UP Cebu Communication Program - CCAD

"Technical communication succeeds not when information is merely transmitted, but when audiences construct meanings that remain both accessible and accurate."

Congratulations to our BA Communication senior, Jarrod Owen T. Ygot, for the successful Thesis Defense of his undergraduate study entitled, “Understanding Technical Communication in Campus Radio: A Non-Computer Science Students-Based Analysis of a DYUP Sugbo TekToks Episode,” held on June 1, 2026, at the Radio Room of the Undergraduate Building, University of the Philippines Cebu.

Grounded in Second-Order Cybernetics by Heinz von Foerster, the study examined how technical Computer Science concepts were communicated and interpreted within TekToks, a Computer Science-led campus radio program of DYUP Sugbo. Focusing on a selected episode featuring Project MANGGA (Mango Automated Neural Net Generic Grade Assignor), the research explored how technical content was encoded by Computer Science student-hosts and guests, how non-Computer Science students interpreted these discussions, and whether audience interpretations aligned with technically accurate meanings as validated by a subject-matter expert.

Using a qualitative exploratory case study design, the researcher conducted a textual analysis of the selected TekToks episode, semi-structured interviews with sixteen(16) non-Computer Science students from different colleges of the University of the Philippines Cebu, and a Key Informant Interview with the Project Leader of MANGGA. Through thematic analysis, the study investigated how technical information travels from message production to audience understanding within a campus radio environment.

The findings revealed that TekToks successfully made complex Computer Science concepts more accessible through conversational language, Cebuano-English code-switching, relatable examples, humor, and analogies. Participants generally understood the practical applications and broader purpose of Project MANGGA, particularly its use of artificial intelligence in agricultural innovation. However, deeper technical concepts such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and machine learning processes were often interpreted partially or inaccurately, demonstrating that accessibility does not always guarantee technical precision.

The study further found that audience understanding was shaped by prior knowledge, educational background, and personal experiences. Consistent with Second-Order Cybernetics, listeners did not passively receive information but actively constructed meanings based on their own contexts. While the program effectively encouraged engagement and comprehension, expert validation revealed instances where audience interpretations diverged from technically accurate meanings, highlighting the continuing challenge of balancing simplification and accuracy in science communication.

The researcher sincerely thanks his Research Adviser, Dr. Belinda F. Espiritu for her invaluable guidance, patience, and unwavering support throughout the research process. He likewise extends his gratitude to the members of his Research Panel, Asst. Prof. Maurice Jitty Villaester and Atty. Carine Era Asutilla-Lapid, for their insightful comments, critical recommendations, and encouragement that greatly strengthened the study. Special appreciation is also extended to Prof. Jonnifer R. Sinogaya for serving as the study’s subject-matter expert and for his generous sharing of expertise during the Key Informant Interview.

The study calls for more intentional and audience-centered approaches to science and technology communication in campus media. As technical knowledge becomes increasingly relevant in everyday life, effective communication must move beyond merely simplifying information and strive toward fostering accurate understanding, critical engagement, and meaningful public participation in discussions about science and technology.