BIBLIOGRAPHY BEDSO, REGIELYN C. APRIL 2011....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BEDSO, REGIELYN C. APRIL 2011. Profile of BSU Campus Connect Project
in Benguet State University. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Chamberlane P. Altatis, BSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the profile of the BSU Campus Connect
Project. There were 17 respondents for the study.
Most of the respondents belonged to 23-27 age bracket and there were more
males than females. Majority of them were second year Master’s degree students and
most of them were taking Masters in Development Communication. For the sources of
information about BSU Campus Connect, most of them identified interpersonal
communication and their reason for joining Campus Connect was that they were
required. The problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus Connect
include delayed messages, repeated messages, lack of more information on other BSU-
related activities and weak network signal.
Meanwhile, the benefits acquired by the respondents as members of BSU Campus
Connect was that they are updated on the important information in the University that
concern them.
Furthermore, the respondents enumerated several suggestions for the
improvement of BSU Campus Connect. These include adding of more information on
BSU activities, inclusion of other networks in the project and complete dissemination of
information regarding the project.
Through this study, the following were recommended: more aggressive
campaigns should be done to encourage more BSU students, faculty and parents to
register; improvement and production of more sources of information regarding the
project; problems encountered should be addressed; giving of school updates and
information through Campus Connect should be continued; orientations should be
conducted among the members to learn all the features of Campus Connect.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography………………………………………………………………….
i
Abstract …….…………………………………………………………………
i
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………
iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….
1
Rationale……………………………………………………………….
1
Statement of Problem…………………………………………………..
3
Objectives of the Study………………………………………………...
3
Importance of the Study………………………………………………..
4
Scope and Limitations of the Study……………………………………
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE………………………………………………….
5
Profile…………………………………………………………………..
5
Information……………………………………………………………..
5
Information System…………………………………………………….
5
Information Sources……………………………………………………
6
Communication and Technology……………………………………….
6
Page
BSU Campus Connect…………………………………………………………..
8
METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................
10
Locale and Time of Study……………………………………………...
10
Respondents of the Study………………………………………………
10
Data Collection…………………………………………………………
12
Data Gathered………………………………………………………….
12
Data Analysis…………………………………………………………..
12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION……………………………………………….
13
BSU Campus Connect History…………………………………………
13
Socio-demographic
Profile of the Respondents……………………………………………...
13
Sources of Information of the Respondents
on the BSU Campus Connect Project…………………………………..
16
Reasons of the Respondents for Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project………………………………………….
19
Benefits Acquired by the Respondents in
Joining BSU Campus Connect Project…………………………………
20
Problems Encountered by the Respondents
in Using BSU Campus Connect Project………………………………..
21
Suggestions of the Respondents in
Improving BSU Campus Connect Project……………………………..
22
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………
24
Summary………………………………………………………………..
24
Conclusions……………………………………………………………...
25
Recommendations………………………………………………………
25
LITERATURE CITED…………………………………………………………
27
1
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Every society needs information to know what is happening around them. It helps
the people develop understanding, discipline and unity among them to improve the
community.
Information is considered an important resource in any organizations. It has come
to be recognized as an increasingly valuable commodity required by an organization in
order to plan and control its operation effectively (Sison, 1998).
However, information dissemination requires an effective and efficient
management system to optimize its usefulness and purpose in the organization or society.
Managing information involves accessing and gathering the necessary data, processing
them into meaningful information with suitable packaging designs and marketing them to
serve the needs of the intended users. Information is communicated with the use of
different media – print materials, mass media and Information Communication
Technology (ICT) materials (Sison, 1998).
Benguet State University (BSU), together with Globe Telecommunications,
signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the University’s Campus Connect
Project (CCP). Globe Telecommunications provided this to the school using two key
software: text connect and M- Launch pad. This allows students, parents, faculty and staff
to get the latest and official updates from school heads and students’ organizations on
their cellphones. The project aims to empower the school to broadcast text messages to
their pre-registered recipients (faculty, students and parents). It is a student-friendly
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service that is installed in the university, which will send text messages faster and in bulk
to students.
Furthermore, as reported by Sandoval (2010), Dr. Rogelio D. Colting, incumbent
University President, said that the university will not spend anything for the system.
Instead, the sponsor telecom will. However, according to Dr. Feliciano Calora, former
University Vice President for Academic Affairs and head of the said project, if the
allotted 45,000 to 60,000 free text messages will be reached, the university will have to
pay the excess. Calora added that the project will follow strict protocols and only the
President will be allowed to disseminate information through the system. He also said
that the colleges, organizations or groups in the university would have to get the approval
of the president if they wish to disseminate particular announcements.
Paul Garcia and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division
of the university will be the ones handling the operation of the text messaging system.
Julie Ann Dugat, ICT communication technologist, said that the project will benefit the
school, especially school organizations, because it will be easier for them to disseminate
any information or make announcements through text.
The Campus Connect project started December 2010 and it was launched during
the 24th Charter Day Celebration of the University last January 2010. The contract with
Globe Telecommunication was renewed last December 2010 and it will end December
2011.
This study then aims to determine the effectiveness of the Campus Connect
project as a tool for information dissemination. The results could be of huge help to the
university in assessing the project for its improvement.
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Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to know the profile of BSU Campus Connect Project in Benguet
State University.
Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. How did the BSU Campus Connect Project started?
2. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents?
3. What are the sources of information of the respondents on BSU Campus
Connect Project?
4. What are the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
Project?
5. What are the benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus
Connect Project?
6. What are the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus
Connect Project?
7. What are the suggestions of the respondents to improve the BSU Campus
Connect Project?
Objectives of the Study
This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of the BSU Campus Connect
project as a tool in communicating information to the students.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine how the BSU Campus Connect Project started;
2. characterize the respondents;
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3. determine the sources of information of the respondents on BSU Campus
Connect Project;
4. determine the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
Project;
5. determine the benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus
Connect Project;
6. determine the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus
Connect Project;
7. determine the suggestions of the respondents to improving the
BSU Campus Connect Project.
Importance of the Study
Results of the study could be used by the university in improving their
information dissemination strategies. It will also serve as the “voice” of the students
about their concerns and issues about the communication dissemination in the school.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focused on the profile of the BSU Campus Connect Project in Benguet
State University. The study determined the reasons and benefits of the respondents in
joining Campus Connect, as well as the problems they encountered in Campus Connect.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Profile
Presenting or summarizing data relevant to a particular person or thing. A formal
summary or analysis of data often in the form of graph or table representing distinctive
features or characteristics. Profile is description and characterization, also drawing an
outline of a certain topics or data (Online Dictionary 2011).
Information
An organized form of data gathered and perceived by the human senses from the
environment, a form of processed data, which is stored in a file system for specific
purposes and uses (Sison, 1998).
Information is processed and organized data and thus is more meaningful and
useful. Information becomes a by – product of processed raw facts or data (Albano et al,
2003).
Information System
There are various definitions of information system, but the most appropriate
definition is that of Steven Alter: “A particular type of work system that uses information
technology to capture, transmit, store, retrieve, manipulate or display of information
thereby supporting one or more other work system.” A work system in Alter’s definition
refers to any unit or system itself that produces output for internal or external customers
through a process performed by human participants with the help of information
technology (Albano et al., 2003).
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The automated processing of data into information requires more than just the
computer system. Other components make up the information system for it to be able to
generate valuable information. In an information system, the data transform into
information through processing. For the processing to be successful, the system requires
the following: people who are the qualified personnel to develop and maintain the
system, and are trainable users of the system or the operators; computer equipment or the
hardware to be saved by the people to process information; data of information that are
encoded and manipulated; procedures or guidelines for the effective and optimal
operation of the system; and telecommunications, the media composed of the hardware
and software that facilitate the transmission of the electronic data within the system
(Albano et al., 2003).
Information Sources
An information source pertains to media where a specific information was
obtained (Sison, 1998). It could be primary or secondary. Primary sources refer to the
original sources of the information that usually include direct observation and interview.
On the other hand, secondary sources contain information that are acquired on a second-
hand basis. Among these are publications, books, magazines, journals and posters, among
others.
Communication and Technology
Communication has been defined in a variety of ways.
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Communication is the transmission of information, ideas, values, beliefs and
attitudes from one person to another. It is the basic social process which includes all the
ways by which man shares with his fellow men what are on his mind and heart. These
include gestures, overt behavior and language (Maslog, 1988).
Meanwhile, Ongkiko and Flor (1998) defined communication as a process by
which a source sends a message to a receiver by means of some channel to produce a
response from the receiver, in accordance with the intention of the source
In addition, communication is defined as a process by which people arrive at
shared meaning through the interchange of messages (Rubin et al., 2005).
The 21st century has been marked by significant growth in the use of technology-
based groups. With the explosion of communication technology, we are able to connect
with each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. We no longer
have to interact face-to-face with each other in a small group or team. Technology-based
groups, using the Internet, e-mail, teleconferencing and videoconferencing have changed
the way we communicate with each other. One benefit of technology-based groups is the
increased accessibility to group members. Geographic distance and time constraint are
virtually non-existent when group members meet for online discussions. Group members
save time because they do not need to travel for group meetings (Barker and Gaut, 2002).
With these developments, communication is now faster and more convenient,
work productivity is much higher and access to information is easy. The advent of new
technology gave rise to easy and hassle-free interaction between and among humans.
Whether it is in business, science, education or whatever task a person takes on, the
quality and speed of carrying it out are enhanced with automation. Information
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processing has never been as fast today, particularly in communication. The interplay of
humans, machines and procedures to accomplish a specified task has purposely generated
many changes in our lives, technical or otherwise (Albano et al., 2003).
The technological advances in communication media and expansion of research
and on information brought about the proliferation of systems for information storage,
retrieval, transmission and dissemination. The success or failure of organizational
programs is attributed to how well information and communication are processed and
managed (Sison, 1998).
BSU Campus Connect
Campus Connect is a text messaging service of BSU in partnership with Globe
Telecommunications. It provides an ICT solution that would cater to the information and
communication needs of employees, students, parents and the community through SMS
(BSU-ICT, 2010).
Employees and students or their group/organization can receive free text
messages on information campaigns, official announcements, notices, updates and school
activities. Registered users may opt to receive preset text messages from the University
by using a Globe or TM SIM (BSU-ICT, 2010).
For example, for a student or parent to inquire about the University’s enrollment
schedule, he/she should compose a message and type “BSUCAR<space>enroll” then
send the message to 2327. In a while, he/she will receive a message about the
University’s enrollment schedule. Standard text messaging rates apply. Garcia noted that
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non-registered users of the Campus Connect Project can inquire about University-related
activities by doing similar messaging process (BSU-ICT, 2010).
In addition, Garcia said that the ICT division is on the process of finalizing the
final list of keywords.
Registered users may opt to stop or reactivate the service by typing either “STOP”
or “REACTIVATE.”
Moreover, colleges, offices or student groups who wish to broadcast message
shall fill up a form available at the ICT division. If approved, the message will be sent by
an authorized BSU Campus Connect operator. For students, they shall have to type
“BSUCAR<space><reg><complete name, id. no., maiden name>” then send the message
to 2327. For faculty/staff, they shall have to type “BSUCAR<space><reg> <complete
name/College or Office>” then send the message to 2327. High school students and their
parents are also encouraged to register. The registration is free and is not mandatory
(BSU-ICT, 2010).
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at Benguet State University. It is located at La Trinidad
(Figure 1), the capital town of the province of Benguet. It is five kilometers away from
Baguio City.
The school was established in 1916 and is formerly known as Mountain State
Agricultural College (MSAC). The College was converted to a state university by virtue
of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 2010 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on
January 12, 1986.
BSU is composed of eight colleges, which are the College of Agriculture (CA),
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Engineering and Applied Technology
(CEAT), College of Forestry (CF), College of Home Economics and Technology
(CHET), College of Nursing (CN), College of Teacher Education (CTE) and College of
Veterinary Medicine (CVM), including the Open University (OU), which offers Master’s
degree courses.
The study was conducted from January 2011 to February 2011.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the students of Benguet State University who
are registered users of the BSU Campus Connect Project. The members were identified
through the list provided by the BSU-ICT Division. There were 32 members listed and
majority of them were students of Open University. There were only 17 respondents of
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Benguet
State
University
Figure 1. Map of La Trinidad, Benguet showing the locale of the study
the study because the remaining 15 members were not enrolled in the University during
the time of the study. Others dropped as identified by the Open University. Specifically,
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the respondents were composed of 14 students from the Open University and three from
undergraduate courses.
Data Collection
A survey questionnaire containing necessary questions derived from the
objectives of the study was used as a tool in gathering the needed information. The
respondents answered through e-mail. Some of them were interviewed personally.
Data Gathered
The data gathered were the profile of the respondents, their reasons for joining the
Campus Connect project, their sources of information on the project, the benefits they
acquired and problems encountered in joining the project and their suggestions on BSU
Campus Connect Project’s improvement.
Data Analysis
All information from the respondents were tabulated, summarized and analyzed
through frequency count, percentage, narrative and descriptive forms.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
BSU Campus Connect History
Benguet State University Campus Connect started in December 2009. It was
launched during the 24th Charter Anniversary Celebration of the University last January
2010.
According to Paul Garcia, head of the BSU-ICT Division, Globe and Smart
networks submitted a proposal on the project. After a series of evaluations, a
recommendation was made to the Office of the President for approval. The University
chose Globe Telecommunications for the project since the receiving of text messages by
the registered users is free of charge. Therefore, it does not entail any cost to the
University, compared to the Smart network’s operation wherein the receiving of
messages is charged.
He further said that the contract with Globe was renewed last December 2010
and will end December 2011. Renewal of the contract is set yearly.
Although the proposal of another company, which is Smart, was turned down
previously, just recently, it was approved and finalization processes are underway,
according to Garcia.
Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents
The respondents’ socio-demographic profile in terms of age, sex, year level and
course is presented in Table 1.
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Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
CHARATERISTICS
N=17
(%)
Age
18-22
3
17.64
23-27
6
35.29
28-32
3
17.64
33-37
3
17.64
38-40
2
11.76
TOTAL 17
100
Sex
Male
10
58.82
Female
7
41.18
TOTAL 17
100
Year Level
Undergraduate Student
3rd Year
1
5.88
4th Year
2
11.76
Masters Student
1st Year
5
29.41
2nd Year
7
41.18
4th Year
2
11.76
TOTAL 17
100
Course
Masters in Development
Communication
6
35.29
Masters in Human Resource
Management
5
29.41
Masters in Community
Development
2
11.76
Bachelor of Science in
Information Technology
2
11.76
Bachelor of Science in
Nutrition Dietetics
1
5.88
Masters in Urban
Management
1
5.88
TOTAL 17
100
Length of Membership in
BSU Campus Connect
2 to 5 Months
1
5.88
6 to 9 Months
3
17.64
1 Year
12
70.58
More than a Year
1
5.88
TOTAL 17
100
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Age. Majority of the respondents belonged to age bracket 23-27 with 35.29%.
This was followed by age brackets of 33-37, 28-32 and 18-22, with three respondents
(17.64%) for each bracket. Two (11.76%) of the respondents were classified under the
38-40 age bracket.
Sex. Most of the respondents were males with (58.82%). Female respondents
generated 41.18%.
Year level. Many (41.18%) of the respondents were second year Master’s degree
students. First year Master’s degree students had 29.41%, followed by fourth year
Master’s degree students with 11.76%. Two (11.76%) of the respondents were fourth
year undergraduate students while and there was one (5.88%) third year undergraduate
student respondent.
Course. Three-fourths (35.29%) of the respondents were taking Masters in
Development Communication; (29.41%) were taking Masters in Human Research
Management; 11.76% were enrolled in Masters in Community Development as well as
that of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology while one respondent was taking
Masters in Urban Management as well as that of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Dietetics.
Length of membership in BSU Campus Connect. Majority (70.58%) of the
respondents were registered for one year while 17.64% were registered for about six to
nine months.
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Sources of Information of the Respondents
on the BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 2 shows the sources of information of the respondents on the BSU Campus
Connect Project.
Based on the table, majority (82.35%) of the respondents acquired information
through interpersonal communication with Julie Ann Dugat of BSU-ICT Division and
Analyn Garcillian, administrative secretary of the Open University. Moreover, four
(23.53%) of the respondents acquired information from the BSU website (Fig. 2) while
one (5.88%) respondent learned it from the poster posted in front of the BSU Marketing
(Fig. 3).
Interpersonal communication is defined as face-to-face communication, a
definition that has been further expanded with new communication technologies that
allows one person to communicate with a room full of people at one time, but still on a
person-to-person basis (Ongkiko and Flor, 1998).
The results could be attributed to the weak efforts of the different colleges to float
the advisories on the project forwarded by the BSU-ICT Division. According to Garcia,
some of the colleges failed to impose the advisories sent.
He further said that only few joined because only few BSU students are Globe
SIM users.
With this, Garcia mentioned that the BSU-ICT is finalizing BSU’s partnership
with Smart network for the extreme promotion of the project. “We would definitely
conduct campaigns as soon as the partnership with the Smart network will be finalized so
that even the high school students and parents will be included,” said Garcia.
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Table 2. Sources of information of the respondents on the BSU Campus Connect Project
SOURCES OF
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
N=17
(%)
Interpersonal
14
82.53
Communication
BSU website
4
23.53
Poster
1
5.88
*Multiple responses
Figure 2. Home feature of the BSU Campus Connect project in the BSU website
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Figure 3. Poster of BSU Campus Connect Project posted in front of the BSU Marketing
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Reasons of the Respondents for Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 3 shows the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect.
Most (76.47%) of the respondents, who were students of the Open University and were
Globe SIM users, said that they were required by the Open University to register.
According to Garcillian, the students’ names were submitted by the Open University to
the BSU-ICT for registration. “We submitted their names so that it will be easy for the
Open University to disseminate announcements and reminders,” said Garcillian.
Additional consultations with professors are done by any modes of communication such
as Internet, fax, telephone or text messaging (BSU- Open University, 2011).
Meanwhile, three (17.64%) voluntarily joined to be able to receive updates and
information from the University while one (5.88%) registered to try the University’s
technology.
Table 3. Reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
REASONS FOR JOINING
N=17
(%)
Names were submitted by
13
76.47
the Open University
3
17.64
To receive BSU-related
updates and information
To try BSU technology
1
5.88
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Benefits Acquired by the Respondents in Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 4 shows the benefits acquired by the respondents as a member of BSU
Campus Connect.
Many (58.82%) of the respondents claimed that they have been informed of the
important updates and information about the university right through their mobile phones.
These updates and information include advisories, memoranda, university activities,
programs and notices. “The project is beneficial to the students specially to those who are
studying at the Open University wherein they only come to the university once or twice a
month,” said a respondent.
Moreover, nine (52.94%) said that the project made information dissemination
better, easier and accessible. They said that they do not need to inquire on significant
university-related matters such as enrolment schedule, cancellation of classes and
requirements, as well as if there was no Internet connection in a particular office. In
addition, there was no need for them to be reading and checking on the posted
information on the bulletin boards.
Table 4. Benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus Connect
BENEFITS ACQUIRED
FRQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
N=17
(%)
Important updates and
10
58.82
information about BSU
9
52.94
Better, easier and accessible
information dissemination
*Multiple responses
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Problems Encountered by the Respondents in Using
BSU Campus Connect
Table 5 shows the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU
Campus Connect.
Majority (58.82%) of the respondents said that they did not encounter any
problems in using BSU Campus Connect. However, three (17.64%) of the respondents
said that messages were delayed. One (5.88%) identified signal as a problem because
Globe network has weak signal in some places.
In addition, one (5.88%) said that messages were repeatedly sent. Another said
that significant messages on university-related matters were not being sent (5.88%) while
one (5.88%) noted that the message sent is not useful like the schedule of examinations
because he was only taking his thesis.
Table 5. Problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus Connect Project
PROBLEMS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
ENCOUNTERED
N=17
(%)
No problem encountered
10
58.82
Messages were delayed
3
17.64
Cell phone signal
1
5.88
Message sent is not useful
1
5.88
Message is repeated
1
5.88
Messages on significant
1
5.88
university-related
information were not being
sent
TOTAL 17
100
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Suggestions of the Respondents in Improving the
BSU Campus Connect Project
The respondents enumerated several suggestions to improve the access of
information in the BSU Campus Connect Project.
Most (70.58%) of them suggested that the University should provide more
information regarding all activities inside the campus. In addition, five (29.41%) said that
there should be continuous update of a specific information for at least once to two
weeks.
Three (17.64%) respondents suggested that the ICT Division should not only
partner with Globe network but with other networks also such as Smart. “In our place,
most of the people use Smart SIM,” mentioned one respondent.
Furthermore, two (11.76%) said that there should be complete dissemination of
information on the project. One (5.88%) said that the messages were too long and that
they should be reduced. Another (5.88%) noted that the project should be expanded.
“There should be the idea of maximizing all possible media, like social networking for
communication most specially for students of the Open University,” the respondent said.
Trivia and downloadable pictures should also be sent, according to a respondent.
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Table 6. Suggestions of the respondents in improving the BSU Campus Connect Project
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
SUGGESTIONS
N=17
(%)
More information on
12
70.58
the activities
inside BSU
Continuous update of a
5
29.41
particular information
Consider other networks,
3
17.64
such as Smart network
Complete information
2
11.76
dissemination on the
program
Trivia and downloadable
1
5.88
pictures
Maximize all possible
1
5.88
Media in disseminating
information
Shorter messages
1
5.88
*Multiple responses
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study sought to identify the profile of the BSU Campus Connect Project in
Benguet State University.
The study was conducted from January to February 2011 at Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
The respondents were BSU students who were registered users of BSU Campus
Connect. They were from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Home Economics
and Technology and Open University.
Data were gathered with the use of a survey questionnaire.
Most of the respondents belonged to 23-27 age bracket. There were more male
respondents than female respondents. Majority of them were second year Master’s degree
students and most of them were taking Masters in Development Communication.
Majority of the respondents said that their reason in joining Campus Connect was
that they were required. Majority of them identified interpersonal communication as their
source of information about the Campus Connect Project. The problem that most of the
respondents encountered include messages delayed, although most of them indicated they
encountered no problems at all.
For the benefits acquired by the respondents, most of them answered that they
were always informed by the important updates and information about the university.
Furthermore, the respondents enumerated some suggestions to improve the access
of information in the Campus Connect Project. Accordingly, the BSU-ICT Division
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25
should provide more information with regard to all activities inside BSU and that it
should consider partnering with other networks aside from Globe Telecommunications.
Conclusions
The following conclusions were enumerated based on the findings of the study:
1. Majority of the members of BSU Campus Connect were required to register. Only
few respondents voluntarily joined.
2. Most of the respondents’ source of information about BSU Campus Connect was
interpersonal communication.
3. Most of the respondents did not identify any problem in using BSU Campus
Connect since they only used it to receive school updates.
4. Receiving school updates is the benefit most of the respondents noted in using
BSU Campus Connect.
5. Respondents were not yet familiar with the features of BSU Campus Connect.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis and conclusions, these were the recommendations derived:
1. Aggressive campaigns should be made to encourage more members to register in
BSU Campus Connect.
2. Improvement and production of more sources of information regarding BSU
Campus Connect, like poster and website, should be done.
3. Problems encountered, like messages delayed, message repeated and message not
useful sent through, should be addressed.
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26
4. Sending school updates and information through BSU Campus Connect should be
continued.
5. Orientations should be conducted among the members for them to learn all the
features of BSU Campus Connect.
6. Study on the assessment of the BSU Campus Connect Project should be
conducted.
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LITERATURE CITED
ALBANO, G. M. A., R. R. ATOLE and R. J. Y. ARIOLA. 2003. Introduction to
Information Technology, Philippines. Trinitous Publishing Inc. Pp. 49-63.
BARKER, L. L., D. R. GAUT. 2002. Communication. 8th Ed. United States of America:
A Pearson Education Company. Pp. 144-149.
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY DIVISION. 2010. Campus Connect Information. Retrieved on
November 10, 2010, from http://portal.bsu.edu.ph/txtconnect/textconnect.htm.
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY-OPEN UNIVERSITY. 2011.What Is Open and
Distance Learning. Retrieved on March 25, 2011, from:
http://www.bsu.edu.ph/academics/ou.
MASLOG, C. 1988. Philippine Communication: An Introduction. Philippine Association
of Communication Educators, Los Banos, Metro Manila. Manila Press Institute.
Pp.364- 369.
ONGKIKO, I. V. C and A. G. FLOR. 1998. Introduction to Development
Communication,Los Banos, Laguna,Philippines. SEAMEO SEARCA. Republic
of the Philippines First Printing. Pp. 58-59, 66-67.
ONLINE DICTIONARY.2011. Profile. Retrieved on April 4, 2011 from:
http://www.reference.com/
RUBIN, R. B., A. M. RUBIN and L. J. PIELE. 2005. Communication Research:
Strategies and Sources. 6th Ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. P. 3.
SANDOVAL, C. R. M. 2010. Devjourn Blog: BSU links with Globe for Campus
Connect Service (2nd version). Retrieved on November 10, 2010, from:
http://devjourn.wordpress.com/.
SISON, J. 1998. Information Management Processing, Packaging and Marketing: A
Course Guide, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines: First Printing Press. Pp. 3-11.
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28
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Survey Questionnaire
I.
Personal Information
Name (Optional): ______________________________________________________
Age: _______ Sex: _____
Year Level: ____________________ Course: _________________________________
II. BSU Campus Connect Project Usage
1. Why did you join BSU Campus Connect Project?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. How long have you been a member on the said project? Please Check.
______ 1 Month
______ 2 to 5 Months
______ 6 to 9 Months
______ 1 Year
______ Others (Pls. specify)
__________________________________________________________________
III. Sources of Information
What are your sources of information on BSU Campus Connect Project? Please check
your answer.
________ Internet
What website?
_____________________________________________________________
_______ Interpersonal Communication (pls specify)
________________________________________________________________________
________ Posters
_______ Others (Pls. specify)
________________________________________________________________________
IV. Benefits of BSU Campus Connect Project
1. As a member, what are the benefits you acquire from this project?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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V. Problems encountered on access to information regarding BSU Campus Connect
Project.
Please check your answers.
________ Messages were hard to understand
________ Signal
________ Some terms are difficult to understand
________ No reply/answer
________ Messages were delayed
_______ Others (pls. specify)
________________________________________________________________________
VI. Suggestions/Recommendations
1. What are your suggestions for the improvements of the access of BSU Campus
Connect Project?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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BEDSO, REGIELYN C. APRIL 2011. Profile of BSU Campus Connect Project
in Benguet State University. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Chamberlane P. Altatis, BSc
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the profile of the BSU Campus Connect
Project. There were 17 respondents for the study.
Most of the respondents belonged to 23-27 age bracket and there were more
males than females. Majority of them were second year Master’s degree students and
most of them were taking Masters in Development Communication. For the sources of
information about BSU Campus Connect, most of them identified interpersonal
communication and their reason for joining Campus Connect was that they were
required. The problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus Connect
include delayed messages, repeated messages, lack of more information on other BSU-
related activities and weak network signal.
Meanwhile, the benefits acquired by the respondents as members of BSU Campus
Connect was that they are updated on the important information in the University that
concern them.
Furthermore, the respondents enumerated several suggestions for the
improvement of BSU Campus Connect. These include adding of more information on
BSU activities, inclusion of other networks in the project and complete dissemination of
information regarding the project.
Through this study, the following were recommended: more aggressive
campaigns should be done to encourage more BSU students, faculty and parents to
register; improvement and production of more sources of information regarding the
project; problems encountered should be addressed; giving of school updates and
information through Campus Connect should be continued; orientations should be
conducted among the members to learn all the features of Campus Connect.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography………………………………………………………………….
i
Abstract …….…………………………………………………………………
i
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………
iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….
1
Rationale……………………………………………………………….
1
Statement of Problem…………………………………………………..
3
Objectives of the Study………………………………………………...
3
Importance of the Study………………………………………………..
4
Scope and Limitations of the Study……………………………………
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE………………………………………………….
5
Profile…………………………………………………………………..
5
Information……………………………………………………………..
5
Information System…………………………………………………….
5
Information Sources……………………………………………………
6
Communication and Technology……………………………………….
6
Page
BSU Campus Connect…………………………………………………………..
8
METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................
10
Locale and Time of Study……………………………………………...
10
Respondents of the Study………………………………………………
10
Data Collection…………………………………………………………
12
Data Gathered………………………………………………………….
12
Data Analysis…………………………………………………………..
12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION……………………………………………….
13
BSU Campus Connect History…………………………………………
13
Socio-demographic
Profile of the Respondents……………………………………………...
13
Sources of Information of the Respondents
on the BSU Campus Connect Project…………………………………..
16
Reasons of the Respondents for Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project………………………………………….
19
Benefits Acquired by the Respondents in
Joining BSU Campus Connect Project…………………………………
20
Problems Encountered by the Respondents
in Using BSU Campus Connect Project………………………………..
21
Suggestions of the Respondents in
Improving BSU Campus Connect Project……………………………..
22
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………
24
Summary………………………………………………………………..
24
Conclusions……………………………………………………………...
25
Recommendations………………………………………………………
25
LITERATURE CITED…………………………………………………………
27
1
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Every society needs information to know what is happening around them. It helps
the people develop understanding, discipline and unity among them to improve the
community.
Information is considered an important resource in any organizations. It has come
to be recognized as an increasingly valuable commodity required by an organization in
order to plan and control its operation effectively (Sison, 1998).
However, information dissemination requires an effective and efficient
management system to optimize its usefulness and purpose in the organization or society.
Managing information involves accessing and gathering the necessary data, processing
them into meaningful information with suitable packaging designs and marketing them to
serve the needs of the intended users. Information is communicated with the use of
different media – print materials, mass media and Information Communication
Technology (ICT) materials (Sison, 1998).
Benguet State University (BSU), together with Globe Telecommunications,
signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the University’s Campus Connect
Project (CCP). Globe Telecommunications provided this to the school using two key
software: text connect and M- Launch pad. This allows students, parents, faculty and staff
to get the latest and official updates from school heads and students’ organizations on
their cellphones. The project aims to empower the school to broadcast text messages to
their pre-registered recipients (faculty, students and parents). It is a student-friendly
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service that is installed in the university, which will send text messages faster and in bulk
to students.
Furthermore, as reported by Sandoval (2010), Dr. Rogelio D. Colting, incumbent
University President, said that the university will not spend anything for the system.
Instead, the sponsor telecom will. However, according to Dr. Feliciano Calora, former
University Vice President for Academic Affairs and head of the said project, if the
allotted 45,000 to 60,000 free text messages will be reached, the university will have to
pay the excess. Calora added that the project will follow strict protocols and only the
President will be allowed to disseminate information through the system. He also said
that the colleges, organizations or groups in the university would have to get the approval
of the president if they wish to disseminate particular announcements.
Paul Garcia and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division
of the university will be the ones handling the operation of the text messaging system.
Julie Ann Dugat, ICT communication technologist, said that the project will benefit the
school, especially school organizations, because it will be easier for them to disseminate
any information or make announcements through text.
The Campus Connect project started December 2010 and it was launched during
the 24th Charter Day Celebration of the University last January 2010. The contract with
Globe Telecommunication was renewed last December 2010 and it will end December
2011.
This study then aims to determine the effectiveness of the Campus Connect
project as a tool for information dissemination. The results could be of huge help to the
university in assessing the project for its improvement.
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Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to know the profile of BSU Campus Connect Project in Benguet
State University.
Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. How did the BSU Campus Connect Project started?
2. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents?
3. What are the sources of information of the respondents on BSU Campus
Connect Project?
4. What are the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
Project?
5. What are the benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus
Connect Project?
6. What are the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus
Connect Project?
7. What are the suggestions of the respondents to improve the BSU Campus
Connect Project?
Objectives of the Study
This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of the BSU Campus Connect
project as a tool in communicating information to the students.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine how the BSU Campus Connect Project started;
2. characterize the respondents;
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3. determine the sources of information of the respondents on BSU Campus
Connect Project;
4. determine the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
Project;
5. determine the benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus
Connect Project;
6. determine the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus
Connect Project;
7. determine the suggestions of the respondents to improving the
BSU Campus Connect Project.
Importance of the Study
Results of the study could be used by the university in improving their
information dissemination strategies. It will also serve as the “voice” of the students
about their concerns and issues about the communication dissemination in the school.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focused on the profile of the BSU Campus Connect Project in Benguet
State University. The study determined the reasons and benefits of the respondents in
joining Campus Connect, as well as the problems they encountered in Campus Connect.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Profile
Presenting or summarizing data relevant to a particular person or thing. A formal
summary or analysis of data often in the form of graph or table representing distinctive
features or characteristics. Profile is description and characterization, also drawing an
outline of a certain topics or data (Online Dictionary 2011).
Information
An organized form of data gathered and perceived by the human senses from the
environment, a form of processed data, which is stored in a file system for specific
purposes and uses (Sison, 1998).
Information is processed and organized data and thus is more meaningful and
useful. Information becomes a by – product of processed raw facts or data (Albano et al,
2003).
Information System
There are various definitions of information system, but the most appropriate
definition is that of Steven Alter: “A particular type of work system that uses information
technology to capture, transmit, store, retrieve, manipulate or display of information
thereby supporting one or more other work system.” A work system in Alter’s definition
refers to any unit or system itself that produces output for internal or external customers
through a process performed by human participants with the help of information
technology (Albano et al., 2003).
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The automated processing of data into information requires more than just the
computer system. Other components make up the information system for it to be able to
generate valuable information. In an information system, the data transform into
information through processing. For the processing to be successful, the system requires
the following: people who are the qualified personnel to develop and maintain the
system, and are trainable users of the system or the operators; computer equipment or the
hardware to be saved by the people to process information; data of information that are
encoded and manipulated; procedures or guidelines for the effective and optimal
operation of the system; and telecommunications, the media composed of the hardware
and software that facilitate the transmission of the electronic data within the system
(Albano et al., 2003).
Information Sources
An information source pertains to media where a specific information was
obtained (Sison, 1998). It could be primary or secondary. Primary sources refer to the
original sources of the information that usually include direct observation and interview.
On the other hand, secondary sources contain information that are acquired on a second-
hand basis. Among these are publications, books, magazines, journals and posters, among
others.
Communication and Technology
Communication has been defined in a variety of ways.
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Communication is the transmission of information, ideas, values, beliefs and
attitudes from one person to another. It is the basic social process which includes all the
ways by which man shares with his fellow men what are on his mind and heart. These
include gestures, overt behavior and language (Maslog, 1988).
Meanwhile, Ongkiko and Flor (1998) defined communication as a process by
which a source sends a message to a receiver by means of some channel to produce a
response from the receiver, in accordance with the intention of the source
In addition, communication is defined as a process by which people arrive at
shared meaning through the interchange of messages (Rubin et al., 2005).
The 21st century has been marked by significant growth in the use of technology-
based groups. With the explosion of communication technology, we are able to connect
with each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. We no longer
have to interact face-to-face with each other in a small group or team. Technology-based
groups, using the Internet, e-mail, teleconferencing and videoconferencing have changed
the way we communicate with each other. One benefit of technology-based groups is the
increased accessibility to group members. Geographic distance and time constraint are
virtually non-existent when group members meet for online discussions. Group members
save time because they do not need to travel for group meetings (Barker and Gaut, 2002).
With these developments, communication is now faster and more convenient,
work productivity is much higher and access to information is easy. The advent of new
technology gave rise to easy and hassle-free interaction between and among humans.
Whether it is in business, science, education or whatever task a person takes on, the
quality and speed of carrying it out are enhanced with automation. Information
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8
processing has never been as fast today, particularly in communication. The interplay of
humans, machines and procedures to accomplish a specified task has purposely generated
many changes in our lives, technical or otherwise (Albano et al., 2003).
The technological advances in communication media and expansion of research
and on information brought about the proliferation of systems for information storage,
retrieval, transmission and dissemination. The success or failure of organizational
programs is attributed to how well information and communication are processed and
managed (Sison, 1998).
BSU Campus Connect
Campus Connect is a text messaging service of BSU in partnership with Globe
Telecommunications. It provides an ICT solution that would cater to the information and
communication needs of employees, students, parents and the community through SMS
(BSU-ICT, 2010).
Employees and students or their group/organization can receive free text
messages on information campaigns, official announcements, notices, updates and school
activities. Registered users may opt to receive preset text messages from the University
by using a Globe or TM SIM (BSU-ICT, 2010).
For example, for a student or parent to inquire about the University’s enrollment
schedule, he/she should compose a message and type “BSUCAR<space>enroll” then
send the message to 2327. In a while, he/she will receive a message about the
University’s enrollment schedule. Standard text messaging rates apply. Garcia noted that
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non-registered users of the Campus Connect Project can inquire about University-related
activities by doing similar messaging process (BSU-ICT, 2010).
In addition, Garcia said that the ICT division is on the process of finalizing the
final list of keywords.
Registered users may opt to stop or reactivate the service by typing either “STOP”
or “REACTIVATE.”
Moreover, colleges, offices or student groups who wish to broadcast message
shall fill up a form available at the ICT division. If approved, the message will be sent by
an authorized BSU Campus Connect operator. For students, they shall have to type
“BSUCAR<space><reg><complete name, id. no., maiden name>” then send the message
to 2327. For faculty/staff, they shall have to type “BSUCAR<space><reg> <complete
name/College or Office>” then send the message to 2327. High school students and their
parents are also encouraged to register. The registration is free and is not mandatory
(BSU-ICT, 2010).
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at Benguet State University. It is located at La Trinidad
(Figure 1), the capital town of the province of Benguet. It is five kilometers away from
Baguio City.
The school was established in 1916 and is formerly known as Mountain State
Agricultural College (MSAC). The College was converted to a state university by virtue
of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 2010 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on
January 12, 1986.
BSU is composed of eight colleges, which are the College of Agriculture (CA),
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Engineering and Applied Technology
(CEAT), College of Forestry (CF), College of Home Economics and Technology
(CHET), College of Nursing (CN), College of Teacher Education (CTE) and College of
Veterinary Medicine (CVM), including the Open University (OU), which offers Master’s
degree courses.
The study was conducted from January 2011 to February 2011.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the students of Benguet State University who
are registered users of the BSU Campus Connect Project. The members were identified
through the list provided by the BSU-ICT Division. There were 32 members listed and
majority of them were students of Open University. There were only 17 respondents of
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Benguet
State
University
Figure 1. Map of La Trinidad, Benguet showing the locale of the study
the study because the remaining 15 members were not enrolled in the University during
the time of the study. Others dropped as identified by the Open University. Specifically,
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the respondents were composed of 14 students from the Open University and three from
undergraduate courses.
Data Collection
A survey questionnaire containing necessary questions derived from the
objectives of the study was used as a tool in gathering the needed information. The
respondents answered through e-mail. Some of them were interviewed personally.
Data Gathered
The data gathered were the profile of the respondents, their reasons for joining the
Campus Connect project, their sources of information on the project, the benefits they
acquired and problems encountered in joining the project and their suggestions on BSU
Campus Connect Project’s improvement.
Data Analysis
All information from the respondents were tabulated, summarized and analyzed
through frequency count, percentage, narrative and descriptive forms.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
BSU Campus Connect History
Benguet State University Campus Connect started in December 2009. It was
launched during the 24th Charter Anniversary Celebration of the University last January
2010.
According to Paul Garcia, head of the BSU-ICT Division, Globe and Smart
networks submitted a proposal on the project. After a series of evaluations, a
recommendation was made to the Office of the President for approval. The University
chose Globe Telecommunications for the project since the receiving of text messages by
the registered users is free of charge. Therefore, it does not entail any cost to the
University, compared to the Smart network’s operation wherein the receiving of
messages is charged.
He further said that the contract with Globe was renewed last December 2010
and will end December 2011. Renewal of the contract is set yearly.
Although the proposal of another company, which is Smart, was turned down
previously, just recently, it was approved and finalization processes are underway,
according to Garcia.
Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents
The respondents’ socio-demographic profile in terms of age, sex, year level and
course is presented in Table 1.
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Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
CHARATERISTICS
N=17
(%)
Age
18-22
3
17.64
23-27
6
35.29
28-32
3
17.64
33-37
3
17.64
38-40
2
11.76
TOTAL 17
100
Sex
Male
10
58.82
Female
7
41.18
TOTAL 17
100
Year Level
Undergraduate Student
3rd Year
1
5.88
4th Year
2
11.76
Masters Student
1st Year
5
29.41
2nd Year
7
41.18
4th Year
2
11.76
TOTAL 17
100
Course
Masters in Development
Communication
6
35.29
Masters in Human Resource
Management
5
29.41
Masters in Community
Development
2
11.76
Bachelor of Science in
Information Technology
2
11.76
Bachelor of Science in
Nutrition Dietetics
1
5.88
Masters in Urban
Management
1
5.88
TOTAL 17
100
Length of Membership in
BSU Campus Connect
2 to 5 Months
1
5.88
6 to 9 Months
3
17.64
1 Year
12
70.58
More than a Year
1
5.88
TOTAL 17
100
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Age. Majority of the respondents belonged to age bracket 23-27 with 35.29%.
This was followed by age brackets of 33-37, 28-32 and 18-22, with three respondents
(17.64%) for each bracket. Two (11.76%) of the respondents were classified under the
38-40 age bracket.
Sex. Most of the respondents were males with (58.82%). Female respondents
generated 41.18%.
Year level. Many (41.18%) of the respondents were second year Master’s degree
students. First year Master’s degree students had 29.41%, followed by fourth year
Master’s degree students with 11.76%. Two (11.76%) of the respondents were fourth
year undergraduate students while and there was one (5.88%) third year undergraduate
student respondent.
Course. Three-fourths (35.29%) of the respondents were taking Masters in
Development Communication; (29.41%) were taking Masters in Human Research
Management; 11.76% were enrolled in Masters in Community Development as well as
that of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology while one respondent was taking
Masters in Urban Management as well as that of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Dietetics.
Length of membership in BSU Campus Connect. Majority (70.58%) of the
respondents were registered for one year while 17.64% were registered for about six to
nine months.
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Sources of Information of the Respondents
on the BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 2 shows the sources of information of the respondents on the BSU Campus
Connect Project.
Based on the table, majority (82.35%) of the respondents acquired information
through interpersonal communication with Julie Ann Dugat of BSU-ICT Division and
Analyn Garcillian, administrative secretary of the Open University. Moreover, four
(23.53%) of the respondents acquired information from the BSU website (Fig. 2) while
one (5.88%) respondent learned it from the poster posted in front of the BSU Marketing
(Fig. 3).
Interpersonal communication is defined as face-to-face communication, a
definition that has been further expanded with new communication technologies that
allows one person to communicate with a room full of people at one time, but still on a
person-to-person basis (Ongkiko and Flor, 1998).
The results could be attributed to the weak efforts of the different colleges to float
the advisories on the project forwarded by the BSU-ICT Division. According to Garcia,
some of the colleges failed to impose the advisories sent.
He further said that only few joined because only few BSU students are Globe
SIM users.
With this, Garcia mentioned that the BSU-ICT is finalizing BSU’s partnership
with Smart network for the extreme promotion of the project. “We would definitely
conduct campaigns as soon as the partnership with the Smart network will be finalized so
that even the high school students and parents will be included,” said Garcia.
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Table 2. Sources of information of the respondents on the BSU Campus Connect Project
SOURCES OF
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
N=17
(%)
Interpersonal
14
82.53
Communication
BSU website
4
23.53
Poster
1
5.88
*Multiple responses
Figure 2. Home feature of the BSU Campus Connect project in the BSU website
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Figure 3. Poster of BSU Campus Connect Project posted in front of the BSU Marketing
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Reasons of the Respondents for Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 3 shows the reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect.
Most (76.47%) of the respondents, who were students of the Open University and were
Globe SIM users, said that they were required by the Open University to register.
According to Garcillian, the students’ names were submitted by the Open University to
the BSU-ICT for registration. “We submitted their names so that it will be easy for the
Open University to disseminate announcements and reminders,” said Garcillian.
Additional consultations with professors are done by any modes of communication such
as Internet, fax, telephone or text messaging (BSU- Open University, 2011).
Meanwhile, three (17.64%) voluntarily joined to be able to receive updates and
information from the University while one (5.88%) registered to try the University’s
technology.
Table 3. Reasons of the respondents for joining BSU Campus Connect
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
REASONS FOR JOINING
N=17
(%)
Names were submitted by
13
76.47
the Open University
3
17.64
To receive BSU-related
updates and information
To try BSU technology
1
5.88
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Benefits Acquired by the Respondents in Joining
BSU Campus Connect Project
Table 4 shows the benefits acquired by the respondents as a member of BSU
Campus Connect.
Many (58.82%) of the respondents claimed that they have been informed of the
important updates and information about the university right through their mobile phones.
These updates and information include advisories, memoranda, university activities,
programs and notices. “The project is beneficial to the students specially to those who are
studying at the Open University wherein they only come to the university once or twice a
month,” said a respondent.
Moreover, nine (52.94%) said that the project made information dissemination
better, easier and accessible. They said that they do not need to inquire on significant
university-related matters such as enrolment schedule, cancellation of classes and
requirements, as well as if there was no Internet connection in a particular office. In
addition, there was no need for them to be reading and checking on the posted
information on the bulletin boards.
Table 4. Benefits acquired by the respondents in joining BSU Campus Connect
BENEFITS ACQUIRED
FRQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
N=17
(%)
Important updates and
10
58.82
information about BSU
9
52.94
Better, easier and accessible
information dissemination
*Multiple responses
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Problems Encountered by the Respondents in Using
BSU Campus Connect
Table 5 shows the problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU
Campus Connect.
Majority (58.82%) of the respondents said that they did not encounter any
problems in using BSU Campus Connect. However, three (17.64%) of the respondents
said that messages were delayed. One (5.88%) identified signal as a problem because
Globe network has weak signal in some places.
In addition, one (5.88%) said that messages were repeatedly sent. Another said
that significant messages on university-related matters were not being sent (5.88%) while
one (5.88%) noted that the message sent is not useful like the schedule of examinations
because he was only taking his thesis.
Table 5. Problems encountered by the respondents in using BSU Campus Connect Project
PROBLEMS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
ENCOUNTERED
N=17
(%)
No problem encountered
10
58.82
Messages were delayed
3
17.64
Cell phone signal
1
5.88
Message sent is not useful
1
5.88
Message is repeated
1
5.88
Messages on significant
1
5.88
university-related
information were not being
sent
TOTAL 17
100
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Suggestions of the Respondents in Improving the
BSU Campus Connect Project
The respondents enumerated several suggestions to improve the access of
information in the BSU Campus Connect Project.
Most (70.58%) of them suggested that the University should provide more
information regarding all activities inside the campus. In addition, five (29.41%) said that
there should be continuous update of a specific information for at least once to two
weeks.
Three (17.64%) respondents suggested that the ICT Division should not only
partner with Globe network but with other networks also such as Smart. “In our place,
most of the people use Smart SIM,” mentioned one respondent.
Furthermore, two (11.76%) said that there should be complete dissemination of
information on the project. One (5.88%) said that the messages were too long and that
they should be reduced. Another (5.88%) noted that the project should be expanded.
“There should be the idea of maximizing all possible media, like social networking for
communication most specially for students of the Open University,” the respondent said.
Trivia and downloadable pictures should also be sent, according to a respondent.
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Table 6. Suggestions of the respondents in improving the BSU Campus Connect Project
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
SUGGESTIONS
N=17
(%)
More information on
12
70.58
the activities
inside BSU
Continuous update of a
5
29.41
particular information
Consider other networks,
3
17.64
such as Smart network
Complete information
2
11.76
dissemination on the
program
Trivia and downloadable
1
5.88
pictures
Maximize all possible
1
5.88
Media in disseminating
information
Shorter messages
1
5.88
*Multiple responses
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study sought to identify the profile of the BSU Campus Connect Project in
Benguet State University.
The study was conducted from January to February 2011 at Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
The respondents were BSU students who were registered users of BSU Campus
Connect. They were from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Home Economics
and Technology and Open University.
Data were gathered with the use of a survey questionnaire.
Most of the respondents belonged to 23-27 age bracket. There were more male
respondents than female respondents. Majority of them were second year Master’s degree
students and most of them were taking Masters in Development Communication.
Majority of the respondents said that their reason in joining Campus Connect was
that they were required. Majority of them identified interpersonal communication as their
source of information about the Campus Connect Project. The problem that most of the
respondents encountered include messages delayed, although most of them indicated they
encountered no problems at all.
For the benefits acquired by the respondents, most of them answered that they
were always informed by the important updates and information about the university.
Furthermore, the respondents enumerated some suggestions to improve the access
of information in the Campus Connect Project. Accordingly, the BSU-ICT Division
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should provide more information with regard to all activities inside BSU and that it
should consider partnering with other networks aside from Globe Telecommunications.
Conclusions
The following conclusions were enumerated based on the findings of the study:
1. Majority of the members of BSU Campus Connect were required to register. Only
few respondents voluntarily joined.
2. Most of the respondents’ source of information about BSU Campus Connect was
interpersonal communication.
3. Most of the respondents did not identify any problem in using BSU Campus
Connect since they only used it to receive school updates.
4. Receiving school updates is the benefit most of the respondents noted in using
BSU Campus Connect.
5. Respondents were not yet familiar with the features of BSU Campus Connect.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis and conclusions, these were the recommendations derived:
1. Aggressive campaigns should be made to encourage more members to register in
BSU Campus Connect.
2. Improvement and production of more sources of information regarding BSU
Campus Connect, like poster and website, should be done.
3. Problems encountered, like messages delayed, message repeated and message not
useful sent through, should be addressed.
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4. Sending school updates and information through BSU Campus Connect should be
continued.
5. Orientations should be conducted among the members for them to learn all the
features of BSU Campus Connect.
6. Study on the assessment of the BSU Campus Connect Project should be
conducted.
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LITERATURE CITED
ALBANO, G. M. A., R. R. ATOLE and R. J. Y. ARIOLA. 2003. Introduction to
Information Technology, Philippines. Trinitous Publishing Inc. Pp. 49-63.
BARKER, L. L., D. R. GAUT. 2002. Communication. 8th Ed. United States of America:
A Pearson Education Company. Pp. 144-149.
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY DIVISION. 2010. Campus Connect Information. Retrieved on
November 10, 2010, from http://portal.bsu.edu.ph/txtconnect/textconnect.htm.
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY-OPEN UNIVERSITY. 2011.What Is Open and
Distance Learning. Retrieved on March 25, 2011, from:
http://www.bsu.edu.ph/academics/ou.
MASLOG, C. 1988. Philippine Communication: An Introduction. Philippine Association
of Communication Educators, Los Banos, Metro Manila. Manila Press Institute.
Pp.364- 369.
ONGKIKO, I. V. C and A. G. FLOR. 1998. Introduction to Development
Communication,Los Banos, Laguna,Philippines. SEAMEO SEARCA. Republic
of the Philippines First Printing. Pp. 58-59, 66-67.
ONLINE DICTIONARY.2011. Profile. Retrieved on April 4, 2011 from:
http://www.reference.com/
RUBIN, R. B., A. M. RUBIN and L. J. PIELE. 2005. Communication Research:
Strategies and Sources. 6th Ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. P. 3.
SANDOVAL, C. R. M. 2010. Devjourn Blog: BSU links with Globe for Campus
Connect Service (2nd version). Retrieved on November 10, 2010, from:
http://devjourn.wordpress.com/.
SISON, J. 1998. Information Management Processing, Packaging and Marketing: A
Course Guide, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines: First Printing Press. Pp. 3-11.
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Survey Questionnaire
I.
Personal Information
Name (Optional): ______________________________________________________
Age: _______ Sex: _____
Year Level: ____________________ Course: _________________________________
II. BSU Campus Connect Project Usage
1. Why did you join BSU Campus Connect Project?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. How long have you been a member on the said project? Please Check.
______ 1 Month
______ 2 to 5 Months
______ 6 to 9 Months
______ 1 Year
______ Others (Pls. specify)
__________________________________________________________________
III. Sources of Information
What are your sources of information on BSU Campus Connect Project? Please check
your answer.
________ Internet
What website?
_____________________________________________________________
_______ Interpersonal Communication (pls specify)
________________________________________________________________________
________ Posters
_______ Others (Pls. specify)
________________________________________________________________________
IV. Benefits of BSU Campus Connect Project
1. As a member, what are the benefits you acquire from this project?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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V. Problems encountered on access to information regarding BSU Campus Connect
Project.
Please check your answers.
________ Messages were hard to understand
________ Signal
________ Some terms are difficult to understand
________ No reply/answer
________ Messages were delayed
_______ Others (pls. specify)
________________________________________________________________________
VI. Suggestions/Recommendations
1. What are your suggestions for the improvements of the access of BSU Campus
Connect Project?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Profile of BSU Campus Connect Project in Benguet State University /
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Document Outline
- Profile of BSU Campus Connect Projectin Benguet State University
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES