DIVINE WORD COLLEGE OF CALAPAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BASIC EDUCATION
An Assessment of Using Tablet Computers as Learning Materials for Students
Research Paper
Presented to:
Ms. Vanesa Joanne Naluz
Teacher
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements in the Subject
RESEARCH 10
By:
Alexie Benoza
Nhea Cabantog
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CHAPTER 1
The PROBLEM and its BACKGROUND
Introduction
In the past, humans had to make use of sweat and energy to be able to survive.
After many years of innovation, the world has incorporated technology as a substitute for the
traditional ways of manual labor such as farming, building, hunting, and even simply
walking, but now technology has expanded so much that we have even found ways to use it
for studying. Although pleasing to the ears it still has its disadvantages to both the students
and their teachers.
Technology-based gadgets are now being used all around the world in such a way
that it seems like a basic necessity for survival. An example of these technology-based
gadgets is a tablet computer or tablet for short. These are smaller, handheld, and portable
computers designed to take the place of the heavy, considerably large, and inconvenient
laptops and computers. In comparison to computers and laptops that need a mouse and
built-in keyboard to be used, a tablet can be accessed with just the flick of a finger. According
to Ross (2020), “in terms of education, the tablet is a fairly priced, mighty computer that
enriches training through the use of an intuitive touchscreen and simple controls.” they had
also stated that there are already some schools that have started using these tablets for
education. This is because tablets give multiple access to different learning activities. In
addition, it is because it is a thin and portable learning device that does not give the students
back pain in comparison to the thick and heavy textbooks.
Adding to the fact that the books are rather heavy, students have complained about
the price of the textbooks. Although individually these are not that expensive if you consider
the fact that students have to buy about 11 of these books that would only be used for 1
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school year this would be fairly too expensive for some. On the contrary, although tablet
computers are expensive, students would only need to buy one of them. Furthermore, these
tablets wouldn’t go to waste as they will always be used by the students for study purposes.
However, as some may suggest, there is a possibility that the use of tablets as
learning materials could be too good to be true. As it may become a distraction to students
during class, students may start to use them for reasons other than learning. In his research,
Dr. R. Sivakumar, (2018) stated that “learning should never be technology-led. Teachers
teach technology assists” and that this is something that should be taken into consideration.
As some may argue, the technology that we have today wouldn’t be enough to teach our
students but these tablets are only intended to be used as a medium of teaching. Moreover,
tablet computers would be of great assistance in terms of teaching since they would be
efficient in terms of versatility and mobility. Teachers can use various activities using the
tablet that can greatly engage the student in the said activity. This method has a big impact on
the student’s learning efficiency.
On the other hand, books shouldn’t be overthrown by technology. It is possible that
as books are replaced with tablet computers, books would be in danger of being forgotten,
especially because of this generation. Youth has now become very dependent on technology
it is possible that they might abandon books altogether. But books have great value, even in
this era of technology. Books have become inevitable to humans. Books are full of wisdom,
insights into a happier life, lessons in life, passion, including valuable advice. A single book
can change a life. Abandoning books would be like the downfall of humanity.
Additionally, according to Rowson D (2020), “the structure of a textbook is a
physical manifestation of the education system and the structure of knowledge itself – it has a
start, an end and is arranged by key themes. Digital versions have a far less tangible structure,
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and students may find it more difficult to mentally construct their mental map of a
discipline.” Even if today’s youth have mastered the use of technology, if it is incorporated
into education it would be fairly new to them which would lead to a struggle. If students and
teachers depend on the internet for learning, the lessons would be tough to grasp as the
internet is a vast sea of information, not systematically ordered to be used in learning.
Education is very important, it is a person’s biggest weapon, so we must prioritize one’s
knowledge more than comfort.
Learning materials are one of the basic necessities when it comes to the education
of a student. This acts as a medium between the students and their knowledge. As it is
essential to the student’s education it is vital to determine which learning material would be
preferable to all.
As students, or humans in general, are individually unique some would prefer
studying through tablet computers, and some would prefer textbooks, some may even choose
both. Based on the cited literature, the researchers decided to conduct a study on tablet
computers as learning materials for students. The researchers aim to find which learning
strategy would be most efficient for students and teachers in terms of pricing, convenience,
versatility, teaching quality, and engagement to better improve the quality of school for
everyone.
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Research Locale
The study will be conducted at Divine Word College of Calapan Basic Education, a
private Catholic school where the learning environment is conducive and contributes to the
total development of its students. The wholesome environment is instrumental to the school’s
pursuit of excellent and relevant basic education and enhances the school’s role as a resource
of Church and nation.
DWCC was founded in 1946 by the missionaries of the Society of the Divine
Word(SVD) as the Mindoro Junior College. A year after the opening of elementary in 1965,
the DWCC Basic Education offered the first and second years of the secondary curriculum.
To be more fitting of the Catholic background of the school, its name was changed to Divine
Word College in 1981.
The school is within the residential subdivision that, by design, has state-of-the-art
infrastructure and facilities. The school campus has a total land area of 2.97 hectares. It is
located at Barangay Tibag, Calapan City Oriental Mindoro.
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Theoretical Framework
The Engagement Theory proposed by Kearsley and Schneiderman (1999) was one
of the foundations of this research. This theory suggests that “students must be meaningfully
engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks” and that
through technology such engagement would be able to take place in ways that would be
difficult to carry out otherwise. This theory is grounded on the idea of making efficient
groups for students to work together that would be meaningful even outside the classroom.
Through technology, group activities would be made easier for students and much more
interesting for them which would make them more engaged with their activity and with each
other. Students would also be able to do their group work more efficiently as the internet
now has a lot of applications, there are now apps that let students work on the same projects
at once. For example, is Google Docs that lets the groupmates edit the same document at the
same time as well as chat in the app that makes their communication more productive. This
study also claims that “its fundamental underlying idea is that students must be meaningfully
engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks.” Not only
in group works but also in the case of individual activities the students would feel more
engaged through technology as the use of technology would pique their interests. It is well
known that this generation’s students greatly enjoy using technology and it is no secret that a
lot of students would enjoy studying through the use of technology.
Bringing in the fact that in terms of versatility, tablet computers would be the best
option. Since, unlike fairly heavy textbooks, students would most likely be more willing to
bring their tablet computers anywhere, even on vacation. Due to tablets being more mobile
and versatile than textbooks, they would be able to do their activities anywhere and anytime
they like. Furthermore, tablet computers would give teachers a lot of options for student
activities that the students can do anywhere without them getting bored.
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In Ally Mohammed’s Foundations of Educational Theory for online learning
(2004), it is stated that “In the online world, it may be even easier to ignore the human
process side of teamwork, in the absence of physical clues revealing the psychological health
(or lack of) in the team. The trick is to put the effort into the process side of teaming and
teaching.” To explain, in online learning, students have a lesser chance of strengthening their
teamwork. This means that if students begin using Tablet Computers in class it endangers the
little amount of human interaction they have left. Human interaction plays a vital role in the
development of one’s psychological health and the lack of such can lessen one’s social skills.
Therefore, tablet computers and technology, in general, can damage the students’ health
psychologically.
Another theory is Jerome Bruner’s Cognitive Development Theory (1966) that
tackles humans having different modes of learning which are as such: Enactive, which is to
learn through actions; Iconic, which is to learn through pictures; and Symbolic, which is to
learn through abstract symbols. As all students are different they would have different
learning modes, which would mean each student would be needing different types of learning
materials for them to understand the lesson. This is why the learning materials should be very
versatile to satisfy the educational needs of the students. It would need to be able to have
students learn through actions, images, and symbols
It would be very important to incorporate this into assessing the most effective
learning material for students as it would be respecting the differences of each student in
studying. Some students are beginning to feel left behind by their peers. Because they could
not keep up at the same pace as other students. Because of this, the students should be sorted
based on their learning modes so that teachers would be able to assign different activities for
them. However, creating multiple activities would bring on a large amount of work for
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teachers. But through technology and tablets, the teachers' work would be less
time-consuming and they would be able to make activities for all three learning modes.
Hence, the theories mentioned above allowed the researchers to have a meaningful
unbiased basis in conducting the study, which contributed to carefully assessing the factors
brought by their research problem.
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Conceptual Framework
Illustration 1-Conceptual Framework
Illustration 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study which is composed of
the independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the profile of the
student in terms of their age, sex, average, and family income. While the dependent variable
is tablet computers in terms of pricing, convenience, versatility, teaching quality, and
engagement.
Furthermore, the one-headed arrow shows the relationship between the
independent and dependent variables. The broken arrows emphasize that based on the
findings of the study, an enhanced learning strategy for students will be proposed by the
researchers.
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Statement of the Problem
This study would like to assess the use of tablet computers as learning material.
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the student in terms of:
1.1. age;
1.2. sex;
1.3. average; and
1.4. family Income?
2. What is tablet computer as learning materials in terms of:
2.1. pricing;
2.2. convenience;
2.3. versatility;
2.4. teaching quality; and
2.5. engagement?
3. Is there a relationship between the profile of the students and tablet computers as a
learning material?
4. Based on the findings of the study, what enhanced learning strategy can the
researchers propose?
Statement of Hypothesis
There is no relationship between the profile of the students and tablet computers as
learning material.
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Significance of the Study
The study has its significance in the regard that it aims to discover whether we
must shift to learning on tablet computers and prepare a different learning strategy or to
continue to educate students through the standard manner of teaching which is through the
use of textbooks. This study would be beneficial to the following:
Students. The study will let students be aware that they would be learning in the
most efficient way that they currently can, based on the outcome of the study and in the case
that the outcome of the study results to tablet computers it would take a great weight off their
shoulders.
Teachers. The teachers will be able to educate their students through the most
efficient form of education at the best of their abilities, based on the findings of this study.
Parents. The findings of the study will make them aware that the money that they
will be paying for their child’s learning material would be put to good use. As well as that it
would make them delighted and relieved to know that their children are being taught through
the proven most efficient learning material they could offer
Future Researchers. The outcome of this study could become a reference for their
future research that can serve as another piece of evidence for their claim.
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Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The primary focus of the research will be on the level of relationship between the
students' profiles and tablet computers as learning materials. Correspondingly, this study is
based on the analysis of the connection between the students' profile of grade level, sex, age,
and family income concerning tablet computers as learning materials in terms of price,
convenience, versatility, and teaching quality.
In addition, this study is delimited to the students and teachers, and parents of
Divine Word College of Calapan Basic Education Department, who will be the ones to utilize
the anticipated outcome of this study which is an enhanced learning strategy.
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Definition of Terms
The following terms used in the study are operationally defined to give the reader a
better understanding of the research.
Convenience. Fitness or suitability for performing an action or fulfilling a
requirement. Something (such as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or
ease.
Engagement. The act of being focused and attentive to a certain target of interest.
Learning materials. Broadly, the term refers to a spectrum of educational
materials that teachers use in the classroom to support specific learning objectives, as set out
in lesson plans. These can be games, videos, flashcards, project supplies, and more.
Pricing. The amount of money required as payment for something.
Students. Someone who is learning at a school, or in any teaching environment.
Denoting someone who is studying in order to enter a particular profession.
Tablet computers. Commonly shortened as Tablet PCs or Tablets and are defined
as flat, thin mobile computers that come fitted with a touchscreen display and a rechargeable
battery. Over the past few years, tablet PCs have become so popular due to their great
features, specialized apps, and portability.
Teaching quality. Refers to the characteristics that teachers possess and what
teachers do in the classroom to foster student learning. For this study, teacher quality included
teacher professional preparation characteristics and teacher knowledge.
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Versatility. The state or quality of being useful for or easily adapted to various
tasks, styles, fields of endeavor, etc.
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CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature and Related Studies
The review of related literature and studies, both foreign and local, that served
as the foundation for the current study is presented in this chapter.
There have been several studies and literature that have been published to
evaluate the effectiveness and quality of tablet computers as learning materials, recognize
applications for which they can be used, and assess their benefits and disadvantages. The
following discussions offer international and local authors' perspectives and insights on the
ongoing investigation.
Literature indicates multiple attempts to define the term “mobile learning” in the
relation to the usage of mobile tablets for learning purposes. Perhaps, the simplest definition
was provided by Jacob, and Issac, (2014), which was based on the direct relationship
between learning and using mobile devices; they have defined this domain of learning as
studying using the assistance of mobile devices (p. 19).
Thiruvathukal (2013) delivered the significance and impact of tablets to
humanity, and in many aspects as well. Mobility, versatility, diversity, and even in an aspect
one wouldn’t consider it to be better in, price. It enhances one’s quality of living all the
while not needing much maintenance and the assistance it brings is worth the pretty penny.
“If we don't change, others will change us and render us obsolete or, worse, irrelevant.”
In his journal, Assessment for Secondary School Students’ Experiences in
Using Tablet in Classroom, Amer (2020) found that there are many benefits of using iPad in
the classroom: saves teachers’ effort; makes teachers more creative; reduces the shyness
associated with the learning process; meets the learning needs of various types of learners;
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improves students’ creative thinking skills. On the other hand, it also has its disadvantages.
Because of occasional problems in utilization, it is possible for multiple technical
difficulties to arise, be it preparation before class or at the time of the class itself and that
makes teachers feel panicked or disorganized. But balancing the pros and cons, it can be
seen that Ipads or tablet computers can be seen as a beneficial medium for in-class
discussions.
According to Quniebi (2016), the use of tablets in the classroom has made a
change in the way of delivering information. That is because students and teachers will not
have to use pencil, paper, pen, nor the conventional blackboards anymore. The use of tablets
in the classroom has made a change in the way of assigning tasks and distributing
worksheets. For instance, it also enables teachers to distribute worksheets online to students
instead of distributing them by hand. It enables teachers to illustrate information,
multimedia, and sound and motion effects instead of illustrating it verbally. That turns the
learning process into a fun process since learning also depends on the engagement and also
the interest of students. This helps motivate the students into putting more effort into
learning.
Additionally, Quniebi (2016), the use of tablets in the classroom made a change
in the way of searching for information. Instead of searching for information among
numerous papers, students and teachers shall become capable of navigating the internet fast
and easily to search for the sought information. This saves a lot of time from skimming and
scanning multiple books and papers, which leaves a lot of time for more studying and free
time for both students and teachers. And compared to students handing over homework and
documents on pieces of paper, students submitting things through technology would lead to
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a more organized and efficient way of keeping data. Because unlike a piece of paper,
technology has a save button.
Moreover, according to Schnackenberg (2013), tablets do not just function for
visual learners, but also impact hearing students, for example in the way a message can be
delivered to them. The sound options are appealing to auditory learners since text can be
read, visual representations are described, and music and video are included as features.
This feature can be accessible to other technologies; however, tablets and other handy
technologies have a select component that suits perceptible learners.
On a separate note, Karimi (2012), this study states that note-taking is very
significant for the student’s knowledge, especially in memory retention. As proven by
psychologists, through note-taking, the information that the student is jotting down would
be easily remembered for future uses which is why most teachers have their students take
notes on their lesson so the knowledge would retain itself in their minds. “Note-taking is
recognized as a critical activity which enhances learning in learning contexts. Notes are
essential for recalling what has been heard or seen and can promote reflection afterward”
(Karimi, 2011)
Furthermore, according to an article by Santos (2016), the University of Santo
Tomas (UST), which used to observe the mandatory use of tablets and apple products,
declared that the use of tablets as learning materials be optional. The school’s principal,
Pilar Romero said that “If you believe that traditional books fit your purpose, we can accede
to your preference, although we are strongly recommending the use of tablets because of
their obvious advantage for your son/daughter,” Stating the influence and advantage of the
use of these technological devices. And as they believe that the use of tablets is indeed
advantageous, they allowed the use of brands instead of apple for the reason that the
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families do not fear its price and that they decide to accept and start using technology to
their advantage. As their principal said that “The use of innovative pedagogies is in line
with our vision of providing our students with a cutting-edge advantage over students
coming from other schools,”
Various studies have been carried out to assess the compatibility between tablet
computers, or technology in general, and education, and these have examined the effects of
tablet computers on the learning process, and the advantages of tablet use in the classroom.
For example, to explore the type of learning strategy that leads to an
improvement in educational quality. Student engagement refers to a student's ability, need,
motivation, and inclination to participate in and succeed in the learning process. (Parsons &
Taylor, 2011). This is why this fact is important to be taken into consideration in choosing
the effective learning strategy to use for students. The engagement of the students in their
studies will be an important factor in their knowledge since when they are engaged and
interested in the topic their understanding and knowledge intake will improve.
Vesselinov et al. (2012) stated in Duolingo Effectiveness Study, that “Learning a
foreign language has become a very appealing and important ability in the contemporary
world. In many cases learning a foreign language involves using language learning software
or computer-assisted self-study.” An example where students can effectively use technology
while learning is when they try to learn a new language. Duolingo is a student-friendly
learning application where people, regardless of age, study a foreign language. The app lets
one study a language in a game-like fashion which highly interests learners and helps them
learn enthusiastically. Furthermore, it is stated in the research that through the satisfactory
survey they had conducted among the users the results had mostly deemed positive.
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In regards to memory retention, which is very crucial in education, note-taking
is a very significant factor to consider, though both tablet computer and pen-paper
note-taking can be done, it is stated that “framed by the positive and negative aspects of
laptop use relative to pen and paper note-taking. Laptop use may reduce the cognitive
resources required for production, allowing for additional resources to be dedicated to
comprehension during lecture relative to pen and paper note-taking, assisting in learning
and long-term retention” (Bui et al., 2013). In this case, tablet computers will not be as
efficient in note-taking in comparison to note-taking with the conventional pen-paper.
Additionally, in the study by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014), it is said that despite what
people’s original thoughts are about note-taking “even when allowed to review notes after a
week’s delay, participants who had taken notes with laptops performed worse on tests of
both factual content and conceptual understanding, relative to participants who had taken
notes longhand.” Moreover, it shows how note-taking with a pen and paper is more
favorable and beneficial for students. With statistics and facts, in terms of memory
retention, tablet computers do not qualify as being ‘better than the traditional learning
materials.
Versatility-wise,
tablet computers are considered more favorable than other
devices ( e.g., Laptop, Desktop PC) by many factors such as their portability, compact size,
and lightweight makes them very easy to carry almost anywhere. As well as the fact that the
battery lasts longer, in general, far longer than a laptop. It is also less costly than a laptop
and/or desktop PC. Most importantly, they allow for immediate information presentation,
multimedia and interactive information, the connection between the learning environment
and reality, cooperative activities, and the development of cognitive skills. By themselves,
tablet computers are not an asset to education; they are the instruments that help to change
and modify methodologies in the classroom. With tablet computers being significantly more
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mobile and at the same time versatile than other mobile devices, and maybe even better than
the traditional learning materials in these factors, it can be very helpful in both the
classroom and other places when students are studying. (Santamarta, 2014)
Relative thereto, in higher education, college, for example, there are various
obstacles that might be encountered while practicing one’s specialization. For example,
according to Santamarta (2014), in engineering, tablet computers are used to take an image
of the object being studied and then highlight the important features for the students.
Students would be able to better understand which elements are being addressed and
identify them in the field as a result of this. It's worth noting that a tablet allows the students
to use multiple figures such as arrows, lines, basic shapes (such as circles), and even text to
enhance descriptions. This would greatly enhance both the teaching and learning process of
the teachers and students as they tackle more complicated matters and stumble upon tedious
obstacles.
Likewise, another study had concluded that having tablet computers distributed
to the students in a distance-learning program increased the flexibility of the teaching
process in terms of place and time (Aydemir,et. al.,2012). Because of their portable size
tablet computers allow them to be carried and handheld to be brought to any place. This
means, for a student, one can go study while doing various errands that require going from
place to place. If one wants, they can even bring along their studies while traveling with the
help of tablets. Because of the internet, distance learning is possible so for times when
teachers and students are not able to meet in person, with a few taps on a tablet they are now
able to “go to school”.
Additionally, according to a study by Henderson and Yeow (2012), “iPad in
Education: A Case Study of iPad Adoption and Use in a Primary School”, Learners can
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quickly move learning contexts – from formal to informal, personal to social – and take
charge of their learning with such devices, which can enable seamless learning. Not only
through ipads, but to tablet computers as well, since students have their own interpersonal
and intrapersonal duties, being able to switch from their social to personal matters will help
them learn more about themselves and improve as a person. It is important that students
learn this as they grow into adulthood. Other than this, the flexibility of tablet computers is
a great advantage to students especially during self-study, or when they decide to study in
between other tasks.
However, according to Ifenthaler and Schweinbenz (2013), in a study of
eighteen teachers, they had concluded that the teachers had different opinions on tablet
usage in education and that the majority of them believed that tablet computers do not
improve learning. They also emphasized that most teachers need technical support for the
use of tablet computers.
Subsequently, Pamuk et al.’s (2013) study in the pilot stage of the FATİH project
showed that teachers and students were barely using the tablet computers, that there were
some technical issues, that teachers needed pedagogical and professional support, that
e-contents and e-books were unqualified, that there were technical limitations, and that there
was a need for in-service training. Though these problems were caused by a mere lack of
training and practice, these kinds of situations can cause multiple setbacks to students’
learning, if the problems remain unsolved. Inexperience is a serious factor in this case as
this determines the capability of the teacher to fully utilize the benefits that tablet computers
bring to the student’s education. It can be seen that proper training is very much needed for
the teachers and students to be able to comfortably maneuver and navigate through these
tablets.
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In a study of research assistants, the participants stated that student success will
improve with the use of tablet computers and that teachers need to receive in-service
training, so they can fully utilize a tablet computer’s capabilities that interactive applications
should be installed in tablet computers, and that technical support should be provided in
case of failure. (Kamacı & Durukan, 2012).
In addition to the problems of accessing and using e-contents, it can be seen that
the teachers held prejudice about encountering many problems when using tablet computers
as part of the educational process. Above all, the teachers commonly expressed the view
that tablet use will negatively affect classroom management, students will use tablets for
unintended extracurricular purposes such as playing games, tablets will distract students
from focusing on the subject, tablets will cause game addiction, and that they will have
trouble controlling students in the classroom.
In the same way, according to Pamuk et al. (2013), teachers have prejudices
about the use of tablets and their benefits because they think that it will cause distraction.
Along similar lines, the findings of Çiftçi et al. (2013) support the results of this current
study and showed that there is a prejudice about the tablet and IWB use distributed within
the FATİH project because it could cause problems such as distraction, computer addiction,
time-wasting, and difficulty in controlling the classroom. On the other hand, the problems
stated in this study that could be encountered when using tablet overlap with the results of
other studies in the body of literature in which the effects of tablet use is determined. For
example, students sometimes use tablets for their extracurricular purposes, and that tablets
cause distraction. Similarly, it was concluded that students use tablets for their
extracurricular purposes and that tablets cause a loss of time, affecting the management of
the course. (Banoğlu et al., 2014).
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Mobile devices are altering both what is taught and how it is taught. There are a
lot of successful projects that can be done and developed for the implementation of Mobile
Devices in school matters. However, “substantial digital inequalities still exist among public
students, and the use of mobile devices for learning is uneven through the public schools in
the city of Manila.” (Jin & Sabio, 2018) The problems are as such: wifi, lack of experience
with the medium, insufficient funds, and diversity in learning. Primarily, the world has not
developed enough for us to implement such a big change in the educational system, though
through the continuous development of our technological devices, and the expanding spread
of technology to younger generations. Possibly, such technological and educational
advances can be made.
Overall, the researchers carefully assessed the information and insight found
from the above literature and studies. This will contribute to giving the researchers a clear
and unbiased basis in discovering the efficiency of tablet computers as a learning material to
further develop the educational system. Furthermore, based on the gathered information, it
can be said that tablet computers will be very efficient and helpful in the classroom setting
and will be a great medium for the knowledge students will intake. However, there will still
be minor problems in the implementation of this learning material so it is not yet clear
whether tablet computers should replace books as learning materials. Therefore, a survey
will be conducted to see what the beneficiaries think about this and the findings of this
study will be based on both the gathered information from the researchers’ observation,
studies, literature, and the gathered data from the survey.
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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research design, the population and sample size of respondents, the
research instrument, and the statistical tools to be used in the current study are all covered
in this chapter. It shows the how, where, what, and who in the acquirement of information
for the study.
Research Design
This research is a quantitative study using the descriptive, survey method.
Chosen to investigate the matter about tablets as learning materials.It
addresses
the
research question: What enhanced learning strategy can be used to improve the education
system? According to Loeb et. al., (2017) descriptive method identifies patterns in data to
address questions about who, what, where, when, and to what degree to describe a
phenomenon. In this study, the researchers describe the situation of students using tablet
computers to determine whether or not the use of such means would be beneficial. While
conducting the study, the researchers answered the questions who, what, where, and when
to fully assess the phenomenon.
Furthermore, A descriptive research design may investigate one or more
variables using a variety of research methods. Unlike an experimental study, the researcher
does not influence or alter the variables; instead, they are observed and measured
(McCombes, 2019). The researchers observed and measured the variables to consider in
assessing the benefits of tablet computers as learning materials, through the use of the
survey method. A survey method is the use of a well-organized activity through which we
gather information directly from the people. In simple words, it is a method of data
collection. The need for a survey arises when there is inadequate data to make some
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generalizations. The goals of a survey guide this whole process of survey research.
(Showkat & Parveen, 2017)
Sampling Technique
The researchers used convenience and snowball sampling for the selection of
respondents to answer the questionnaire. Respondents that are "convenient" to the
researcher are used in convenience sampling. There is no set pattern for obtaining these
respondents; they could be found by simply asking people on the street, in a public
building, or at work, for example (Edgar & Manz, 2017). The researchers had asked
students and teachers whom they are well acquainted with around their school.
Afterward, since the researchers do not have many connections to teachers and
students outside of their school, the researchers asked other participants to pass on the
survey if they know any more people who pass the criterion to become respondents. This
method is referred to as snowball sampling. Snowball sampling is a technique in which
research participants recruit other people to take part in a test or sample. It's used when
finding prospective participants is difficult. Snowball sampling is named for the fact that
once the ball starts rolling, it picks up more "snow" along the way and grows larger and
larger. A non-probability sampling approach is snowball sampling. (Glen, 2015)
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of this study are citizens residing in Calapan City Oriental
Mindoro. The participants surveyed in this study are either students aging from 12 years
old and above and licensed teachers who are currently working in Calapan City.
Respondents may be working and/or studying from either public or private institutions. 30
students and 15 teachers were asked to answer the survey. For a total of 45 respondents. In
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addition, 10 other respondents were also selected to test for the reliability of the research
instrument being used. For a total population of 55 citizens from
Calapan City.
Convenience and snowball sampling will be used.
Table 1
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
For the purpose of this study, the researchers prepared a self-made
questionnaire to gather the necessary data from the respondents. The items included in this
study used as instruments were based on the researchers’ readings and observation. The
first section of the questionnaire covered some of the personal information,
The second section contains questions for gathering data about the effectiveness
of tablet computers as learning materials in terms of pricing, convenience, versatility,
teaching quality, and engagement. The last section encourages open responses to provide
opinions about tablets in education.
Reliability of the Instrument
The reliability of the result of the Instrument refers to the preciseness of the
survey in representing the actual beliefs and judgments of the teachers and students on
tablets as learning materials. According to Latief, (2011) reliability of the instrument is
needed to make sure that the instrument can be consistent if used at other times. In this
case, before conducting the survey, the researcher created a test consisting of multiple
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Likert Scale questions and then asked an expert to make changes to the structure,
vocabulary, grammar, and content. The test was then updated by the researcher. And the
researcher tested it on 5 students and teachers who have not been included in the previous
set of respondents to see the reliability of the instrument.
The researchers used the test-retest reliability to determine the level of
credibility gained by performing the same test on a group of people twice. In order to
determine the test’s credibility over time, the results from test 1 and test 2 can be
compared.
Scaling and Quantification
A 4-point Likert scale was used to quantify part 2 of the survey, asking about
the respondents’ beliefs and judgments about tablet computers. In light of this, the scale
below was used in evaluating the questionnaire elements.
Table 2
Scaling and Quantification of the Dependent Variable
Table 3
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Correlation Table
Data Gathering Procedures
A letter of request to conduct the study was prepared. The researchers
constructed a questionnaire, validated by the researchers’ advisor after the letter of request
was sent to the Principal Office for approval. After obtaining the permission and approval
of the Principal, the researchers began to survey in both private and public schools through
a survey. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents (teachers & students).
Subsequently, the respondents answered the questionnaire. Afterwards, the researchers
collected and tallied the data for interpretation.
Statistical Treatment of Data
The data gathered was treated by using descriptive statistical tools, such as mode
and frequency, and percentage.
Mode. The mode is the most commonly observed value in a set of data. It is a
way of expressing, in a (usually) single number, important information about a random
variable or a population. A discrete random variable X has a countable number of possible
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values. So if X is a discrete random variable, the mode is the value x (i.e., X = x) at which
the probability mass function takes its maximum value. Accordingly, it is the value that is
most likely to be sampled.
Frequency and Percentage. This statistical tool was used to describe the
efficiency of tablet computers as learning materials in terms of pricing, b) convenience, c)
versatility, d) teaching quality, and engagement.
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Presentation of Results
Table 1
Students
PAGE 30
Table 2
Teachers
PAGE 31
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