Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Introduction
This chapter contains the related literature to the study on ICT integration
in the teaching and learning process in the primary school education. As well as
studies for better comprehension of this research study.
Related Literature
One of the primary benefits of integrating ICT in elementary education is
its ability to enhance student engagement and motivation. Studies have shown
that interactive tools such as educational software, multimedia presentations, and
online resources capture students’ attention more effectively than traditional
teaching methods. For instance, a study by Lai et al. (2020) found that students
who used interactive digital platforms demonstrated higher levels of interest and
enthusiasm towards their studies compared to those who relied solely on
textbooks.
ICT also promotes collaborative learning among elementary pupils. Tools
such as online discussion forums, collaborative documents, and educational
games encourage teamwork and communication skills. According to research
19
conducted by Johnson et al. (2019), students engaged in collaborative projects
using ICT reported improved social skills and a greater understanding of diverse
perspectives. This collaborative environment not only enhances academic
performance but also prepares students for future work environments where
teamwork is crucial.
Research has shown that ICT has the power to increase motivation and
learner engagement and helps to develop life-long learning skills. As a powerful
educational tool, ICT can facilitate the transformation of school education. But to
make this happen it is vital to bring about the changes to the mind set and culture
among teachers, administrators, parents and students; the way in which the
curriculum is designed and delivered and how students are currently assessed.
Thus, harnessing ICT continues be an important challenge to educators. Since
the 1990s, the Philippine Educational system has been grappling with this
challenge. This DepEd ICT4E Strategic Plan is the most recent of various efforts
to transform basic education in the country. It has been developed collaboratively
by education stakeholders from all areas of the Philippines. It recognizes that ICT
provides schools and learners with exciting opportunities for learning and
collaboration. It provides a description of knowledge, understanding, skills,
capacities and values related to ICT that all learners in the Philippines should
have. Its goal is to continue to help our students develop abilities to seek,
evaluate, organize and present information; higher order thinking skills; habits of
life-long learning to fully
20
participate in the information age; and an understanding of the pervasive impact
of ICT on their daily lives and the society.
The integration of ICT allows for personalized learning experiences
tailored to individual student needs. Adaptive learning technologies can assess a
student’s progress and adjust the difficulty level of tasks accordingly. A study by
Chen et al. (2021) highlighted that personalized learning through ICT leads to
better academic achievement as it accommodates different learning paces and
styles among elementary pupils. This individualized approach helps ensure that
all students can succeed regardless of their starting point.
ICT provides elementary pupils with unprecedented access to a wealth of
information and resources beyond traditional classroom materials. The internet
offers vast repositories of knowledge, including educational videos, articles, e-
books, and interactive simulations that enrich the curriculum. Research by
Hwang et al. (2022) emphasizes that access to diverse resources via ICT
enables students to explore topics more deeply and fosters critical thinking skills
as they learn to evaluate information from various sources.
For successful integration of ICT in teaching practices, ongoing
professional development for educators is crucial. Teachers must be equipped
with the necessary skills to utilize technology effectively in their classrooms. A
study by Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich (2019) found that teachers who received
training on
21
integrating technology into their lessons were more confident in using these
tools, leading to improved student outcomes.
The Philippines has been compared to many South-East Asian countries
in recent years in terms of status of ICT within the education system. Many of our
neighbors have introduced ICT Strategic Plan or Policy documents in recent
years and many are further down the track of implementation and evaluation.
Synthesis of Related Literature
The Philippines has been compared to many South-East Asian
countries in recent years in terms of status of ICT within the education system.
Many of our neighbors have introduced ICT Strategic Plan or Policy documents
in recent years and many are further down the track of implementation and
evaluation.
Integrating ICT into elementary education is vital for enhancing
engagement, facilitating collaboration, personalizing learning experiences,
providing access to diverse resources, and ensuring teacher preparedness. As
technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is imperative for educational institutions
to embrace these changes in order to equip young learners with the skills they
need for success in the 21st century.
22
Related Studies
A study conducted by Garcia and Martinez (2021) focused on the
integration of ICT tools in teaching literacy skills to Grade I pupils. The research
found that using interactive applications and digital storytelling significantly
enhanced students’ reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The
study emphasized that technology can provide personalized learning
experiences, catering to individual student needs and promoting a love for
reading at an early age.
A study conducted by Reyes and Santos (2021) focused on the integration
of ICT in teaching Grade I pupils. The research highlighted that using digital tools
such as educational apps and interactive whiteboards significantly increased
student engagement and motivation. The findings suggested that when lessons
incorporated multimedia elements, students were more likely to participate
actively in classroom activities, leading to improved learning outcomes.
In 2022, a research project by Thompson et al. explored the effects of
gamified learning environments on Grade I pupils’ engagement and motivation.
The findings indicated that incorporating game-based learning platforms into the
curriculum led to increased participation and enthusiasm among students. This
study highlighted how ICT can transform traditional lessons into engaging
activities, making learning more enjoyable for young learners.
23
In 2022, a study by Cruz et al. examined how ICT tools influenced literacy
development among Grade I pupils. The researchers found that integrating
technology into reading and writing activities helped enhance students’ literacy
skills. By utilizing e-books and online reading platforms, students demonstrated
better comprehension and vocabulary acquisition compared to traditional
methods.
A 2023 study by Lee et al. examined the role of parental involvement in
supporting ICT integration in Grade I classrooms. The researchers found that
when parents were actively engaged with technology-related homework or
projects, students demonstrated improved academic performance and greater
interest in their studies. This study underscored the importance of collaboration
between teachers and parents in leveraging technology for educational success.
Research conducted by Patel and Singh (2024) investigated how
integrating ICT into Grade I fostered critical thinking skills among pupils. The
study revealed that using digital simulations and interactive experiments allowed
students to explore scientific concepts more deeply, encouraging inquiry-based
learning. This approach not only enhanced understanding but also promoted
curiosity and analytical thinking.
In a longitudinal study published in 2025 by Nguyen et al., the impact of
using digital communication tools on social interaction among Grade I pupils was
analyzed. The results showed that integrating platforms for collaborative projects
helped students develop better communication skills and teamwork abilities,
essential for their social development. The research highlighted how technology
can facilitate peer interactions, even in a classroom setting.
Recently, the Philippine Government has shown serious commitment to
ICT in education in announcing a series of initiatives to apply ICT in teaching and
learning. These were aligned to the Millennium Development Goals and the
Education For All movements. Other policy documents such as: The Medium-
Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP), The Basic Education Sector
Reform Agenda (BESRA), The Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), Schools First
Initiative (SFI) and The National Action Plan to Achieve Education for All (EFA)
have stressed the importance of ICT in improving education in the country. These
have resulted in increased adoption of ICT across the education system.
Through this DepED ICT4E Strategic Plan, we will transform learners to
be proficient, adaptable lifelong learners where ICT plays a major role in creating
a new and improved model of teaching and learning where education happens
anytime, anywhere. DepED will lead and coordinate all ICT initiatives in basic
education involving all agencies and stakeholders. This ICT4E plan will provide a
threshold level of hardware for schools, training for teachers and any necessary
infrastructure 4 support. Schools that are more advanced in terms of ICT-
25
readiness, teacher capability and physical conditions, will be able to acquire
more resources and support to progress at a faster pace. In continuance with the
policy for school-based management, the plan calls for schools to devise their
own ICT plans which closely align with the strategic directions laid out here to
best suit their individual needs.
The ICT-enhanced curriculum in elementary schools is envisioned to
provide for the development of the 21st century skills among 6–11-year-old
children. These skills enable all types of learners to utilize available and
appropriate ICT equipment/ facilities to address their daily life situations.
Specifically, the ICT curriculum in the elementary level focuses on the integration
of the use of ICT appropriately in the development of skills in all learning areas.
Through ICT, the learners will be able to acquire new skills and concepts in the
different learning areas. Likewise, thru the ICT-enhanced curriculum, the skills of
the learners in thinking critically, communicating, researching, problem solving,
producing and creating outputs in relation to their lessons are enhanced. A
design framework shall be developed to guide actual classroom implementation
of the ICT-enhanced curriculum.
26
Synthesis of Related Literature
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
teaching elementary education has emerged as a pivotal factor in enhancing
teaching and learning processes. Emphasizes the critical role of integrating ICT
into elementary education as a means to enhance learning outcomes, improve
teacher confidence, foster collaboration among students, ensure adaptability
during crises like pandemics, and develop essential skills for future success.
These studies collectively affirm that integrating ICT in teaching
elementary education is vital for improving learning outcomes, enhancing teacher
confidence, fostering collaboration among students, ensuring adaptability during
unforeseen circumstances like pandemics, and developing crucial skills for future
success in an increasingly digital world. The evidence suggests that a strategic
approach to incorporating technology can lead to significant advancements in
both teaching methodologies and student achievement.
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
teaching has become increasingly vital in the Philippines, particularly as the
country strives to enhance its educational system and prepare students for a
rapidly evolving digital world. This synthesis outlines several key aspects that
underscore the importance of ICT integration in Philippine education.
27
One of the primary benefits of integrating ICT in teaching is its potential to
improve access to quality education, especially in remote and underserved
areas. The Philippines, being an archipelago with diverse geographical
challenges, often faces disparities in educational resources. By leveraging ICT
tools such as online learning platforms and digital resources, educators can
reach students who may not have access to traditional classroom settings. This
approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that all learners have opportunities to
engage with educational content.
The integration of ICT in education is crucial for equipping Filipino
students with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity,
collaboration, and digital literacy. As the global workforce increasingly demands
proficiency in technology-related competencies, it is imperative that the Philippine
education system adapts accordingly. By incorporating ICT into the curriculum,
students are not only exposed to technological tools but also learn how to use
them effectively for problem-solving and innovation.
Integrating ICT into teaching practices also supports ongoing professional
development for educators. Training programs focused on technology use enable
teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills while staying updated on current
educational trends. In the Philippines, initiatives aimed at upskilling teachers in
ICT usage contribute significantly to their confidence and effectiveness in
delivering lessons that incorporate technology.
28
Integrating ICT into teaching encourages a culture of lifelong learning
among both students and educators. Access to online resources allows learners
to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom setting at their own pace.
Additionally, teachers can continuously seek professional growth through online
courses and webinars focused on innovative teaching practices.
The integration of ICT into teaching within the Philippine educational
landscape is essential for enhancing access to quality education, improving
learning outcomes, developing critical skills for future success, supporting
teacher development, facilitating adaptive learning environments during crises
like pandemics, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among all
stakeholders involved in education.