Abstract
Background: The integration of digital tools in education has transformed pedagogical approaches, particularly through interactive courseware. This study evaluated the impact of courseware usage via Microsoft Teams on the online learning pedagogy at Pangasinan State University(PSU). Objective: To assess the influence of courseware on self-directed learning, learning environment, and learning growth among Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in English students at PSU Lingayen campus. Methods: A numerical strategy combined with a design that is descriptive was employed. A stratified random sample of hundred students from a population of 300 participated in a structured survey. Statistical analyses, including weighted means and descriptive interpretation, were conducted. Results: Self-directed learning and learning environment variables showed a high impact (mean scores of 3.53 and 3.43, respectively), while learning growth had a moderate impact (mean score of 3.37). Students valued flexibility and accessibility but identified moderate engagement with courseware. Conclusion: Courseware enhances self-directed learning and optimizes the learning environment, though its impact on learning growth is moderate. Institutions should refine courseware strategies to boost engagement and ensure holistic educational outcomes.
Introduction
The integration of digital learning tools in higher education has transformed traditional pedagogical approaches, enabling more flexible, interactive, and self-directed learning experiences (Aflalo et al., 2024). Technological advancements, such as learning management systems, virtual classrooms, and interactive courseware, have redefined instructional methodologies by fostering engagement and enhancing accessibility (Dritsas and Trigka, 2025). The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning strategies, compelling educational institutions worldwide to implement digital learning environments that support remote education (Kayi, 2024). As a result, universities have increasingly relied on courseware and digital platforms to maintain the continuity of learning and improve student outcomes.
Courseware plays an important role in online learning pedagogy by offering structured, interactive, and multimedia enriched content designed to support various learning styles (Adeyele, 2024). Unlike conventional teaching methods, digital courseware enables self-paced learning, providing students with opportunities to review instructional materials at their convenience and reinforcing independent study habits. Additionally, LMS platforms such as Moodle and Microsoft Teams facilitate seamless communication between instructors and students, promoting collaboration and engagement (Vetrivel et al., 2024). However, while these platforms enhance accessibility, research suggests that the effectiveness of digital courseware largely depends on user experience, system usability, and institutional support.
Pangasinan State University has actively embraced digital learning tools to enhance its instructional framework, particularly through Microsoft Teams (Sicuan et al., 2025). This platform enables faculty members to integrate courseware that supports interactive learning, assignment submissions, and real time feedback, fostering a structured and engaging learning environment. Furthermore, research have indicated that the effectiveness of digital learning at PSU is influenced by various factors, including self-directed learning capabilities, the digital learning surroundings, and students overall learning growth (Şahin et al., 2025). Despite the benefits of digital learning platforms, challenges such as digital literacy gaps, internet connectivity issues, and student adaptability to online education remain significant concerns.
This research aimed to evaluate how courseware affects the method of online instruction at PSU, focusing on three critical dimensions: self-directed learning, learning environment, and learning growth. Self-directed learning clarifies students' ability to take initiative in their educational journey, set learning goals, and effectively utilize digital tools. The learning environment encompasses the usability, accessibility, and efficiency of the digital platform in delivering educational content and facilitating communication (Makda, 2025). Learning growth pertains to students academic development, knowledge acquisition, and skill enhancement through the use of courseware.
This research contributes to existing research by examining how digital tools enhance or hinder learning experiences in a higher education setting. By identifying key factors that impact students' online learning experiences, the findings will provide valuable insights into optimizing courseware design, improving learning management systems, and refining instructional strategies to enhance digital pedagogy. The results will aid policymakers and educators in implementing data driven approaches that support effective online learning environments, ensuring a sustainable and innovative academic landscape for future generations.
Contributions
The novel contributions of this study are: 1. The researcher provides a data driven analysis of how courseware influences self- directed learning, learning environments, and learning growth in an online education setting. 2. The researcher examines the success, utility, and access of Microsoft Teams in facilitating digital pedagogy and academic collaboration. 3. The researcher highlights barriers to effective courseware adoption, including engagement levels, digital literacy, and platform usability. 4. The researcher proposes strategic improvements for courseware integration, focusing on pedagogical refinements and technological advancements to optimize learning outcomes.
Literature review
Orlanda-Ventayen (2024) explored the transformative part of artificial intelligence in studies, emphasizing its including in teaching and learning through a mixed methods approach. The study incorporated methods for gathering subjective information, such as analyzing records and informal conversations with educators from open university systems. It highlighted AI’s benefits in personalized learning, improved engagement, and enhanced academic performance. However, ethical concerns regarding AI implementation are prevalent among educators, leading to the recommendation of incorporating AI governance policies in institutional frameworks. Additionally, the study underscored the increasing scholarly interest in AI in education through bibliometric analysis from the Scopus database, reinforcing the need for ethical and policy driven AI adoption in educational institutions.
Camara and Adom (2024) investigated the competency levels of science graduate teachers in Pangasinan State University across 17 future skills, using a cross-sectional descriptive survey and quantitative analysis via SPSS. Findings indicated very high competence in four critical areas: speaking, reflective proficiency, efficiency and risks proficiency, and collaboration. The study revealed no significant relationship between competency levels and gender or academic background, except for doctoral level teachers who exhibit higher self-competence than their master’s counterparts. The outcomes suggested integrating future skill development into higher education curricula to prepare graduates for industry demands.
Kayi (2024) examined the transition to blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in three Ghanaian universities using a qualitative case study approach. Through semi-structured interviews with forty adult learners and twenty instructors, the study identified both the positive and negative effects of digital learning adoption. Key findings highlighted improved pedagogy, competency development, and enhanced course delivery. However, technological challenges, inadequate instructor preparation, and poor-quality pedagogy hinder effective learning experiences. The study emphasized the need for agile policy reforms in higher education institutions to sustain quality distance education beyond the pandemic.
Pavlou and Castro-Varela (2024) explored the role of digital technologies in online arts education and sustainable pedagogies within teacher education. Through interviews with twenty five academics from five European countries, the study identified challenges in online arts instruction, including content conversion, resource accessibility, and maintaining student engagement. Educators adapted by leveraging digital tools to create interactive and inclusive learning environments. The study provided insights into innovative teaching methods and pedagogical redesigns necessary to sustain arts education in digital learning spaces.
Abblitt (2024) examined the redistribution of academic quality in online higher education through learning design. The study highlighted the creation of “third-space” experts in designing learning who collaborate with university academics to maintain academic quality. Using actor network theory and socio material critique, the study conceptualized academic quality as an evolving relational construct shaped by institutional policies, technological affordances, and pedagogical expertise. Findings revealed systemic barriers in universities that hinder collaborative efforts, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of academic roles in digital education.
Tseng and Lin (2024) investigated the integration of OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 into a university-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing course, employing the ADDIE instructional design model. The research explored how AI enhances writing efficiency, content organization, and feedback mechanisms. It suggested that GPT 3.5 effectively supports students by providing instant reviews, growing structural coherence, and serving as an alternative to traditional peer reviewers. The research underscored artificial intelligence part in fostering critical thinking and personalized learning, emphasizing its potential in academic writing instruction.
Lasekan et al. (2024) utilized the factors influencing people engagement in sustainable digital education using a mixed methods approach. Data collected from 452 university students reveal that high quality course content usage enhances cognitive engagement, with 61.7% of students demonstrating a strong interaction with faculty materials. Finally, the role of teaching presence is emphasized, with interactive classes and timely reviews improving people participation. These findings highlighted the importance of structured and immersive online learning surroundings.
The effects of melded digital learning on anxiety among pupils and scientific performance in Ethiopian universities were explained by Shishigu et al. (2024). An analysis of variance ANOVA at wolkite university showed an important boost in pupil achievement following a didactic involvement using a time conjunction design. Finally, by focusing on memory hurdles, technology-integrated studying reduces the fear of math, according to the analysis. According to these results, methods of mixed learning can raise student performance and ought to be taken into account for more extensive educational integration.
By means of an examination of the possibilities of EDX platforms, Zienkowski and Lambotte (2024) investigated how agency manifests in the layout of enormously open online courses. Using a linguistic evidence approach, the study looked at how theories of education, technology-mediated instructional habits, and financial constraints affect the planning of courses. The outcomes showed how students, gadgets, and organizations interact dynamically to shape how students learn online through the identification of six types of power triggers: surveillance-based, expertise-oriented, getting along, direction, and rendering.
Situational passion and wanderlust were investigated by Wong et al. (2024) as facilitators of digital learning in a proportional logic math direction. The study, which employed a model for structural equations, discovered that circumstances and accessibility have a major impact on the involvement of learners. The findings highlighted the value of integrating customer service values which is based on proof didactic creation by showing that effective instruction can increase reactions and decrease mind straying. These results offered practical suggestions for enhancing student involvement and recall in instantaneous learning environments.
Summary of research gaps.
Research gaps
Numerous gaps persist unfilled despite a great deal of research on blended learning, AI integration, and digital learning technologies. Existing research mostly concentrates on the benefits of digital platforms and courseware, but it offers little empirical support for their long-term effects on academic performance and self-directed learning across a range of institutional contexts. Although AI-powered tools have been investigated for improving feedback and engagement, the practical implementation challenges, policy frameworks, and ethical issues are still lacking. Additionally, the majority of research focuses on the perspectives of either the instructor or the students separately, lacking a comprehensive analysis of how digital courseware influences learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness at the same time.
Finally, the adaptability of courseware across disciplines, its scalability in under resourced institutions, and its part in fostering sustainable pedagogical practices require further clarification. The effectiveness of blended learning environments in growing higher order thinking skills, reducing cognitive overload, and enhancing digital literacy among students also warrants deeper exploration. Addressing these gaps is important for optimizing courseware integration and refining digital learning strategies.
Problem statement
More specifically with regard to the use of instruction in learning settings, the quick adoption of technology for learning in universities has drastically changed pedagogical approaches. Teams from Microsoft has become the primary tool for teaching at Pangasinan State University, but little is known about how it affects student participation, autonomy in learning, and academic development. Even though courseware aims to increase accessibility, adaptability, and collaborative education, problems like gaps in loyalty, technological proficiency, and the capacity to promote neural networks still exist. Furthermore, there is a dearth of empirical data regarding the ways in which programs affects various elements of the classroom, such as enrollment, educational performance, and skill loyalty. To maximize the use of courseware, improve student learning, and improve classroom techniques, those holes must be filled.
Objectives
1. To evaluate the influence of courseware on self-directed learning by analyzing how students utilize courseware for independent study, goal setting, and learning management. 2. To examine the effectiveness of the learning environment by assessing the usability, accessibility, and efficiency of Microsoft Teams in delivering course materials and facilitating communication. 3. To determine the impact of courseware on learning growth by investigating how courseware contributes to students’ academic development, knowledge acquisition, and skill enhancement. 4. To identify challenges and opportunities in courseware implementation by exploring barriers to effective adoption and potential improvements for optimizing online learning experiences. 5. To provide recommendations for enhancing courseware-based learning by suggesting pedagogical strategies and technological improvements to maximize the benefits of digital learning platforms at PSU.
Proposed methodology
This research employed a descriptive research model with a innovative approach to assess the impact of courseware usage via Microsoft Teams on online learning method at Pangasinan State University. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select hundred students from a population of three hundred Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in English students at PSU Lingayen campus. Data collection was conducted through a structured survey questionnaire, and statistical analyses, including weighted means and descriptive interpretation, were applied to evaluate the influence of courseware on self-directed learning, the learning environment, and learning growth. The results provided insights into the effectiveness of courseware and areas for improvement in digital learning strategies.
Figure 1 illustrates the methodological framework used in this research to assess the impact of courseware usage via Microsoft Teams on online learning method at Pangasinan State University. The sample size was determined using a stratified random sampling approach, targeting BSEd English students. Surveys were then distributed, and responses were collected for data analysis. The collected data underwent cleaning and preparation before statistical analyses, including weighted means and descriptive interpretation. The results were then interpreted and discussed in relation to online learning pedagogy. Finally, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were formulated to enhance the effectiveness of courseware in digital education. Proposed workflow to assess the impact of courseware usage via microsoft teams on online learning pedagogy at PSU.
Research design
The descriptive approach was used in this study. The goal of quantitative study is to accurately and methodically depict a group, setting, or thing. In order to methodically examine and offer data regarding the elements specified in the research aims this investigation employed a statistical journey. Data was collected using the style of quantitative research, which required that information obtained from participants be arranged, described, and tabulated.
Respondents
Naturally, the 300 BSEd English students enrolled at the PSU Lingayen campus for the 2023–2024 year of study, 100 were chosen for this research using random stratification. The purpose of the form for the survey used in this research was to evaluate the effects of courseware use on online learning methodology with respect to certain factors.
Treatment of data
The information was processed statistically. Summary application and purely comparable were used to explain the mean weighted average used in this study. To determine the aforementioned impact, every question asked pertaining to self-directed learning, the learning environment, and other educational growth elements was reviewed and defined using the Likert scale with five points here.
Results
Effect of courseware on self-guided learning in an online setting.
Influence of courseware on learning pedagogy in an online setting.
Influence of courseware on learning pedagogy in an online environment.
Overview of Courseware’s influence on online learning pedagogy.
Discussion
The study explores the impact of courseware on self-directed learning, the learning environment, or learning growth among PSU students. Table 2 shows that self-directed learning had the highest influence (mean = 3.53), with students effectively managing their studies and seeking instructor guidance (indicator 4 = 3.65). This finding aligns with Ray and Nelson (2025), who emphasized that self-directed learning enhances retention and understanding. Table 3 highlights the learning environment (mean = 3.43), where students find MS Teams well-organized and accessible (indicator 3 = 3.51), supporting findings from Wong et al. (2024) on the importance of user-friendly platforms. However, indicator 2 (3.32) suggests that interactive features could improve engagement, consistent with Singh et al. (2024), who stressed the need for interactivity in online classrooms. Table 4 evaluates learning growth (mean = 3.37), where indicator 4 (3.50) shows that students actively monitor their cognitive skills, supporting Mentz (2025), who highlighted the role of self-assessment in meaningful learning. Indicator 2 (3.43) suggests that MS Teams accommodates diverse learning strategies, aligning with Hidayat et al. (2025), who emphasized technology’s role in personalized learning. Indicator 5 (3.23) confirms online learning’s flexibility, resonating with Makda (2025) on the advantages of digital education. Table 5 summarizes that self-directed learning (3.53) has the most significant impact, while learning growth (3.37) still supports skill development. The findings highlight the importance of a structured and engaging digital learning environment. Future research should explore AI-driven tools, interactive features, and long-term effectiveness to enhance online education (Chen and Wu, 2024).
Conclusion
The findings indicate that Microsoft Teams courseware effectively enhances self-directed learning (mean = 3.53) and provides a structured learning environment (mean = 3.43), though its influence on learning growth (mean = 3.37) is moderate. While the platform supports independent learning and accessibility, further refinements are needed to strengthen its role in academic development. Future research should explore the long term effectiveness of courseware in varied educational settings and identify strategies to increase student engagement and digital literacy. Incorporating AI-driven tools for adaptive learning and interactive features may further optimize its impact. Additionally, future studies could investigate the effect of gamification and real-time feedback on improving knowledge retention and online learning experiences.
Footnotes
Declaration of conflicting interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
