Unreliable Internet Connections Research Articles

Social media behaviors and barriers impacting women e-commerce entrepreneurs in rural Australia: A pilot study

ABSTRACT E-commerce businesses have proven to offer lifelines for residents in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) locations traditionally reliant on agricultural income. Prolonged droughts and frequent floods have had devastating impacts on the ability to farm, propelling the need to generate off-farm income to survive. This ever-growing necessity to overcome climate hardship has catalyzed a new generation of women e-commerce entrepreneurs in RRR Australia, in turn, supporting community development. Our study focuses on interviews with successful women e-commerce entrepreneurs from rural Queensland, Australia, to explore the common barriers they face and their use of social media to connect with consumers throughout Australia and globally. Results identified their three greatest challenges to be product supply, product distribution, and unreliable internet connectivity. Data exploring social media behaviors suggested a strong reliance on Facebook and Instagram to drive website traffic and generate sales. This study provides a unique contribution to knowledge regarding an under-researched segment of entrepreneurs, and how they contribute to community development.

Exploring gestational age, and birth weight assessment in Thatta district, Sindh, Pakistan: Healthcare providers' knowledge, practices, perceived barriers, and the potential of a mobile app for identifying preterm and low birth weight.

Reliable methods for identifying prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are crucial to ending preventable deaths in newborns. This study explored healthcare providers' (HCPs) knowledge, practice, perceived barriers in assessing gestational age and birth weight and their referral methods for preterm and LBW infants. The study additionally assessed the potential of using a mobile app for the identification and referral decision of preterm and LBW. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Thatta District, Sindh, Pakistan. Participants, including doctors, nurses, lady health visitors, and midwives, were purposefully selected from a district headquarter hospital, and private providers in the catchment area of Global Network's Maternal and Newborn Health Registry (MNHR). Interviews were conducted using an interview guide after obtaining written informed consent. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO® software with an inductive approach. The HCPs had extensive knowledge about antenatal and postnatal methods for assessing gestational age. They expressed a preference for antenatal ultrasound due to the perceived accuracy, though accept practical barriers including workload, machine malfunctions, and cost. Postnatal assessment using the Ballard score was only undertaken sparingly due to insufficient training and subjectivity. All HCPs preferred electronic weighing scales for birth weight Barriers encountered included weighing scale calibration and battery issues. There was variation in the definition of prematurity and LBW, leading to delays in referral. Limited resources, inadequate education, and negative parent past experiences were barriers to referral. Foot length measurements were not currently being used. While mobile apps are felt to have potential, unreliable electricity supply and internet connectivity are barriers. The HCPs in this study were knowledgeable in terms of potential tools, but acknowledged the logistical and parental barriers to implementation.

Lived Experiences of Special Education Needs Students During Covid 19 - a Post Pandemic Reflection

The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore, describe and intertwine the lived experiences of students living with special educational needs (SEN) during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Seven purposively selected participants from 2 tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. Participation was voluntary, by responding to unstructured written online interviews and telephone interviews. Each participant confirmed consent and keenly participated as they wished to share their lived experiences. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The 5 themes identified in the study were challenges faced, coping strategies, sad moments, happy moments, lessons learnt and recommendations for the future. The major challenges were unreliable internet connectivity, financial constraints, meeting deadlines for assignment submissions, feelings of loneliness and frustrations from social distance and learning remotely which further led to emotional distance, challenge of lack of adequate technological competence made some to feel incapacitated to work remotely with limited assistance from fellow classmates. In addition, others felt helpless as lecturers who did not know their conditions assumed all things being equal and expected them to participate at par with the able bodied. However, most of them felt that the experience was a blessing in disguise as they developed coping strategies. It was richly rewarding as they developed resilience in the face of challenges, they felt the synergy of working together with family members from home to achieve their goals. Lastly, most of them learnt that they too could harness technology to their advantage, so they felt motivated to embrace technology and up- scale their technological skills and venture into unknown territories even after the Pandemic is over.

Adoption of mobile application for enhancing learning in higher education: Students’ views from the State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mobile (m)-learning is a technology-enhanced learning approach utilizing mobile technologies to facilitate learning. Despite significant attention from previous researchers, there is a lack of adequate studies about student’s usage and perceptions of m-learning in Zanzibar’s’ higher learning institutions (HLIs). In this study, the researchers explored the specific activities undertaken by students through the m-learning system, the students’ perceptions on the usefulness and ease of use of m-learning system, and the challenges they faced at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). The study used the survey method with descriptive statistical analysis and examined 240 randomly selected participating in the m-learning initiative. The findings indicate that 96.7% of participants easily used the system to navigate learning resources, 92.9% viewed assignments, and 94.6% took quizzes. Additionally, the majority of the respondents showed a positive attitude regarding the usefulness and ease of use of the system. However, 57% of participants experienced challenges, including unreliable internet connectivity and system incompatibility with some of their devices. The findings of this study will help HLIs like SUZA to find better strategies to improve m-learning, especially pedagogical features and awareness among students. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of more research to discover factors that influence m-learning adoption in Africa HLIs.

The Use and Challenges of ICT in Primary Schools: A Study of Selected Primary Schools in Ilala, Tanzania.

The advancement of science and technology has led to profound changes in human life. The educational system, in particular, has greatly benefited from global progress, especially with the introduction of ICT. Today, teachers and students enjoy convenient access to vast information and resources through various technological tools like computers, tablets, smartphones, projectors, and online platforms. These developments have created opportunities for interactive and personalized learning experiences. In Tanzania, like other countries, ICT has been integrated into the education system. This study aimed to explore teachers’ knowledge and understanding of ICT utilization and its integration in classrooms and the challenges encountered during implementation Deliberating to the objectives of this research, the design of this study is descriptive quantitative research using questionnaires to gather insights. The findings indicate that; teachers possess a certain level of ICT proficiency, enabling them to incorporate it into both their classrooms and daily lives. However, obstacles such as inadequate availability of ICT devices, unreliable internet connectivity, insufficient technical support, and a lack of professional training programs were identified as hindrances to the process. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations for individuals, school administrators, and the government to ensure the successful integration of ICT in education.

Academic Resilience in the Face of Internet Challenges: A Narrative Analysis of Tertiary Students’ Experiences

This qualitative research explored internet connectivity's influence on tertiary students' academic lives in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. It highlighted the challenges posed by unstable internet connections, students' resilience in adapting to them, the coping mechanisms employed by the students in accessing unstable internet connections, and the emotional toll it took on them. This paper used narrative analysis to interpret the data set from the participants. Through in-depth interviews, ten (10) participants shared their experiences of grappling with sluggish and unstable internet connections, hindering access to educational resources, and disrupting collaborative learning endeavours. Despite these challenges, students demonstrated resilience, employing strategies like accessing the Internet during off-peak hours and utilizing offline resources. However, these adaptations came with their own set of drawbacks, including sleep deprivation and financial strain. Emotionally, frustration with unreliable internet connectivity was palpable, yet students recognized the Internet's transformative role in their learning journey. The paper underscored the vital importance of reliable Internet infrastructure in rural education, advocating for concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality Internet services. Ultimately, it highlighted the resilience of rural students while emphasizing the urgent need to improve the digital infrastructure to support their academic endeavors in the digital age.

Barriers to Financial Inclusion in Indonesia: A Mixed-Methods Study on Low-Income Households

Lack of trust in financial institutions is a multi-layered issue shaped by individual experiences, community narratives, systemic factors, and the broader social and cultural milieu. It poses a significant barrier to financial inclusion, as trust is the foundation upon which all financial transactions are built. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the factors affecting financial inclusion among low-income households in Indonesia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from 241 res-pondents with qualitative insights gathered through in-depth interviews. The study finds that education level is significantly correlated with financial inclusion, confirming its critical role as an individual-level factor. Additionally, while geographic proximity to financial institutions does not guarantee higher financial inclu-sion, other accessibility issues such as complex banking procedures and unreliable internet connectivity act as barriers. Cultural norms and lack of trust in financial institutions also emerge as significant hindrances. The findings call for a multifaceted approach to improve financial inclusion, emphasizing the importance of education, refinement of service accessibility, and building community trust.

Facilitators and Barriers in the Implementation of a Digital Surveillance and Outbreak Response System in Ghana Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Interviews.

In the past 2 decades, many countries have recognized the use of electronic systems for disease surveillance and outbreak response as an important strategy for disease control and prevention. In low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of these electronic systems remains a priority and has attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and institutionalization of electronic systems in low- and middle-income countries have been challenged by the local capacity to absorb technologies, decisiveness and strength of leadership, implementation costs, workforce attitudes toward innovation, and organizational factors. In November 2019, Ghana piloted the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for routine surveillance and subsequently used it for the national COVID-19 response. This study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers to the sustainable implementation and operation of SORMAS in Ghana. Between November 2021 and March 2022, we conducted a qualitative study among 22 resource persons representing different stakeholders involved in the implementation of SORMAS in Ghana. We interviewed study participants via telephone using in-depth interview guides developed consistent with the model of diffusion of innovations in health service organizations. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and performed independent validation of transcripts and pseudonymization. We performed deductive coding using 7 a priori categories: innovation, adopting health system, adoption and assimilation, diffusion and dissemination, outer context, institutionalization, and linkages among the aspects of implementation. We used MAXQDA Analytics Pro for transcription, coding, and analysis. The facilitators of SORMAS implementation included its coherent design consistent with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, adaptability to evolving local needs, relative advantages for task performance (eg, real-time reporting, generation of case-base data, improved data quality, mobile offline capability, and integration of laboratory procedures), intrinsic motivation of users, and a smartphone-savvy workforce. Other facilitators were its alignment with health system goals, dedicated national leadership, political endorsement, availability of in-country IT capacities, and financial and technical support from inventors and international development partners. The main barriers were unstable technical interoperability between SORMAS and existing health information systems, reliance on a private IT company for data hosting, unreliable internet connectivity, unstable national power supply, inadequate numbers and poor quality of data collection devices, and substantial dependence on external funding. The facilitators of and barriers to SORMAS implementation are multiple and interdependent. Important success conditions for implementation include enhanced scope and efficiency of task performance, strong technical and political stewardship, and a self-motivated workforce. Inadequate funding, limited IT infrastructure, and lack of software development expertise are mutually reinforcing barriers to implementation and progress to country ownership. Some barriers are external, relate to the overall national infrastructural development, and are not amenable even to unlimited project funding.

"Publish First": A Rapid, GPT-4 Based Digitisation System for Small Institutes with Minimal Resources

We present a streamlined technical solution ("Publish First") designed to assist smaller, resource-constrained herbaria in rapidly publishing their specimens to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Specimen data from smaller herbaria, particularly those in biodiversity-rich regions of the world, provide a valuable and often unique contribution to the global pool of biodiversity knowledge (Marsico et al. 2020). However, these institutions often face challenges not applicable to larger herbaria, including a lack of staff with technical skills, limited staff hours for digitization work, inadequate financial resources for specialized scanning equipment, cameras, lights, and imaging stands, limited (or no) access to computers and collection management software, and unreliable internet connections. Data-scarce and biodiversity rich countries are also often linguistically diverse (Gorenflo et al. 2012), and staff may not have English skills, which means pre-existing online data publication resources and guides are of limited use. The "Publish First" method we are trialing, addresses several of these issues: it drastically simplifies the publication process so technical skills are not necessary; it minimizes administrative tasks saving time; it uses simple, cheap and easily available hardware; it does not require any specialized software; and the process is so simple that there is little to no need for any written instructions. "Publish first" requires staff to attach QR code labels containing identifiers to herbarium specimen sheets, scan these sheets using a document scanner costing around €300, then drag and drop these files to an S3 bucket (a cloud container that specialises in storing files). Subsequently, these images are automatically processed through an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) service to extract text, which is then passed on to OpenAI's Generative Pre-Transformer 4 (GPT-4) Application Programming Interface (API), for standardization. The standardized data is integrated into a Darwin Core Archive file that is automatically published through GBIF's Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT) (GBIF 2021). The most technically challenging aspect of this project has been the standardization of OCR data to Darwin Core using the GPT-4 API, particularly in crafting precise prompts to address the inherent inconsistency and lack of reliability in these Large Language Models (LLMs). Despite this, GPT-4 outperformed our manual scraping efforts. Our choice of GPT-4 as a model was a naive one: we implemented the workflow on some pre-digitized specimens from previously published Norwegian collections, compared the published data on GBIF with GPT-4's Darwin Core standardized output, and found the results satisfactory. Moving forward, we plan to undertake more rigorous additional research to compare the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of different LLMs as Darwin Core standardization engines. We are also particularly interested in exploring the new "function calling" feature added to the GPT-4 API, as it promises to allow us to retrieve standardized data in a more consistent and structured format. This workflow is currently under trial in Tajikistan, and may possibly be used in Uzbekistan, Armenia and Italy in the near future.

ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL MARKETING IMPLEMENTATION AS A STRATEGY IN INCREASING MSME PRODUCT SALES

In the current business landscape, the role of digital marketing in driving sales and shaping marketing strategies has become increasingly essential, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). This study aims to determine the effects of digital marketing on sales, marketing strategies, and the challenges associated with implementing digital marketing for MSMEs, using Syifa Bakery as a case study. The research adopts an observational descriptive approach, utilizing structured and in-depth interviews for data collection. The study's findings reveal that the digital marketing initiatives undertaken by Syifa Bakery, an MSME, significantly contribute to increased sales. Digital marketing proves to be cost-effective, convenient, and accessible at all times. The primary strategy employed for product marketing through digital channels includes the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp status updates, and live streaming on Facebook. However, the implementation encounters challenges such as unreliable internet connections, delivery delays, insufficient marketing and design personnel, and instances of transaction fraud and manipulation of administrative contact information. Thus, the study demonstrates the multifaceted nature of digital marketing implementation.

Use of Technology in Warehouse Operations

The primary aim of this research is to examine how information technology impacts the efficiency of warehouse operations at a pharmaceutical supply agency. The study used a descriptive method and a cross-sectional study design. The participants were all professional staff members working in the stock and distribution directorate, and all of them were included in the study. The information technology tool employed in the study was found to enhance the performance of various warehouse operations, including inventory accuracy, picking accuracy, put-away accuracy, receiving time, order processing time, and warehouse space utilization. However, the study also revealed that the information technology implementation did not prevent theft and product leakage. Several challenges were identified, including frequent electric power interruptions, slow or unreliable internet connectivity, insufficient training and support for staff, and a lack of confidence among employees in using the information technology for effective warehouse operations management.

STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES OF ONLINE LEARNING AT DANANG UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY

Like many other countries, educational institutions in Vietnam were forced to shift their courses from a face-to-face approach to online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The objectives of this study were to investigate students’ perceptions of online learning as well as to identify challenges of online learning they confronted. The study took a quantitative approach, using an online questionnaire on Google Forms to collect data from 631 undergraduate students at Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy in Danang, Vietnam. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the participants perceived online learning as being useful and time-saving. However, the study revealed some challenges the students encountered, such as unreliable internet connections, poor e-learning platforms and services, a lack of information and communication technology skills, and distractions. Based on the findings, some implications on online learning have been put forward.

The paradigm shift towards online learning during Covid-19 pandemic: an assessment of the attitudes on the learning practices among University of Zambia pharmacy students

BackgroundThe nexus between higher education and digital technology has been extensively studied in the past and recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to ascertain pharmacy students' attitudes towards using online learning during COVID-19.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed the University of Zambia’s (UNZA) pharmacy students’ adaptive characteristics, such as attitude, perception, and barriers to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a survey of N = 240 were collected using a self-administered, validated questionnaire along with a standard tool. Findings were statistically analysed using STATA version 15.1.ResultsOf the 240 respondents, 150 (62%) had a negative attitude towards online learning. Further, 141 (58.3%) of the respondents find online learning less effective than traditional face-to-face learning. Regardless, 142 (58.6%) of the respondents expressed a desire to modify and adapt online learning. The mean scores for the six domains of attitude (perceived usefulness, intention to adapt, ease of use of online learning, technical assistance, learning stressors, and distant use of online learning) were 2.9, 2.8, 2.5, 2.9, 2.9, and 3.5, respectively. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, no factors in this study were significantly associated with attitude towards online learning. The high cost of the internet, unreliable internet connectivity and lack of institutional support were perceived barriers to effective online learning.ConclusionAlthough most of the students in this study had a negative attitude toward online learning, they are willing to adopt it. Online learning could supplement traditional face-to-face learning in pharmacy programs if it can be made more user-friendly, have fewer technological barriers, and be complemented by programs that help improve practical learning abilities.

Teachers' Views on the Application of Educational Technologies in the Classroom: A Case of Selected Tshwane West Secondary Schools in Gauteng

The teaching profession is moving toward the use of educational technologies (ET) in the form of tablets, laptops, and reliable internet in the classroom to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools. The use of these tools in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is believed to positively impact how teachers deliver the curriculum. Teachers’ views on the application of educational technologies in the classroom are examined in this paper. The opinions of the teachers are crucial since they could influence whether or not the technologies are accepted. This study used a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with 12 teachers from one district in Gauteng province. A purposive sampling method was used to select these teachers on the basis that Gauteng is the leading province in ICT integration in schools. Data were analysed thematically from teachers’ responses. The Activity Theory framework was used to underpin the study. According to the findings, teachers voiced their dissatisfaction with the use of these technologies and other issues they face, such as poor technical support, a lack of equipment for maintaining educational technologies, inferior educational technology infrastructure, and unreliable Internet connectivity. Additionally, teachers called on the Department of Basic Education to provide professional development in technology integration and to equip schools with infrastructure as well as Wi-Fi.

Transition to Distance Learning: Student Experience and Communication during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Arab Emirates

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to switch to online learning for the safety of their citizens. The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between four indicators of digital learning experience and the intensity of student socio-pedagogical communication after the transition to distance learning. The data were collected from Ajman University, a private university in the UAE, during the spring of 2020. The sample consisted of 381 students who were surveyed using an online survey tool or email. First, this study found that the majority of students had access to digital tools and the Internet; however, a small number struggled with weak and unreliable Internet connection. Most students had a moderate to high ability to use digital technology, but some encountered difficulties and required assistance. Most students utilised digital communication tools for over five hours daily. The study also found a general lack of digital competency among students and difficulties in using digital tools for remote learning, highlighting the importance of investing in the development of digital skills. The study also found an intensification of social relationships and an increase in communication frequency between students and instructors; however, inadequate instructor–student communication remained a challenge. Finally, the multiple linear regression model showed that indicators such as the communication dimension of the lessons and the participatory nature of the courses positively impacted the intensity of student communication after the transition to distance learning.

Lived Experiences of Post Graduate Diploma in Education Students During the Covid 19 Pandemic

This phenomenological study was carried out in order to explore the lived experiences of Post Graduate Diploma in Education students on the strengths and weaknesses of the program during the Covid 19 Pandemic. It also aimed at mapping up the way forward based on what works in the light of the new normal. The inception of the Covid 19 Pandemic resulted in sudden disruptions in most national systems including the educational systems in Zimbabwe. The Government responded to the pandemic with lockdowns, travel restrictions and social distancing. Within the tertiary education realm, the teacher training system was among those that were hard-hit because the teacher education program includes both theoretical and practical components. The practical component is the teaching practice, the hands-on experience that is significant to the student teachers. This meant that the nationally enforced COVID 19 restrictions would need adjustments in and restructuring of the pedagogical activities and practices that complied with the COVID 19 restrictions. Such strategies included adopting e-learning on various virtual platforms. Both teachers and students had to upscale their computer technology skills as fast as possible in order meet the demands and duration of the program. The study adopted a qualitative approach and thematic analysis was used to categorize responses. Five major themes emerged from the data collected as follows: Financial constraints, poor and unreliable internet connectivity: capitalizing on strengths of the program: students’ developed coping strategies and COVID 19 experience as a learning curve. The recommendation is a total embrace of the new normal by institutions of higher learning. In addition, the study also recommends that crisis preparedness and adequate student orientation are very necessary for smooth running PGDE program.

Senior High School Student’s Perception of Limiting Factors Affecting The Implementation of Remote Teaching Process

Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, the learning system in Indonesia has changed to remote teaching. Many students, especially in Senior High School, needed help implementation of the online learning process with this remote teaching. This study aims to analyse students’ perceptions of the factors that become obstacles in remote teaching. There have been many researchers who have examined this case but have yet to use one research method. Therefore, researchers want to present different data using mixed methods (Qualitative & Quantitative), which are more dominant in qualitative method. When the data is collected to be analyzed, the qualitative method uses a matrix literature review and an interview guide. In contrast, the quantitative method uses a questionnaire to obtain more valid data. The data that have obtained will analyze quantitatively. The results of this study show that there are five limiting factors in the implementation of the remote teaching process such as (1) inexperienced students, (2) inadequate online learning facility, (3) unreliable internet connection, (4) deficient interaction, and (5) insufficient parental support. And there are factors that limiting of the remote teaching process that three informants have mentioned.

When Global Becomes Virtual: A Survey of Virtual Global Health Education Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Pediatric Educators.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, global health education activities were disrupted. Transitioning to virtual options has allowed educators and trainees to continue global health education and partnerships, though the acceptability and implementation of this transition is unknown. To evaluate current and planned virtual global health education activities (VGHEAs) of a group of US global health educators during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess perceived benefits and challenges of VGHEAs. A cross-sectional study of pediatric faculty and trainees involved in global health education from 8 institutions in the United States were surveyed anonymously about their global health education activities in 2021. Authors used representative convenience sampling and invited at least 1 faculty member and 2 trainees from each institution in the Midwest Consortium of Global Child Health Educators. All 8 institutions responded to the survey, with 38 faculty and trainee participants. Institutional implementation of virtual education activities was variable. Respondents reported that VGHEAs allowed them to maintain partnerships with low-middle income countries, though they noted that unreliable internet connections presented challenges. One program reported funding cuts to its global health program during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for global health education programs. Educators and trainees are interested in using potentially cost-saving VGHEAs to maintain international collaborations, continue global health education efforts, and even increase access to equitable educational activities despite pandemic disruptions.

Teachers’ Perception of Visual Aids in Students Learning

This paper examines the perceptions of teachers on the use of visual aids in student learning. The qualitative case study approach was used as a research design. Five school teachers were interviewed for the study. The data were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study further support the existing literature and the previous research. The study revealed that teachers had positive perception about visual aids. They perceived visual aids as one of the crucial and significant tools for teaching and learning. Evidences from this study suggest that teaching becomes more effective and easier for teachers through the use of visual aids. The study revealed some of the problems faced by the teachers in using modern visual aids. The participants in the study clearly pointed out erratic and unreliable internet connection as a barrier to the use of ICT in teaching –learning process. The study also found out heavy workload of teachers as one of the impending factors in the preparation of visual aids in their lesson.

Exploring College Academic Performance of K to12 IT and Non-IT-related Strands to Reduce Academic Deficiencies

Improving students' academic performance is a significant concern among academics. Despite various strategies to improve academic performance, there are still a significant number of students who fail academically. This study sought to investigate the possible reasons for the academic deficiencies among Infotech Development Systems Colleges, Inc. Information Technology (IT) students in the IT and Non-IT-related strands, if their strand is significant to their academic performance in college, as well as formulate a solution based on the identified reasons and recommendations to reduce the negative academic remarks. The researchers employed survey questionnaires and interviews to conduct exploratory data analysis. Similarly, the Senior High School academic performance and actual grades of the respondents from AY 2018-2019 to First Semester of AY 2021-2022. On the tested hypothesis showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) on IT-related strand. The study further reveals that the Non-IT-related strand has more students with academic deficiencies compared to IT-related strand and highlights a variety of reasons cited. Respondents cited misalignment of strand to current program, instructor not speaking clearly, unreliable internet connection, and failure to complete and submit an academic task as reasons for academic deficiencies. The researchers designed a model that can potentially eliminate academic inadequacies. The model takes into account both internal and external factors; for internal variable it includes effective time management, a positive attitude and mindset, prompt and punctual completion of requirements, and good study habits. While for the external factors, competent and student-friendly instructors, a stable, strong, and accessible internet connection, a conducive learning environment, relevant available resources and facilities, adaptation of limited face-to-face or hybrid classes, and alignment of SHS strand to college program of choice are recommended.