APPLICATION OF WEB 2.0 TOOLS IN TEACHING 21st - CENTURY STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN CALABARZON, PHILIPPINES

Quality education considered as a crucial factor to produce a competent professional to build a strong nation and to bring out the best way to get along with global competition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the current practices in using Web 2.0 tools in 15 selected Higher Education Institutions in CALABARZON, Philippines concerning communication and collaboration, creativity and innovation, and instructional design. It also considered its level of acceptability for classroom instruction as assessed by administrators, teachers, and students. The level of seriousness of the problems met in the integration relative to teachers' preparation, curriculum content and administrative support were also evaluated. The research design was descriptive survey method with the use of a researcher-constructed questionnaire as the data gathering instrument. The method and instrument employed were deemed appropriate to determine the viability of providing the students with an alternative delivery of learning through Web 2.0 tools for instruction. Weighted mean, T-test and Probability values, Percentage and Standard Deviation were the statistical tools used to test the hypothesis posited in this study. The hypothesis tested the significant differences between two groups of respondents regarding the extent of use of Web 2.0 tools in classroom instruction. Results revealed that to a very great extent, integration of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom promotes learner to interact, build a learning community and promotes student active participation in the classroom and increases student's productivity. Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher developed an offline game-based interactive instructional material that supports instruction and collaboration and could be used to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills to achieve better learning outcomes.