Digital Versus Print Literacy Interventions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impact and Effectiveness

This study examined the comparative effectiveness of printed and digital literacy interventions in improving reading comprehension and academic performance among Grade 11 students at Immaculada Concepcion College, Caloocan City, during the school year 2023–2024. Anchored in Transactional Theory and the Input-Process-Output conceptual framework, the study employed a descriptive quantitative research design involving 100 respondents selected through total population sampling. Data were collected using the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory, pretest and posttest assessments, and an adopted survey questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Weighted mean, independent samples t-test, and multiple regression analysis were employed. Findings revealed improvements in reading comprehension, accuracy, and fluency following both interventions. Digital literacy interventions produced significantly higher posttest scores in comprehension (6.00 versus 4.96, p = 0.001) and accuracy and fluency (1.98 versus 1.68, p < 0.001) compared with printed interventions. Digital instruction also enabled some students to attain independent reading proficiency, while printed instruction supported foundational reading development. Students generally demonstrated satisfactory to very satisfactory academic performance and valued printed materials for concentration and comprehension, although they spent more time reading digitally. Motivation toward digital reading assignments remained comparatively low. Neither intervention significantly predicted academic performance (p = 0.532), indicating limited explanatory power. The study recommended integrating printed and digital materials through differentiated instruction, teacher development, targeted support, and continuous assessment. It primarily supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and relates to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through educational technology integration, with potential relevance to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) in instructional resource selection. Its sustainability contribution lies in strengthening institutional literacy practices, promoting accessible learning opportunities, and supporting evidence-based educational resource planning rather than demonstrating direct environmental benefits.