Usability of Information and Communications Technology in Electrical Installation and Maintenance: Its Impact On Improving Technical Proficiency in Creating and Understanding Electrical Circuits

This study examined the usability of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools, teacher cognition regarding ICT integration, and students’ technical proficiency in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) among junior high school students in pasig. Specifically, it investigated how teachers use simulation software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and instructional videos/multimedia resources, the relationship between ICT usability and teacher cognition, and the influence of teacher demographics on these variables. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, with data collected from 33 teacher-respondents through total enumeration, representing the entire available population of EIM educators in the selected schools. Statistical analyses, including means, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVA, and pearson correlation, were used to interpret the results. Findings revealed that teachers extensively used instructional videos and multimedia resources, while simulation software and CAD tools were underutilized. Teacher cognition regarding ICT integration was generally high in multimedia resources but low for specialized CAD tools in terms of awareness, knowledge, and operational skills. Students demonstrated proficiency in wiring diagram accuracy and installation skills and were highly proficient in safety practices. Significant differences in ICT usability and teacher cognition were influenced by age, sex, grade level taught, and years of teaching experience, whereas students’ technical proficiency was not significantly affected by these demographic factors. Correlational analysis showed that simulation software, CAD tools, and multimedia resources positively influenced teacher cognition, while only instructional videos and multimedia resources significantly impacted students’ safety practices. Based on these findings, a blended ICT-based instructional framework was proposed, integrating simulation software, CAD tools, and multimedia resources with hands-on practice, assessment, and feedback to enhance both teacher competence and student technical proficiency. This study highlights the importance of ICT integration in technical education, emphasizing that teacher competence with ICT tools enhances instructional delivery, while practical application remains essential for developing students’ technical skills in EIM.