IMPACT OF SMARTPHONE USAGE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GRADE 12 HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS OF IMMACULADA CONCEPCION COLLEGE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of smartphone usage on the academic performance of Grade 12 Home Economics students at Immaculada Concepcion College. The research sought to identify the specific effects of smartphone use on students' academic performance. A simple random sampling method was employed, ensuring that all Grade 12 Home Economics students had an equal chance of being selected as respondents. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing numerical data and statistical analysis to enhance the accuracy of measuring and quantifying variables. The researchers applied several statistical treatments to analyze the data effectively. First, Slovin’s Formula was used to determine the appropriate sample size from the population. Second, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was employed to assess the significance of the relationship between smartphone usage and academic performance. Lastly, the weighted mean formula was used to analyze survey responses and interpret the students' perceptions regarding the impact of smartphone usage on their academic performance. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of Grade 12 Home Economics students at Immaculada Concepcion College achieved a general weighted average of 90 or above in their first semester. Additionally, the study found that smartphones played a supportive role in students’ academic activities, as they were commonly used for saving academic files and looking up difficult terms related to their lessons. The overall weighted mean of the survey responses was 3.41, which corresponds to an “Extended” level of smartphone usage. However, the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis indicated that there is no significant relationship between the extent of smartphone usage and students' academic performance. The computed r-value was 0.143, indicating a very low positive correlation, while the p-value was 0.109, which is higher than the significance level of 0.05. These results suggest that smartphone usage does not have a substantial impact on students' academic performance. The study highlights that smartphones serve as a valuable tool for students, aiding them in saving academic files and searching for complex terms related to their lessons. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that Immaculada Concepcion College implement a policy restricting smartphone use inside the classroom, except when necessary for educational purposes, to ensure students remain focused during discussions. Additionally, the school should promote the academic use of smartphones by providing students with free access to online applications that support learning, such as Microsoft Office, online dictionaries, e-library resources, and other educational platforms that can enhance their academic performance.