Assessment of Information and Communication Technology Literacy Among Out-of-School Youth: Basis for Implementation of an Extension Program

Abstract

This study assessed the level of ICT literacy of the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija as a basis for the development of a proposed ICT Literacy Extension Program for School Year 2025-2026. Specifically, it looked at the respondents’ ICT literacy in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint in terms of personal, behavioral and environmental factors. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design with fifty-seven (57) respondents of Out-of-School Youths identified through total enumeration sampling. The data were collected using a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and the Kruskal-Wallis H-Test to determine significant differences in the respondents’ ICT literacy when grouped according to their demographic profile. The results revealed that respondents had basic knowledge of ICT and showed positive behavioral practices in the use of Microsoft office applications. Nevertheless, the environmental barriers of limited access to digital resources and technological support still posed major challenges. Moreover, the findings revealed that there was no significant difference in the level of ICT literacy of the respondents when classified according to their demographic profile 0.05 level of significance. The findings suggest that there is a need to strengthen digital literacy programs and increase access to technology resources for Out-of-School Youth. Based on the results, an ICT Literacy Extension Program was proposed to enhance the respondents’ digital competencies and technological readiness through community-based learning activities. The study further recommends future research using a larger sample size or mixed-method approaches to gain deeper insights into the ICT literacy experiences of Out-of-School Youth.