Coping Mechanisms and Pedagogical Challenges of Elementary Teachers in Utilizing Interactive Multimedia Tools

Abstract

This study examined the coping mechanisms and pedagogical challenges experienced by elementary teachers in utilizing interactive multimedia tools in selected public elementary schools in the Schools Division of Leyte, during School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it determined the teachers’ demographic and professional profiles, assessed the extent of pedagogical challenges encountered in terms of technological fluency, competence, curriculum and lesson integration, time management, and resource management, and identified the coping mechanisms used to address these challenges. The study also examined whether significant differences existed in the teachers’ assessments when grouped according to their demographic characteristics and determined the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms. A quantitative descriptive-correlational and descriptive-comparative research design was employed, involving the total population of 145 elementary teachers from five selected public schools. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by educational technology experts and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson product-moment correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that teachers experienced varying degrees of difficulty in integrating interactive multimedia tools, particularly in managing technological demands, aligning digital resources with lessons, allocating preparation time, and addressing limitations in available resources. Despite these challenges, teachers demonstrated adaptive coping practices, particularly through collaboration and peer support, resourcefulness, adaptation, personal reflection, and self-care. The findings further indicated differences in some assessments when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic characteristics, while the relationship between pedagogical challenges and coping mechanisms reflected the teachers’ efforts to adjust to technology-related demands. Based on the findings, enhanced digital-based literacy teaching-learning activities were developed to strengthen teachers’ technological and pedagogical competencies and support more practical, engaging, and sustainable technology integration in elementary classrooms.