The Influence of Digital and Face-To-Face Lessons on Computer Science Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Cameroon
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of blending digital and face to face lessons, on Computer Science students’ academic achievement in secondary schools in Cameroon. The study employed a quasi-experimental design involving 100 students from Governemnt Bilingual High School Etoug-egbe and Governemnt High School Bokwango, Buea all in towns in Cameroon divided into two groups: one group of 50 students utilizing digital and face-to-face lessons, and a control group engaging solely traditional face-to-face instruction. The primary objectives included assessing the influence of blending digital lessons and face to face lessons on student’s academic achievement. The software used for Data Analysis was SPSS version 27, IBM SPSS Amos version. The data analysis included an ANOVA test revealing a significant difference in academic achievement among the groups, with an F-value of 11.464 and a p-value of less than 0.001. This outcome suggests that the blended approach employed had a pronounced effect on students' achievement, indicating the necessity for diverse instructional strategies to promote engagement and understanding. The findings underscore the effectiveness of blended learning tools, particularly structured digital resources like the digital lessons from the MINESEC distance learning platform https://distance-learning.minesec.gov.cm, in enhancing academic outcomes. While students’ grades, software and hardware skills gained traction through blending digital and face-to-face lessons, critical thinking development requires further exploration to ensure holistic student growth. This research contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding blended learning practices and offers insights for educators and policymakers aiming to optimize instructional strategies. The implications of this study stress the importance of adopting tailored digital teaching methods to enhance academic achievement in a subject like Computer Science, thereby recommending sustained investment in educational technology and infrastructure to facilitate impactful learning experiences.
Keywords
References
- Adeyi, M., Ayanjoke, M., Benard, A., Olalere, F., & Olayiwola, K. (2022). Effects Of Zoom Application and Google Hangouts on Achievement and Retention of Mathematics Students in Private Schools, in Minna Nigeria. 2(2).
- Alemnge, F. L. (2018). Distance Learning Models and Their Effusiveness in Cameroon Higher Education. Creative Education. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2018.95059
- Al-Harbi, A. S. (2015). The impact of WhatsApp use on academic achievement among Saudi secondary school students in computer science. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 44(1), 73–88.
- Anderson, T. (2009). Distance education—Implications of online and Blended learning for the conceptual Development and Practice of Distance education. International Journal of E-Learning and Distance Education, 111–116. http://www.editlib.org/p/105545/
- Atem, R. (2019). Teaching methods in secondary schools in Cameroon: A comparative analysis. Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 15(2), 78–95.
- Bates, T., & Bozkurt, A. (2025). A Critical Scholarly Conversation with Tony Bates: Insights on the Future of Online and Distance Education. Open Praxis, 17, 632–637. https://doi.org/10.55982/openpraxis.17.3.968
- Béché, E. (2020). Cameroonian responses to COVID-19 in the education sector: Exposing an inadequate education system. International Review of Education, 66(5–6), 755–775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09870-x
- Beck, C. T., & Polit, D. F. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
- Bidder, C., Mogindol, S., Saibin, T., Andrew, S., & Naharu, N. (2016). Students’ Perceptions of Blended Learning and Achievement (pp. 213–225). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0954-9_19
- Bongwong Bruno & Diangha Brenda Lawyer. (2020). THE EFFECT OF WHATSAPP USE ON STUDENTS’ SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.3710738
- Britannica. (2025). Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/computer-science
- Buao, A., Cabeje, G., Sabardan, G., Sarmiento, J., Saro, J., & Garcia, S. (2022). Blended Learning Education: The Effectiveness of New Ways of Teaching and Learning in Enhancing Students’ Academic Achievement. Volume 5, 348–355. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7273062
- Carmi, G. (2024a). E-Learning using zoom: A study of students’ attitude and learning effectiveness in higher education. Heliyon, 10(11), e30229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30229
- Carmi, G. (2024b). E-Learning using zoom: A study of students’ attitude and learning effectiveness in higher education. Heliyon, 10(11), e30229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30229
- Ceruzzi, P. E. (2023). A History of Modern Computing. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jahc/3310410.0002.218/--paul-e-ceruzzis-a-history-of-modern-computing?rgn=main;view=fulltext
- Chaudhary, A., Arif, S., Calimlim, R., Khan, S., & Sadia, A. (2025). The Impact of Ai-Powered Educational Tools on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes at Higher Education Level. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382559080_The_Impact_Of_Ai-Powered_Educational_Tools_On_Student_Engagement_And_Learning_Outcomes_At_Higher_Education_Level
- Chika, A. J. (2024). Reforms And Innovation In Secondary Education Through Community Participation.
- Clough, M. (2007). Learning and teaching in the school science laboratory: An analysis of research, theory and practice (pp. 393–441).
- Djam’an, N., Asdar, N., Djadir, & Fauzan. (2021). The Effect of Online Learning Using Zoom on Students’ Learning Outcomes.
- Dreams, O. (2020, May 3). E-learning in Cameroon: How Effective? Open-Dreams-. https://www.open-dreams.org/post/e-learning-in-cameroon-how-effective
- Egara, F. O., & Mosimege, M. (2024). Effect of blended learning approach on secondary school learners’ mathematics achievement and retention. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12651-w
- Engwari, M. C., & Marcelle, M. K. (2021). Hybrid Education, Pedagogical Continuity and Instructional Efficiency amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cameroon Universities. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 05(06), 559–564. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2021.5632
- Fallwickl, E., Lead, C. A. T., WES, McNally, R., Manager, K., WES, Mackie, C., Editor, & WENR. (2021). Education in Cameroon. WENR. https://wenr.wes.org/2021/04/education-in-cameroon
- Farone, A. (2020, August 4). The history of coding and software engineering. Hack Reactor. https://www.hackreactor.com/resources/the-history-of-coding-and-software-engineering/
- FATIN, F. (2018). Is hypothesis needed for a mixed method research? University of Malaysia, Sarawak. https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_hypothesis_needed_for_a_mixed_method_research
- Forbes. (2024). What Is WhatsApp? – Guide To The International Messaging App. https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/what-is-whatsapp/
- Friere, P. (2012). Key Pedagogic Thinkers: Paulo Friere—Journal of Pedagogic Development | University of Bedfordshire. https://www.beds.ac.uk/jpd/journal-of-pedagogic-development-volume-2-issue-3/key-pedagogic-thinkers-paulo-friere/
- Garrison, D. R. (2011). E-learning in the 21st century: A framework for research and practice.
- Garrison, D. R., & Vaughan, N. (2008). Blended Learning in Higher Education Framework, Principles, and Guidelines. San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass. - References—Scientific Research Publishing. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1424115
- GCE Board, C. (2015, June). GCE Examinations Regulations and Syllabuses. Cameroon GCE Board.
- Glen, S. (2023). Sample Size in Statistics (How to Find it): Excel, Cochran’s Formula, General Tips. Statistics How To. https://www.statisticshowto.com/probability-and-statistics/find-sample-size/
- Godfrey, M., & German, D. (2008). The Past, Present, and Future of Software Evolution. In Proceedings of the 2008 Frontiers of Software Maintenance, FoSM 2008 (p. 138). https://doi.org/10.1109/FOSM.2008.4659256
- Graham, C. R. (2022). Blended learning systems: Definition, current Trends and Future Directions. San Francisco, Pfeiffer publishers.
- Guskey, T. R. (2003). Grading and Reporting Student Learning.
- Hamzah, M. I., Zhaffar, N. M., & Razak, K. A. (2018). Barriers in Teaching Critical Thinking in Islamic Education. Creative Education, 09(14), 2350–2356. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2018.914175
- Hanna, E. P. (2013). A Cognitive Emotional Methodology for Critical Thinking. Advances in Applied Sociology, 03(01), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2013.31003
- Hew, K. F., & Cheung, W. S. (2014). Using Blended Learning: Evidence-Based Practices. London, Springer Publ., 123.
- IEEE, X. (1990). IEEE Standard Glossary of Software Engineering Terminology. IEEE Std 610.12-1990, 1–84. IEEE Std 610.12-1990. https://doi.org/10.1109/IEEESTD.1990.101064
- Kara, M. (2020). Distance education: A systems view of online learning: by Michael G. Moore and Greg Kearsley, Belmont, CA, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012, 361 pp., £92.99 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-111-52099-1. Educational Review, 72(6), 800–800. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2020.1766204
- Karugu, A., Kamere, I., & Mugo, P. (2001). The Education System of Cameroon. https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789
- Leblanc, R., Sabel, A., Hilburn, T., & McGettriek, A. (2003). IEEE-CS/ACM computing curricula—Software engineering volume (p. S3C_27). https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE.2003.1265988
- Lillian, W. N., Mutsotso, S. N., & Wasike, D. W. (2023). Teachers’ Perceptions of Blended Learning and the Acquisition of Language Skills in National and Extra-County Schools in Western Region, Kenya. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, X(IX), 314–322. https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10929
- Lleshaj, L., & Çika, N. (2024). Software Skills and Their Impact on Enhancing Job Performance: A Per- spective from Finance and Accounting Postgraduate Students. Review of Economics and Finance, 21, 2485–2493. https://doi.org/10.55365/1923.x2023.21.264
- Mason, J. (2021). Learning about noticing, by, and through, noticing. ZDM, 53, 231–243. https://oro.open.ac.uk/73220/
- Mbakwa, P. N. (2020). The State and Challenges of Technology Enhanced Learning in Cameroon’s English Subsystem of Education: Case Study of Colleges. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.200521.026
- Michael, & Reeves, T. C. (2006). Michael Graham Moore: A Significant Contributor to the Field of Educational Technology.
- Milner, M. (2023). Can Students Learn from Lecture Demonstrations? ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238711199_Can_Students_Learn_from_Lecture_Demonstrations
- Ministry of Secondary Education, C. (2024). MINESEC Statistical Yearbook. MINESEC Cameroon.
- Moore, M., & Keegan, D. (1993). Theoretical principles of distance education. Paris, France: OECD Publishing. http://www.worldcat.org/title/givings-knowledge-forfree-the-emergence-of-open-educational-resources/
- Muhammad, D., & Umar, A. (2016). Effectiveness of Demonstration and Lecture Methods in Learning Concept in Economics among Secondary School Students in Borno State, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice.
- Musawi, Al., & Porcaro, D. (2011). Lessons Learned from Adopting Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning in Oman | EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2011/12/lessons-learned-from-adopting-computersupported-collaborative-learning-in-oman
- Nasution, M. K. M., Hidayat, R., & Syah, R. (2022). Computer Science. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2207.07901
- Nganji, J., Kwemain, R., & Taku, C. (2010). Closing the digital gap in Cameroonian secondary schools through the CIAC project.
- Niaz, M. (2003). Constructivist theory of learning in science and in science education: A philosophical critique. Science & Education, 12(6), 535–550.
- Njideka, O. (2024). The Effect of Blended Learning on Students’ Academic Achievement and Interest in Mathematics in Secondary Schools in Southeast, Nigeria. http://www.ijrpr.com/
- Njike, C., Ngwane, F., & Njike, F. (2019). Challenges and prospects of computer science education in secondary schools in Cameroon. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 18, 235–252.
- Nkwenti, M. (2016). Baseline Study on the Current State of Open and Distance Learning in Cameroon.
- Ogbudu, L., Stephen Bepeh, U., Okpe, O., & Atsu Liwhu, A. (2023). Perceived Influence of Whatsapp Usage on Students’ Academic Achievement in the University of Cross River State. International Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research And Analysis, 06. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i9-23
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd edn). Sage Publications.
- Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2007a). Critical Thinking: Strategies for Improving Student Learning, Part II.
- Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2007b). The nature of critical and creative thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 31(2), 34–35.
- Peterson, D. S. (2008). A meta-analytic study of adult self-directed learning and online nursing education: A review of research from 1995 to 2007. Cite Journal. http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/194001867?accountid=13800
- Praxent. (2020, January 2). Innovation Over Time: A History of Software Development. Praxent. https://praxent.com/blog/history-of-software-development-innovation
- Roberts, R. M. (2011). Best instructional practices for distance education: A meta-analysis. http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/docview/900728274?accountid=13800
- Selvakumar, S., & Sivakumar, P. (2019). The Impact of Blended Learning Environment on Academic Achievement of Engineering Students. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336891858_The_Impact_of_Blended_Learning_Environment_on_Academic_Achievement_of_Engineering_Students
- Shamboul, H. A. E. (2022). The Importance of Critical Thinking on Teaching Learning Process. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10(01), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2022.101003
- Shameel, M. (2024). Top Technology Trends 2024: Hardware & Embedded Electronics. https://www.actalentservices.com/en-in/insights/articles/top-technology-trends-for-2024
- Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance, 2(1), 3–10.
- Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm.
- SODEI. (2021, November 26). Digital Education in Cameroon: An Analysis into Available Tools and Perceptions Regarding Benefits, Barriers, and Access to e-Learning Tools in Southwest Cameroon, November 2021 - Cameroon | ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/cameroon/digital-education-cameroon-analysis-available-tools-and-perceptions-regarding
- Staker, H., & Horn, M. B. (2013). Classifying K-12 Blended Learning. http://www. christenseninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Classifying-K-12-blended-learning.pdf
- Steinmayr, R., Meißner, A., Weidinger, A., & Wirthwein, L. (2014). Academic Achievement. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199756810-0108
- Suen, H.-Y., & Hung, K.-E. (2024). Revealing the influence of AI and its interfaces on job candidates’ honest and deceptive impression management in asynchronous video interviews. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198, 123011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123011
- Suhaimi, M. A., & Baharom, F. (2017). The impact of WhatsApp on students’ achievement in computer science in secondary schools. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 11(2), 45–56.
- Tambo, L. (2003). Principles and Methods of Teaching Application in Cameroon Schools. University of Buea ANUCAM Publisher, Limbe. - References—Scientific Research Publishing. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2954901
- TeachThough. (2024). The Pedagogy Of John Dewey: A Summary | TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/learning-posts/pedagogy-john-dewey-summary/
- Tentama, F., & Abdillah, M. H. (2019). Student employability examined from academic achievement and self-concept. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 8(2), 243. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i2.18128
- Thomas. (2013). Exploring the use of asynchronous online discussion in health care education: A literature review. Jornal of Computers and Education. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.07.005
- Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. (2008). The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Atomic Dog Publishing.
- Ugboja, A., Omachonu, C., & Gowon. (2023). Blended Learning Approach and Students’ Academic Achievement in Essay Writing in Senior Secondary Schools in Anyigba, Kogi State. 1, 11–21.
- UN Sustainable Development Group. (2020). United Nations COVID-19 Socio Economic Response for Cameroon. https://unsdg.un.org/resources/united-nations-covid-19-socio-economic-response-plan-cameroon
- University of Louisville. (2024). Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework. https://louisville.edu/ideastoaction/about/criticalthinking/framework
- Venugopal, A. (2024). Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Student Academic Performance. Medicon Engineering Themes. https://doi.org/10.55162/MCET.06.208
- Watson, J., & Murin, A. (2014). A History of K-12 Online and Blended Instruction in the United States. Handbook of Research on K-12 Online and Blended Learning. N.P., ETC Press Publ.
- Willinsky, J., Jonas, R., Shafack, R., & Wirsiy, K. C. (2005). Access to Research in Cameroonian Universities. The Electronic Journal Of Information Systems In Developing Countries, 21(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2005.tb00134.x
- Zarei, N., & Jailani, M. A. (2018). Students’ perceptions towards blended learning approach. Asian Journal of Social Science Research, 1(1). https://ajssr.unitar.my/doc/vol1i1/2111.pdf