpersonal communication proposed by Joseph A. DeVito: openness, empathy, supportiveness, positiveness, and equality. Supportiveness is the most visible element, expressed through advice about age-appropriate content, direct supervision, time limits, and diversion to other activities. Openness remains the most vulnerable element because one child tended to restrict parental access to digital activities. The study indicates that controlling TikTok use is more effective when rules are accompanied by warm dialogue, emotional understanding, and opportunities for children to express their views. Parents should therefore maintain consistent, non-judgmental conversations and make digital supervision part of daily family interaction.

This study examines the management of the Teacher Competency Improvement Program at UPT SMA Negeri 10 Jeneponto, describing the processes of planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising/evaluating, as well as identifying the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The research informants consisted of the principal and teachers. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The results showed that the management of the Teacher Competency Improvement Program at UPT SMA Negeri 10 Jeneponto was carried out through the four management functions proposed by George R. Terry, namely planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising/evaluating. Planning was conducted by identifying teachers' competency needs based on learning conditions, supervision results, and professional development needs, adjusted to the school's programs and available resources. Organizing was carried out through assigning teachers according to their areas of expertise, coordination, teacher involvement, and facilitation of participation in professional development programs. Implementation was conducted through the Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG), Subject Teachers' Working Groups (MGMP), training, workshops, and the utilization of digital technology, which resulted in positive changes in teaching practices, such as the use of more varied teaching methods and media and improved classroom management. Supervision/evaluation was conducted through academic supervision, Teacher Performance Assessment (PKG), classroom observation, and evaluation of teachers' competency development as a basis for mentoring and further program development. Supporting factors included support from the school and the Education Office, teacher participation, and the involvement of MGMP, while inhibiting factors included limited budgets and inadequate facilities and infrastructure, particularly technological devices, internet access, and training facilities. To address these challenges, the school implemented priority-setting and optimized the available resources. Thus, the management of the program has been implemented systematically and continuously, although it has not yet been fully optimal due to resource limitations.

این پژوهش به بررسی مدیریت برنامه ارتقاء شایستگی معلمان در UPT SMA Negeri 10 Jeneponto می‌پردازد و فرآیندهای برنامه‌ریزی، سازماندهی، اجرا و نظارت/ارزشیابی را توصیف می‌کند و همچنین عوامل حمایتی و بازدارنده در اجرای آن را شناسایی می‌نماید. این پژوهش با رویکرد کیفی و طرح پژوهش توصیفی انجام شده است. مشارکت‌کنندگان پژوهش شامل مدیر مدرسه و معلمان بودند. داده‌ها از طریق مشاهده، مصاحبه و اسناد جمع‌آوری شدند. تکنیک‌های تحلیل داده شامل کاهش داده، ارائه داده و نتیجه‌گیری بود و روایی داده‌ها از طریق مثلث‌سازی منبع و روش تضمین شد. نتایج نشان داد که مدیریت برنامه ارتقاء شایستگی معلمان در UPT SMA Negeri 10 Jeneponto از طریق چهار وظیفه مدیریتی پیشنهادی George R. Terry، یعنی برنامه‌ریزی، سازماندهی، اجرا و نظارت/ارزشیابی انجام می‌شود. برنامه‌ریزی با شناسایی نیازهای شایستگی معلمان بر اساس شرایط یادگیری، نتایج نظارت و نیازهای توسعه حرفه‌ای، متناسب با برنامه‌های مدرسه و منابع موجود صورت گرفت. سازماندهی از طریق تخصیص معلمان بر اساس حوزه تخصصی، هماهنگی، مشارکت معلمان و تسهیل حضور در برنامه‌های توسعه حرفه‌ای انجام شد. اجرا از طریق برنامه آموزش حرفه‌ای معلمان (PPG)، گروه‌های کاری معلمان موضوعی (MGMP)، آموزش، کارگاه‌ها و بهره‌گیری از فناوری دیجیتال انجام شد که منجر به تغییرات مثبت در شیوه‌های تدریس، مانند استفاده از روش‌ها و رسانه‌های متنوع‌تر و بهبود مدیریت کلاس گردید. نظارت/ارزشیابی از طریق نظارت آموزشی، ارزیابی عملکرد معلمان (PKG)، مشاهده کلاس و ارزیابی توسعه شایستگی معلمان به عنوان مبنایی برای مشاوره و توسعه بیشتر برنامه انجام شد. عوامل حمایتی شامل حمایت مدرسه و اداره آموزش، مشارکت معلمان و مشارکت MGMP بود، در حالی که عوامل بازدارنده شامل محدودیت بودجه و ناکافی بودن امکانات و زیرساخت‌ها، به ویژه تجهیزات فناوری، دسترسی به اینترنت و امکانات آموزشی بود. برای مقابله با این چالش‌ها، مدرسه اولویت‌بندی و بهینه‌سازی منابع موجود را اجرا کرد. بنابراین، مدیریت برنامه به صورت نظام‌مند و مستمر اجرا شده است، هرچند به دلیل محدودیت منابع هنوز به طور کامل بهینه نشده است.

This study aims to describe the optimization of academic supervision through the Ruang GTK application in improving teacher performance at UPT SMKN 8 Luwu and to identify the factors that support and hinder its implementation. The study employed a qualitative approach using an exploratory descriptive method. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving the principal, the vice principal for curriculum, teachers, and the school supervisor. The results indicate that the Ruang GTK Application enhances the effectiveness of academic supervision through digital scheduling, real-time observation, structured feedback, and cloud-based data storage that supports data-driven decision-making. Supporting factors include teacher commitment, a culture of collective learning, and the application’s user-friendly design. Conversely, inhibiting factors include limited internet connectivity and technical system issues. Thus, the optimization of academic supervision through the Ruang GTK App contributes to improving the quality of supervision management and fostering the continuous professional development of teachers.

هدف این پژوهش توصیف بهینه‌سازی نظارت آموزشی از طریق اپلیکیشن Ruang GTK در بهبود عملکرد معلمان در UPT SMKN 8 Luwu و شناسایی عوامل حمایت‌کننده و بازدارنده در اجرای آن است. این مطالعه با رویکرد کیفی و روش توصیفی-اکتشافی انجام شده است. داده‌ها از طریق مصاحبه، مشاهده و مستندسازی با مشارکت مدیر مدرسه، معاون آموزشی، معلمان و ناظر مدرسه گردآوری گردید. نتایج نشان می‌دهد که اپلیکیشن Ruang GTK اثربخشی نظارت آموزشی را از طریق زمان‌بندی دیجیتال، مشاهده در زمان واقعی، بازخورد ساختاریافته و ذخیره‌سازی داده‌ها بر بستر ابر که از تصمیم‌گیری مبتنی بر داده حمایت می‌کند، افزایش می‌دهد. عوامل حمایت‌کننده شامل تعهد معلمان، فرهنگ یادگیری جمعی و طراحی کاربرپسند اپلیکیشن است. در مقابل، عوامل بازدارنده شامل محدودیت اتصال به اینترنت و مشکلات فنی سیستم می‌باشد. بنابراین، بهینه‌سازی نظارت آموزشی از طریق اپلیکیشن Ruang GTK به ارتقاء کیفیت مدیریت نظارت و تقویت توسعه حرفه‌ای مستمر معلمان کمک می‌کند.