GETTING OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH AND ADULTS TO FINISH HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH AN ICT-BASED LEARNING SYSTEM: A THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR ON ESKWELA IN ROCES AVENUE CENTER, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES
Keywords:
e-learning, ICT4E, alternative learning system, e-education, youth and adult learning, interactive e-learning materials, blended and collaborative modes of instruction, performance-based assessment in a problem, eGovernment fundAbstract
A case study was conducted in November 2012 among 16 enrollees of the eSkwela Center at Roces Avenue, Quezon City, one of the four pilot e-learning centers established in 2006 in the Philippines. The study aimed to describe the characteristics of the eSkwela program and find out the learners’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in relation to their enrolment and studying at eSkwela. The “theory of planned behavior” by Icek Ajzen and Martin Fishbein (1985) was used as framework in the data gathering among the enrollees and key informant interviews of facilitators and administrators of the eSkwela program. The eSkwela elicited a positive attitude among learners. The positive attitude was reinforced by their perception that their significant others believed that eSkwela would help them finish high school and have a better life. Further, they felt confident that they could finish because they had control over facilitating factors such as use of technology, lessons, pacing, cost, time, language, feedback, and teachers. Hence, they have enrolled in the program and many of them said they were willing to study again using the Alternative Learning System (ALS) mode. Further, they have not only shared the information on eSkwela, but they have also proactively convinced others to enroll in the program. Hence, they themselves have become ‘testimonials’ to the eSkwela program
