The Use of Gadgets as Learning Tools in Enhancing the Reading Skills of the Senior High School Learners Amidst Pandemic: An Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18683815Keywords:
Electronic Gadgets, Reading Skills, Academic Performance, Mobile Applications, Senior High School Students, Digital LearningAbstract
This study examined the use of electronic gadgets as learning tools in enhancing the reading skills and academic performance of Senior High School students, particularly in the context of increased digital learning. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected from 202 Senior High School students through a validated researcher-made questionnaire focusing on the types of gadgets used, learning applications installed, and perceived effects of gadget use on reading comprehension and learning behavior. Statistical treatments included frequency and percentage distribution, mode, and Spearman’s rho to determine significant relationships among variables. Findings revealed that mobile phones were the most commonly used gadgets for reading-related activities, while laptops and computers were used occasionally. Educational applications focusing on vocabulary development, spelling, phonemic awareness, and reading comprehension contributed positively to students’ reading skills by increasing motivation, engagement, and access to learning materials. However, the study also identified negative effects associated with excessive gadget use, such as reduced concentration, sleep disruption, eye strain, and procrastination. Results further indicated significant relationships between the gadgets used and the learning applications available, as well as between gadget use and students’ English academic performance. The study concludes that electronic gadgets can be effective instructional tools when properly integrated and regulated in the learning process. It emphasizes the importance of guided usage, digital literacy, and monitoring by teachers and parents to maximize educational benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. Based on the findings, an action plan was developed to support responsible gadget use and enhance students’ reading development in secondary education.
Downloads
References
Agustini, S., Wardhani, N., Kurniawan, M., & Amalina, E. (2018). Mobile application for English reading comprehension. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330316357_Mobile_Application_for_English_Reading_Comprehension
Al-Furqon, A. (2017). The effect of word search puzzle game in teaching vocabulary to the first grades of SMPN 3 Proppo. Journal of English Teaching, 5(2), 101–108. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327343802_The_Effect_Of_Word_Search_Puzzle_Game_In_Teaching_Vocabulary_To_The_First_Grades_of_SMPN_3_Proppo
Balbaguio, L. (2020). Effects of electronic gadgets on the academic performance of senior high school students (Unpublished thesis). Ardemil National High School, Iloilo, Philippines.
Chatterjee, M., Saha, S., & Jha, M. (2020). Transitioning classes into electronic gadgets: Life of students in lockdown. Down To Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/health/transitioning-classes-into-electronic-gadgets-life-of-students-in-lockdown-72962
Demir, K., & Akpinar, A. (2018). The effect of mobile applications on students’ academic achievement and attitudes toward mobile learning. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 6(2).
Fauzi, I. (2018). The impact of mobile gadgets in EFL learning: Perceptions of EFL undergraduates. Journal of English Language Teaching, 6(1).
Harrison, M. (2015). Increasing phonemic awareness in kindergarten students: Using iPads in language arts centers (Master’s thesis). Graduate Capstones and Culminating Projects, Paper 163.
Harrison, R., Flood, D., & Duce, D. (2013). Usability of mobile applications: Literature review and rationale for a new usability model. Journal of Interaction Science, 1(1).
Harynato, D. (2019). Analysis of utilization of gadgets as effective learning media in education to improve student learning achievement. KnE Social Sciences. https://www.knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Social/article/view/4671/9402
Hastuti. (2018). Utilizing Learn English Grammar mobile application in improving students’ grammar at SMP Negeri 14 Palopo (Unpublished thesis). State Institute of Palopo.
Hysing, M., Pallesen, S., & Sivertsen, B. (2015). Sleep and use of electronic devices in adolescence: Results from a large population-based study. BMJ Open, 5(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316480
Ingram, N. (2020). The use of e-books, computers, and tablets to enhance reading skills (Doctoral dissertation). Kennesaw State University.
Keumala, M., Yoestra, M., & Putri, Z. (2018). The impacts of gadgets and internet use on the implementation of character education in early childhood. Graduate Program of English Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala.
Kimmons, R. (2018). Technology integration: Effectively integrating technology in educational settings. In The K–12 educational technology handbook. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/k12handbook/technology_integration
Klimova, B., & Zamborova, K. (2020). Use of mobile applications in developing reading comprehension in second language acquisition. Education Sciences, 10(12), 391. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/10/12/391
Kumar, M. (2011). Impact of evolution of smartphones in educational technology and its application in technical and professional studies: Indian perspective. International Journal of Managing Information Technology, 3(3), 39–49.
Lee, H. (2018). Positive and negative effects of gadgets on students (Unpublished thesis). Buenavista National High School. https://pdfcoffee.com/positive-and-negative-effects-of-gadgets-to-the-student-pdf-free.html
Lutfiani, D. (2018). The use of gadgets on students’ habits in English language learning at SMA An-Najiyah Surabaya (Unpublished thesis). Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya.
Ma, X., & Yodkamlue, B. (2019). The effects of using a self-developed mobile app on vocabulary learning and retention among EFL learners (Unpublished thesis). Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Macaraeg, L., & Briones, B. (2020). E-gadget management of senior high school students at Cuyapo West District. Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, (3).
Marpuah, S., Wan, A., Kirin, A., Mahmudah, U., & Normawati, S. (2021). The implications of modern technology (gadgets) for students’ learning development in university. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education, 12(2), 588–593.
Menorca, J., Idos, G., Manangan, R., & Patacsil, J. (2017). The impact of gadgets in learning among Grade 11 students. Urdaneta City National High School.
Twu, M.-L. M. (2017). Examining the influence of educational mobile application software on students’ technology literacy (Doctoral dissertation). University of Houston–Clear Lake.
Othoman, N., Kelana, M., & Jamaludin, T. (2020). The impact of electronic gadget use on academic performance among secondary school students. Research Article, (2).
Saleh, A. (2019). Using Wordscapes game as a tool to develop EFL learners’ vocabulary repertoire. Al-Mustansiriyah University.
Septiani, E. (2018). The correlation between grammar mastery and reading comprehension achievement of eighth graders at SMP Negeri 13 Palembang (Unpublished thesis). Sriwijaya University.
Talosig, G., Lardera, M., Sarmiento, S., & Macabadbad, R. (2018). E-gadgets of Generation X and millennials: Their social life. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences.
UNESCO. (2020a). COVID-19 crisis and curriculum: Sustaining quality outcomes in the context of remote learning. UNESDOC Digital Library. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000373273
Yonanda, A. (2019). The effect of gadget use in the learning process in Muhammadiyah 1st Senior High School Surakarta. https://publikasiilmiah.ums.ac.id/handle/11617/11168
Zickuhr, K. (2011). Generations and their gadgets. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2011/02/03/generations-and-their-gadgets/
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
