The Impact of Gadgets on Academic Performance: An Exploration of Student’s

Perspectives of Classroom Use

Proponents (Sheena Kate S. Larego, Rio Jade Tumarong, Stella Marie T. Quino, Jefrie L.
Gabayan, Christian Dave Ardines, Reian Prato, Junjie Casit,, Jonrey Saladaga)
Laperian National High School, Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study was to establish the Impact of Gadgets on Academic
Performance: An Exploration of Students’ Perspectives of Classroom Use. It investigated how
frequently the devices used in the classroom, including smartphones, computers, and tablets, and
the impact of Gadgets on learning as perceived by the students. Additionally, it found out the
consequences of frequent use and its considerable correlation with the frequency of gadgets. The
study was conducted at Laperian National High School, which included the senior and junior
high students of LNHS. This study made use of the qualitative research design with the use of
interview questions as the main gathering tool, and the researchers used focused group
discussion as their data collection method.
Based on the response of the respondents one of the negative impacts on academic
performance is distraction, gadgets like smartphones and tablets can distract people from their
main objectives, particularly if students use them for non-academic purposes during class or
study time. This can lead to reduced focus and lower academic performance. Some have shown
that utilizing gadgets can increase student engagement and help them learn more efficiently. As a
result, it’s crucial to be aware of how much time is spent on technology and ensure that
educational pursuits are prioritized.
Gadgets can have a significant impact on academic success. They can help education by
serving as an effective learning tool. Access to educational resources, information, and materials
is part of this. The usage of technology can aid in time management skills development and
organization for students, it is important to remember that utilizing technology unattended by
kids can be distracting and have a detrimental impact on academic achievement. The researchers
recommend that since Laperian national high school is very poor in network or internet, they
would like to recommend that if it’s okay if the principal will agree to install free Wi-Fi in the
School of Laperian National High School so that in case it is easy when students do research, it
will surely have bad effect on other students just like playing online games, but the teachers will
decide when they will use the free Wi-Fi of the school.
Keywords: Gadgets, Impact of Gadget, educational, academic performance
INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes the background
of the study, the statement of the problem, the significance of the study, and the scope and
delimitation of the study.
Technology has impacted and altered how people live in today's generation. People's
lives are becoming easier and more rapid thanks to technology. Since most gadgets are compact
and transportable, we can bring them everywhere we go. Smartphones, computers, and tablets
are becoming more and more common among students, and they are also being used in the
classroom more and more. It should come as no surprise that students may now utilize new
devices to watch movies, play video games, and connect with pals while in class given the
abundance of new devices on the market. While these devices offer some advantages, incorrect
usage of them might have a detrimental impact on academic achievement.
The usage of technology can have a range of effects on academic achievement. For
instance, they may make visiting obtrusive websites and social media simple, robbing you of
time you could have spent studying. Overusing technology has a negative impact on a person's
mental health. The person becomes distracted since all of his or her attention is on using
technology or devices. He or she has the propensity to overlook another vital area of life,
attention wanes, and the person can't give another issue enough time in the spotlight.
A new avenue for efficient learning has been made possible by the usage of technology in
schools. Technology is crucial to everyone's future and professional development. Today's world
is increasingly dominated by technology. It has evolved and grown in importance to education.
This study is all about how students use gadgets in classroom use, for example when the teachers
allowed the students to use cellphones for research purposes or to use the Merriam dictionary.
Statement of the problem
Our study aims to know the impact of gadget use on academic performance. More specially
this study ought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the effects of gadgets on academic performance?
2. How do gadgets affect students in academic performance?
3. How do you use gadgets in the classroom?
4. How do students view gadgets use in the classroom?
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This research focused on the Junior and Senior High School student of LNHS. This study
will be interviewed those students who are allowed by their teachers to use cell phones for
academic purposes.

METHODS
This investigation aims to know “The Impact of Gadgets on Academic Performance: An
Exploration of Students’ Perspectives of Classroom”. Narrate their experience The research used
phenomenological study, a qualitative research approach. This study is the research for the
underlying meaning of the research participants. Respondents of the study will narrate their
experience in using gadgets.
This approach’s goal is to understand an experience from the research participant’s point
of view.
Respondents of the study
The participant of this study will be the students of Laperian National High School, aged 11-
18 years old, who are involved in using gadgets during class hours.
Locality
The study will be conducted at Laperian National High School, Laperian, Tukuran,
Zamboanga Del Sur.
Sampling procedure
Through the use of judgmental sampling under non-probability sampling. In this kind of
sampling, the researcher uses his/her own “expert” judgment. This method can be used to affirm
that such chosen respondents have relevant experience and are capable of answering the
researcher’s questions that are made by the researchers. The survey respondents are the Students
of Laperian NHS.
Instrument
The research instrument helps the researchers to find a specific answer to the problem
that has been discussed the study uses an interview guide to understand and be well-informed
about the participant’s academic performance.
Data collection method
Focus Group Discussions are used as a data collection method in order to learn more
about the Impact of gadgets on academic performance. The information obtained from the
interviews can be analyzed and used to make conclusions about the research study.
Research procedure
The initial step for the researchers was to define the necessary information and study

objectives. All respondents were informed before the survey that the study's goal is to identify

gadgets' impact on academic performance. The researchers made 4 questions for the respondents

to fill out. The finding was then evaluated by the researchers.

DATA ANALYSIS
To find out the impact of gadgets on academic performance: An exploration of student’s
perspective of the classroom. The collected data is divided into people who think are affected by
gadgets. The data analysis used by the researchers is thematic analysis
RESULTS
1. What are the effects of gadgets on academic performance?
Distraction
The participants’ responses were that most of the time she/he will be distracted in her/his studies.
Respondents #3 stated that:
“Gadgets impact my academic performance differently . Most of the time I used it excessively
which can lead me to distractions, decreased focus, and poor time management”
Respondent #4 shared the same statement:
“they can also be a source of distraction when a student uses it in an unproductive way.”
Gadgets have a big impact on the respondents one of those is distracted.

Loss of Focus
Based on the participants’ data, they lost their focus whenever they also minding such things that don’t
relate to academic like playing games. The respondent #1 stated that:
“Dakog epekto Lalo nah pag ghe himo na sa student og world Ang gadgets, one of the effects is lack of
focus, disila ka focus for the reason nga naa silay ghe apas nga dula, “
The respondent #5 also shared that:
“The effects of gadgets on the academic performance is it can loss your focus on the classes ‘cause for
example you are watching a romance/comedy movie then the next episode will be release in next week, so
in that consequences you will loss your focus on your classes because in your mind you are thinking on
what will happen to the character in the next episode”
Using gadgets during class hour or even in vacant time in school can give you a loss of focus when you
are interested in other things that don’t relate to academics.

Tool for Learning

Several students responded that gadgets have a positive impact on students it enhances their
learning. Student #3 stated that:
“However, it can also enhance my learning through research, collaboration, communication,
and access to educational apps and platforms. “
Having the same sentiment, respondent #8 stated that:
“gadgets makes it easier for us to do our schoolwork and learn subjects that we can barely
comprehend.”
The respondent #9 also stated that:
“One of those is it can help us increase our learning skills and abilities.”
The respondent #4 shared the same statement, it said that:
“gadgets can provide access to a vast amount of information and resources, especially in
studying”
Gadgets may also have a positive effect on academic performance, and the respondents stated
that gadgets can be a tool for learning.

Affects Physical Health

Some respondents have a health issue because of the overused of gadgets and on the other hand,
it can affect their health. Respondent #7 stated:
“Gadgets are negative in terms of physical health, too much exposure on gadgets can cause me
headaches and vivid eyes that can eventually affect my academic performance since I will have a
chance to go to school tired.”
Having the same sentiment, respondent #6 stated that:
“The effects of gadgets in academics performance kanang always nlng ga use ko phones tas
kadugayan musakit na akoang eyes tas maglabad akoang ulo Kay babad na kaayos gadgets ug
makadrain sab kaayo sa utok.”
These students experience various effects of Gadgets on their physical health regarding academic
performance.
Being Used
Some respondents said that it depends on how being used by the users or the students.
Respondent #2 stated that:
“The effects of gadgets on academic performance can be either good or bad, depending on how
it is being used. “
Having the same sentiment, respondent #4 stated that:
“.For me as a student, the effects of gadgets on academic performance can vary depending on
some factors.”
Respondents said that it depends on how we used gadgets in our academic performance.

2. How do gadgets affect students in academic performance?

Tool for learning
Some students bring out that gadgets have a positive effect on them, they can use gadgets
by searching those unfamiliar words or by using different online platforms. Respondent #2 stated
that:
“using gadgets can help the students in their studies through online platforms that are
being used.”
Having the same sentiment, respondent #3 stated that:
“it enhances my learning by providing access to educational materials, interactive tools,
and online resources”
Student #4 shared the same sentiment, she said:
“the positive impacts are enhanced access to information and flexibility learning”
These students shared their thoughts about how gadgets affect their academic performance and
they bring out that gadgets can really help them because they can access information through
websites.
Relying on Websites
Students didn’t want to study in books or don’t have the sense to read the information in
journals, newspapers and etc, because they can go to Google and search for anything they want
and it can be easier and faster. Respondent #5 stated that:
“it affects the students a lot because nag salig lang sila sa gadgets that they can search
about their lessons and they will not study anymore and that’s awful.”
This student is bringing out that some students are relying on websites to make their life
easier, they can’t even open some books to scan some information they directly go to Google and
search for their needs.
Distracted
Most of the students shared that gadgets can distract the students during class hours.
Respondent #2 stated that:
“The disadvantage of gadgets to their academic performance is that they can be
distracted by other apps such as social media and games that can manipulate them in a way that
they cannot think about their studies.”
Having the same sentiment, respondent #4 stated that:
“the negative effects are a distraction and no time control in using the gadgets.”
The respondent #4 shared the same statement, it said that:
“gadgets do affects students in academic performance in such a way students get easily
distracted by the thing itself “
Respondent #10:
“gadgets affect students academic performance by it influence them to be more distracted. They
tend to use more time on gadgets than studying.”
These several students shared that gadgets can distract students during class hours or even in the
time that they are in school.
Time-consuming
Respondent stated that using the gadgets was time-consuming especially in class hour.
Student #6 stated that:
“ the gadgets affects in students academic performance kanang student mn sab ko
usahay mahurot nalang akoang time ug use sa akung phone imbis na mag study ko ana nga
time.”
If you don’t know how to manage your time you can really say that using gadgets is time-
consuming like respondent #6.

3. How do you use gadgets in the classroom?

Tool for research

Most of the students used gadgets in the classroom by researching the information
they want. Student #3 stated that:
“I used gadgets in the classroom in various ways to support and enhance my learning
especially since most of our activities in school need information gathering this includes
research or finding information.”
Respondent #4:
“gadgets can be used in the classrooms in various ways to enhance learning and
engagement. It can be used in research and gathering informations,”
Respondent #5:
“I used gadgets in classroom like naay need I google or isearch.”
Respondent #6:
“I use gadget In the classroom when there’s a word that is hard to understand and need
to be search in the website”
Respondent #7:
“ I used gadgets in the classroom whenever our adviser encouraged us to. Like in some
cases wherein we need to search some terms in order to gather more information.”
Respondent #10:
“ I used gadgets in the classroom in a way that it can help me to do research in the
lesson that I didn’t know well”
These students shared that they used gadgets in the classroom to research to get pieces of
information.

Bored
One of the student bring out that she will be going to use gadgets when the subject is boring.
 “ I do use gadgets in the classroom when with or without classes, but I often used
gadgets with class when the subject is boring”
4. How do students view gadgets use in the classroom?

Helpful
Most of the students was saying that they view gadgets in classroom as a helpful tool to
them, most especially when it comes to research or reporting. Respondent #1 stated that:
“as a student ano helpful sya to search for words nga dili familiar sa akoa. Maka
research sab on certain topic nga kaylangan eh search”
Respondent #2:
“ students view gadgets in a way that can help them in their studies especially when they
cannot understand a topic/lesson, they can use it by seeking more information about it.”
Respondent #3:
“as a student, I viewed gadgets use in the classroom as a helpful integration of my
learning environment, as I find them convenient, engaging, and helpful for accessing
information quickly.
Respondent #4:
“ gadgets can help the students a lot ‘cause if there is a word that it’s hard to understand
they research it to the website for instance google, chrome, etc.”
Respondent #8:
“ as a student, I viewed gadgets use in the classroom as a helpful tool to us students,
especially a student like me who is very slow in comprehension, comprehending or
understanding words and lessons taught by my teacher takes me a lot of time, so by using my
gadget, my phone to be specific, I always take note or capture or even browse lessons to cope up
the lessons with my teachers”
Respondent #10:
“ in my perspective as a student, I view gadgets as a helpful tool that I can use in the
classroom, why? Because of this I can do research about the given topic that I don’t understand
well or even words that I didn’t know.”
These students viewed gadgets in the classroom as helpful tools. They can easily access
information in websites or on any platform they can get pieces of information.
DISCUSSION
Generally, this study would determine the responses to the impact of gadgets on the
academic performance of students, and also to know how they use them in the classroom. And
the researchers seek to know what kind of way they use the gadget and what exactly the gadget
has helped them.
This study was undertaken by those students in Junior high school at Laperian National
High School. This study was conducted at Laperian National High School. And the researchers
used judgmental sampling, in this kind of sampling, the researcher uses his/her own “expert”
judgment. Researchers used focus group discussions for gathering data
Based on the response of the respondents one of the negative impacts on academic
performance is distraction, gadgets like smartphones and tablets can distract people from their
main objectives, and they might get loss of focus particularly if students use them for non-
academic purposes during class or study time. This can lead to reduced focus and lower
academic performance. Based on the result of the interview with respondent #3 it stated that:
“Gadgets impact my academic performance differently. Most of the time I used it excessively
which can lead me to distractions, decreased focus, and poor time management”
It can basically know the fact that gadgets can really distract students whenever they used them
during class hours. Loss of focus is also one of the negative effects of using gadgets during class
hours. The above statement is supported by the results of the interview with respondent #5, it
stated that:
“The effects of gadgets on academic performance is it can loss your focus on the classes ‘cause for
example you are watching a romance/comedy movie then the next episode will be release in next week, so
in that consequences you will loss your focus on your classes because in your mind you are thinking on
what will happen to the character in the next episode”
Loss of control is when you are out of your sense, you can’t even focus in class because your are minding
such things that don’t relate to academics.
Gadgets can have a significant impact on academic success. They can help education by
serving as an effective learning tool. Access to educational resources, information, and materials
is part of this. The usage of technology can aid in time management skills development and
organization for students, it is important to remember that utilizing technology unattended by
kids can be distracting and have a detrimental impact on academic achievement. In accordance
with the results of the interview, how do gadgets affect students in academic performance by
student #2 which states that:
“The disadvantage of gadgets to their academic performance is that they can be
distracted by other apps such as social media and games that can manipulate them in a way that
they cannot think about their studies.”
 Do gadgets can really be a distraction in class especially if we don’t use it in a good way
or we used it during class, it can really distract you as a student, you can’t understand what was
the lesson being discussed.
The respondents use gadgets in the classroom by searching for the lesson they want to
learn and also for capturing important details shown on the Monitor. They used gadgets also as a
tool for research. Based on the results of the interview how do you use gadgets in the classroom
respondent #3 it states:
“I used gadgets in the classroom in various ways to support and enhance my learning
especially since most of our activities in school need information gathering this includes
research or finding information.”
The above statement is supported by the results of the interview with respondent #7, who stated
that:
“I used gadgets in the classroom whenever our adviser encouraged us to. Like in some
cases wherein we need to search some terms in order to gather more information.”
Students used gadgets by researching the information they want and search the unfamiliar
words. Though not all the time we used gadgets to search, we can scan books or journals that
have information but if we’re in a rush or we need to be at ease then that time we can use gadgets
to search for what we want.
Students view gadgets used in the classroom in many ways. Some students find them to
be helpful tools for learning, while others may find them to be distractions. Generally, it is up to
the teacher to ensure that the gadgets are used in a way that is beneficial to all students in the
classroom. based on the result of the interview how do students view gadget use in the classroom
by the respondent #8 who states that:
“as a student, I viewed gadgets use in the classroom as a helpful tool to us students, especially a
student like me who is very slow in comprehension, comprehending or understanding words and
lessons taught by my teacher takes me a lot of time, so by using my gadget, my phone to be
specific, I always take note or capture or even browse lessons to cope up the lessons with my
teachers”
The above statement is supported by the results of the interview with respondent #3, who stated
that:
“as a student, I viewed gadgets use in the classroom as a helpful integration of my
learning environment, as I find them convenient, engaging, and helpful for accessing
information quickly”
Students viewed gadgets in the classroom as a helpful tool, same as in question #3, they can
search for the information they want, and also if there’s no class they can play and enjoy it with
classmates.
CONCLUSION

A review of numerous studies reveals a conflicting picture of how devices affect

academic achievement overall. While other studies have indicated that greater device use might
result in distraction and subpar academic performance, some have shown that utilizing gadgets
can increase student engagement and help them learn more efficiently. As a result, it’s crucial to
be aware of how much time is spent on technology and ensure that educational pursuits are
prioritized.

Recommendation
The researchers recommend that since most students find gadgets to be a helpful tool,
maybe teachers will allow them to use them in class but if it is necessary only and also we
recommend that during class hours all types of gadgets will be confiscated so that the students
will not be distracted anymore, the teacher will get it back when it allowed to use gadget.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study would not have been possible without the guidance and help of several
individuals who in one way or another contributed and extended their valuable assistance in the
preparation and completion of this study.

To Dr. Desiderio A. Logdonio, Principal of LANHS, for his approval and motivation

To Mrs. Darwin S. Gutierrez, subject teacher of Practical Research 1, who provided

worthwhile suggestions, corrections, guidance, and enthusiasm throughout the duration of the
study.

To the respondents, students of Laperian National High School, for their untiring support
in answering the questions in order to make this study successful.

First and above all, We praise God, the almighty for providing us with this opportunity
and granting us the capability to proceed successfully. This piece of work will never be
accomplished without His blessings.
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