Status and condition of computer facilities, hardware and software at WVSU Pototan Campus: A basis for designing an intervention proposal

Abstract

This study aims to assess the status and condition of computer facilities, hardware, and software at WVSU-Pototan Campus in order to have a basis for an intervention proposal. Lack of computer facilities, poor computer: student ratio, need for efficient laboratory management and personnel, and an overcrowded environment are the problems encountered in the existing computer laboratories. These observations are supported by the data gathered through survey questionnaire, key informant interview and facts taken from the College Administrator, Technology Director, Information Technology Department Chair, University Technician, Information Technology Faculty Members, Purchase Officer, Registrar and Students of WVSU-PC. There are a total of 60 computer units to accommodate the need of the students. Each laboratory has a minimum of five units and a maximum of eleven computer units. Only one section had an ideal ratio of one computer per student while the 50 remaining sections had a computer: student ratio which ranges from 2:1 up to 8:1. The result confirms that the main problem cited on this special problem is the poor student: computer ratio due to lack in computer units. Moreover, despite the nine-hour operation daily of the computer laboratories, it cannot still meet the needed computer laboratory hours of the students. The laboratories can only provide 2, 070 laboratory hours a week. This figure is only 49.61% of the actual need of the students which is 4,857 hours a week. With these observations, the researcher had proposed necessary intervention to improve the status and condition of the computer laboratories. These are: 1. purchase of 52 additional computers; 2. modification of floor plan and electrical lay-out of the five laboratory rooms; 3. put up partition between laboratory room C and D; 4. appointment of three OJT (On-the Job Trainees); 5. laboratory room renovation of laboratory room A, B and E; and 6. propose another laboratory room that can accommodate 40 computers. These interventions will be presented to the College of Information Technology Department Chair as well as to the Administration of WVSU-PC for discussion and approval.