Technology acceptance and student experience with a web-based school management system in Philippine higher education
TL;DR
Examination of students’ perceptions of the usability, functionality, and overall effectiveness of a Web-Based School Administration Management System (WebSAMS) implemented in a public university in the Philippines highlighted the importance of strengthening system reliability, enhancing user support services, and implementing continuous training programs to sustain effective ICT integration.
Abstract
The integration of digital management systems has become a critical strategy for enhancing administrative efficiency and service delivery in higher education institutions. This study aimed to examine students’ perceptions of the usability, functionality, and overall effectiveness of a Web-Based School Administration Management System (WebSAMS) implemented in a public university in the Philippines. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis of user experiences. A total of 408 students were selected using stratified random sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and correlation techniques, while focus group discussions were conducted to enrich the findings. Results revealed generally positive evaluations of the system, with mean scores of 3.93 for enrollment procedures, 3.88 for system functionality, and 4.00 for data management, indicating moderate to high levels of satisfaction. Significant differences in satisfaction were observed across academic divisions (F(6, 401) = 18.70, p < .01), with variations attributed to differences in system accessibility, technical support, and user training. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) between system accessibility and overall satisfaction further emphasized the importance of usability in shaping user experiences. Qualitative findings supported these results, identifying key challenges such as system downtime, delayed technical support, and limited orientation for new users, alongside positive perceptions of improved enrollment efficiency and accessibility of academic records. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening system reliability, enhancing user support services, and implementing continuous training programs to sustain effective ICT integration. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation in higher education by providing evidence-based insights that can inform institutional policy, system improvement, and data-driven decision-making in similar contexts.