USE OF GADGETS AS TOOLS FOR STUDYING AMONG THIRD YEAR AND FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS OF SAN BEDA COLLEGE – MANILA By AGAPITO, Paul Andre D. LIWANAG, Kim Irvin C. NICOLAN, Shelanie RAMOS, Joseph C. VILLA, Bianca Marie O. WEE, Ritchie L. Chapter 1

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Demography

Gender: M F Ages: 18 – 20 Course: Financial Management Year Level: 3rd Year 4th Year Academic Year: Summer 2012 – 2013 College/University: San Beda College

Types of Gadgets  Laptop  Desktop  Tablet  Smartphone

Levels of Study  High  Average  Low

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A recent theory states that computer use drastically improves academic performance. This theory, at some point, is correct. Computers are now are now a necessity to all students. It serves as an aid for all the research, paperwork and a whole lot more. It improves academic performance in a way that it makes one’s work easier, but it doesn’t directly affect a student’s performance result (Author Unknown, 1992).” “As more and more information is converted to multimedia, by integrating digital processing of print, sound, and image data by computer, new entities will appear that go far beyond classroom instruction and on the job trainings. As the use of computers proliferates at schools, in the home and within the society, a literacy approach to information processing will teach people what the computer is and how to use it (Author Unknown, 1992).” Berger and Trexter articulated on Libraries Unlimited that technology is important on students’ education. They say that for students, learning in a way that they can really understand makes them more motivated to learn and improves their academic performance. According to Edutopia Mobile Learning Guide, one way to help students reach their goal is to incorporate gadgets that they are already familiar with such as cellphones, tablets, and smartphones into their learning environment. “The big potential with mobile is that it really is the primary portal of social communication right now (Ito, 2008).” John D. and Catherine T. also ed Edutopia’s outlook as “young people learn best when it’s relevant to them, when there’s social connection tied to it, and when they actually have a personal interest (John D. & Catherine T., 2012)”. Sirpal defined a computer as “an electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data, and can be programmed with instructions. A computer is composed of hardware and software, and can exist in a variety of sizes and configurations” (Sirpal, 2012).

Muir enumerates the different styles of computers available in the modern world today including desktop computers, laptop or notebook computers, and tablet PC. “A desktop computer is meant to stay at one location. It can take the form of a tower that you can place on your desk or the floor with a separate monitor. A laptop or a notebook computer on the other hand, is more portable than a desktop. With a laptop, the monitor is built into a chassis that also contains the keyboard and a built in mouse that usually takes the form of a touchpad. Whereas a tablet PC is a Windows computer that allows you to interact writing on the screen or making choices using a stylus. Tablet PCs can lay flat, allowing you to use them like a pad or a tablet (Muir, 2009).” Gadgets, becoming very up to date, entertaining and sometimes addictive, cause students to be more engaged to them. Just as how useful these gadgets however, too much computer is bad. Garon’s article states his outlook towards excessive usage of computers. He considers that “children do not have yet the required discipline to measure their time with such engaging inventions (Garon, 2007).” He believes and feels that anything that is excess is damaging and that children neglecting everything around them such as their family, their studies, and even their physical well-being when in front of their computer screens is indeed hurtful. Nowadays, people are continuously facing development. More gadgets are being introduced to the general public everyday. With this, the challenge with students remains. Thus, they are encouraged to learn their limitations toward the usage of these said gadgets.

BIBLIOGRAPGHY McNamara, J. (2010). Netbook for Dummies. Muir, N. (2009). PCs for Dummies: Choosing the Right Computer. Berger, P. & Trexler, S. (2010). Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Learning and Teaching in a Digital World. Libraries Unlimited. Garon, B. (2007, July 30). Too Much Computer is Bad. Manila Times, p.13. Author Unknown. (1992, July 20). Computers in Education: Grade A Results. Time, pp. 9-10. Jacobson, E. & Rigden J. (2011). Android Tablet: Which Toll is Right for Your Student? Retrieved from http://morethangadgets.com/wpcontent/s/2011/09/Netbook-iPad-or-Android-tablet-Which-oneis-right-for-your-student.pdf Brown, J. S. New Learning Environments for the 21st Century. Retrieved from http://www.johnseelybrown.com/newlearning.pdf Wentzel, P., Molendijk, M., & Wagtendonk, A. (2005). Using Mobile Technology to Enhance Students’ Educational Experiences. Retreived from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0502/cs/ ecs0502.pdf Author Unknown. (2012). Mobile Devices for Learning. Retrieved from http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org/files/2012/09/EdutopiaMobile-Learning-Guide-color-o6f2ux.pdf