The use of digital tools in education: Insights from students, teachers and school administrators in Bulacan, Philippines

Aim: This study assessed and compared the internet accessibility, challenges, effectiveness, and use of digital tools in education as perceived by students, teachers, and school administrators in selected schools in Bulacan, Philippines.It also determined significant differences in their perceptions to provide a basis for strengthening digital literacy and promoting inclusive and sustainable digital education.Methodology: A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed involving 210 respondents composed of 70 students, 70 teachers, and 70 school administrators.Data were collected using a validated researcher-made survey questionnaire.Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and median were used to summarize responses, while the Kruskal-Wallis H test and post hoc Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction were applied to determine significant differences among groups at the 0.05 level of significance.Results: Findings revealed that school administrators and teachers reported very high internet accessibility, while students reported high accessibility.All groups experienced moderate challenges in using digital tools.Teachers perceived digital tools as very effective in enhancing instruction, whereas school administrators and students rated them as effective for administrative and learning purposes.Overall, respondents demonstrated a highly positive perception of digital tool integration.Significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of perceived challenges, effectiveness, and use of digital tools.Conclusion: Despite moderate challenges, digital tools are widely perceived as effective and valuable in improving instructional delivery, administrative efficiency, and student engagement.Differences in stakeholder perceptions highlight the need for targeted interventions, including expanded broadband access, device support, and strengthened digital literacy programs to ensure equitable and sustainable digital education.