Factors affecting the behavioral intention of K-12 students to pursue an IT degree in a transitioning educational system

• Main Authors: Ebardo, Ryan, Limpin, Laiza L., Caguiat, Ma. Rowena
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2019
• Subjects: Information technology—Study and teaching—Philippines; Education > Philippines; Information technology—Vocational guidance; Computer Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2947
• Institution: De La Salle University

The rising technology sector in the Philippines has called for a holistic structural reform in its educational system through the implementation of the K-12 program. As such, higher educational institutions are in constant quest to look for strategies to increase enrollment in their Information Technology programs. To be effective, educational institutions must understand individual perceptions towards pursuing an IT degree in higher education. This paper presents the results of a study among senior high school student, who are one of the first recipients of the newly implemented system of education. Using additional constructs to the established Theory of Reasoned Action, a survey instrument was deployed in two higher educational institutions and gathered a total of 431 responses. Using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Model, results revealed that computer self-efficacy and job availability does not positively influence the attitude towards an IT degree at a significant level. The study also confirmed prior research that job salary and social image are primary factors that positively influence the attitude of students. Aligned with the findings of other research, attitude and social norms are strong predictors of the behavioral intention of students to pursue an IT degree. The paper concludes by suggesting theoretical, educational and social implications of the study and acknowledging its limitations. © 2019 International Conference on Computers in Education, Proceedings.All right reserved.