Students’ Performance and Satisfaction with the Cisco Academy Networking Program (Computer Networking 1): Basis for a Proposed Pedagogical Action in Blended Learning

Abstract

Staying competitive in the IT field is a challenge. The use of IT certification programs involves a number of critical issues and implications for higher educational institutions (HEIs), educators, administrators, students, and the IT industry. Hence, there is a compelling need to gather and share IT certification program data to chart a comparative analysis across HEIs that are using certification programs. This study presents a summary of key findings among the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) students in the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas’ performance and satisfaction level in Computer Networking 1, the first course in the four-course certification program. It used the descriptive method of research. Respondents of the study were the 71 BSCS second year students who took the course during the Second Semester of SY 2009-2010. Frequency distribution, Pearson R and weighted mean were used for data analysis. The performance and satisfactory level the students gave to learning performance in Computer Networking 1 addresses their learning experiences and was an evidence of the pedagogical richness of the program and the contribution of the Computer Networking 1 teacher. In conclusion, the course actively engaged the students and a clear understanding of the subject were achieved. Keywords - computer networking, satisfaction, performance