The Impact of Using Educational Bilingual Android Applications in Grade 9 Science and Technology on the Index of Mastery of Selected Students in their Weekly Test in Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the researcher explored the possibility of using educational and bilingual android applications that are aligned with the existing Grade 9 Science and Technology curriculum of public national high schools.

METHODS

Three self-made android applications were created by the researcher using Sketchware on the topics of Stars and Constellations, Mole Concept and Cellular Respiration. Pretest and posttest were administered to selected heterogeneous students using validated weekly test on the said topics. Before giving the posttest, half of the students were asked to complete the android apps as their homework. These apps were tailor made to show a congratulations page only when the quiz is answered perfectly. Two sample dependent T-test were used to compare the Index of Mastery of every weekly test.

RESULTS

Index of Mastery of students who used the educational android applications are significantly higher than the ones who did not use the applications and relied solely on traditional study habits. Posttest of students who did not use the apps showed an index of mastery of 85.64 on average on the three topics, while the students who used the android apps showed an index of mastery of 94.56 on average on the three topics mentioned. Also, great interest was seen on students using these apps which is not commonly seen from students when given homework. With researcher's ten-year experience in teaching, this is the only time that he has witnessed the students eagerly doing their homework even before going home.

DISCUSSIONS

Results clearly say that using new technology in teaching such as android apps greatly enhance the quality of learning of students. It gives new perspectives and opportunities for developing young minds whenever it is possible. Smartphone applications pave the way for learning even in transit or at home. Lastly, these applications can be reproduced as easily as using Share It which means its practical.