Department of Education

Region XII
Division of Sultan Kudarat
LAGUILAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

“Understanding the Perspectives of Students Without Mobile

Phones”

A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Submitted to:
LAGUILAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

Oscar Paolo Lee V. Abella

Jerry Mae G. Damisil
Charles James M. Quindoyos
Hannah B. Tanawit
Researchers

May 2024
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Mobile devices, particularly smartphones, have become popular in

modern society, profoundly shaping various aspects of daily life, including
education. However, amidst the widespread adoption of mobile technology, a
segment of the student’s population remains disconnected from this digital
realm, as they do not own or have access to mobile phones. This study will focus
on exploring the experiences of the student’s perspective without mobile phones
towards their academics.

It's crucial to investigate the viewpoints and experiences of these

students who don't own smartphones. The effects of smartphone use among
students—both good and bad—have been the subject of extensive research;
however, the experiences of those who do not have access to these devices
have received less attention. Examining the perspectives of students devoid of
mobile phones can yield significant understandings of their driving forces,
obstacles, and adaptive mechanisms in a world growing more interconnected by
the day. Moreover, student’s who don’t have access to mobile phones are facing
challenges towards their academics and social engagement. This study will
provide insights using in-depth interviews to learn more about the reasons
behind their non-use of mobile phones, the benefits and drawbacks of
disconnecting, and the techniques they use to get by in social and academic
settings where mobile technology is commonplace.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the perspectives of students without mobile
phones and the effects towards their academic performance, and personal lives.
This study aims to provide insights that can inform strategies for improving
inclusivity and support for students in the digital age by exploring the factors
leading to their lack of phone ownership and analysing how it affects their
academic performance, communication patterns, and engagement with
educational resources.

Specifically, the study will answer the following questions:

2. What are the challenges students encounter towards their academics by not

having a cell phone?

3. How does students manage to overcome those challenges they encountered

in their academic performance without a cell phone?

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will benefit the following:

Students: Reduced Distractions students without mobile phones may
experience fewer distractions in the classroom, leading to improved focus
and concentration on their studies.
Increased Engagement without the constant presence of mobile phones,
students may be more engaged in class activities, discussions, and
interactions with their peers and teachers. Improved Academic
Performance Limited mobile phone use can positively impact students'
academic performance, as it allows them to dedicate more time and
attention to their studies.

Teachers: Enhanced Classroom Management with fewer distractions

from mobile phones, teachers can create a more focused and productive
learning environment. Increased Student Participation, students without
mobile phones may be more actively involved in class activities,
discussions, and group work, leading to a more interactive and dynamic
classroom.
Improved Communication, teachers may find it easier to communicate
and engage with students who are not constantly preoccupied with their
mobile phones, fostering better teacher-student relationships.

Government: Academic Equity, Understanding the perspectives of

students without mobile phones can help policymakers ensure equal
access to education and technology for all students, regardless of their
smartphone ownership. Digital Well-being, by studying the experiences of
students without mobile phones, government authorities can address
concerns related to excessive smartphone use, cyberbullying, and online
safety, promoting digital well-being among students.
Future Researchers: Knowledge Expansion, Understanding the
experiences and perceptions of students without mobile phones can
contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of mobile
technology in education.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study will focus on the perspectives of the students without cell phone and
the challenges they encountered towards their academic engagement and
performance. It will also focus on how they manage to overcome the challenges
they encountered in their academics.

Definition of Terms

Cell Phones: Refers to mobile devices that allow users to make voice calls, send

text messages, and access the internet.

Mobile Phones: Similar to cell phones, these devices are designed for mobile

communication and internet access.

Smartphones: Advanced mobile devices that run on open operating systems and

are connected to the internet, offering a wide range of functions such as audio

and video recording/streaming, emailing, and messaging.

Mobile Technology: Encompasses all aspects of technology used on mobile

devices, including apps, internet access, and multimedia capabilities.

Mobile Learning: The use of mobile devices to facilitate learning, often involving

access to educational resources, communication with peers and instructors, and

collaborative activities.

Digital Divide: The gap between individuals or groups who have access to

digital technologies and those who do not, often affecting their ability to

participate in educational activities and access information.

Digital Inequality: The unequal distribution of digital resources, access, and

skills among different groups, which can impact their ability to fully participate in

digital activities and benefit from digital opportunities.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study will use the qualitative approach using phenomenology use on
examining the perceptions and experiences of the students who don’t have
personal smartphone. This approach provides a greater understanding, in-depth
insights and understanding of the subjective experiences of students without
mobile phones. The aim of this research is to determine the experiences of the
students towards their academics and what are the challenges they faced
towards their academics on a sample of students in Laguilayan, National High
School. The current study will be exploring any findings and themes emerging
from the data which reveal the impact of no access to mobile phones.

Participants of the Study

The participants of the study will be high school students of Laguilayan, National

High School with a total of 10 participants who do not own mobile phones. High

school students without access to mobile phones.

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted at Laguilayan, National High School (LNHS), located

at Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Sampling Technique

Students will sort by groups, and a purposive sample technique could be utilized
to sample the ways in which students who are no phones aids in their education.
Subsequently, to ensure that each group is well represented. This method or
strategy allows for a fair assessment of effectiveness across a range of student
characteristics. To include students who have and have not used the phones
significantly, this sampling should also be considered. The chosen participants
will be ask some questions. This will provide information on possible uptake as
well as participant experiences.

Data Gathering Methods

To gather interview data on the research topic "Understanding the Perspectives

of Students Without Mobile Phones," it is crucial to design a structured and open-
ended interview protocol that can effectively capture the experiences, attitudes,
and perceptions of students who do not own or use mobile phones. Ask specific
questions about the student's mobile phone ownership and usage habits. it will
consist of three questions asking the questions what, why and how. Before the
interview will start, the questions prepared by the researchers. A Interview Guide
Questions will be used in this study because the researchers wanted to know
about the participants perspective and how it affect their daily lives.

Data Gathering Procedure

In order to perform this study in a secure location where the participants feel at
ease, the researchers will first obtain permission and agreement. Before the
interview begins, the materials and questionnaires are thoroughly prepared. In
order to verify each other’s correctness, the researchers will first introduce
themselves to the participants and they will also ask for permission to use any
materials required for data collection from the participants. Ther interview will
start when the participants consent, a series of questionnaires will be given to
them by the researchers.

Ethical Considerations
1. Informed Consent: We ensure that participants are fully informed about the
purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study before consenting
to participate. Participants have the freedom to decline or withdraw from the
study at any point without repercussions.

2. Confidentiality and Anonymity: We sure to maintain the confidentiality of

participants' information throughout the study. We sure to anonymize data to
protect participants' identities.
3. Privacy: We sure to prioritize the privacy of participants during interviews by
conducting them in secure locations where participants feel comfortable.
Ensuring that no personal information is disclosed without consent is essential.

4. Respect for Participants: We promise to treat participants with respect,

dignity, and sensitivity to their perspectives and experiences. We will avoid any
form of coercion or manipulation and ensure that participants' voices are
accurately represented.

5. Beneficence: Our research aims to benefit both participants and society by

contributing to a better understanding of the experiences of students without
mobile phones. We consider how the findings can inform policies or interventions
that support these individuals.

6. Integrity and Transparency: We will conduct the study with integrity,

honesty, and transparency. Any conflicts of interest or biases should be
disclosed, and the research methods and findings should be accurately reported
to ensure credibility and trustworthiness.

By adhering to these ethical considerations, we sure to conduct a study that

respects the rights and well-being of participants while generating valuable
insights into the experiences of students without mobile phones.