THE IMPORTANCE OF CELLPHONE USAGE IN BUILDING RESEARCH

SKILLS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

A Qualitative Research
presented to the Faculty of Catigan National High School

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Practical Research 1

BASLUTE, CRISLY A.
CERVANTES, JEGGIR O.
EDO, RONALD B.
ENRIQUEZ, JIMSIE C.
MATUTE, CLARESSA A.
RUFOLE, MARY KAYNE M.
SALAPAO, JEFFERSON L
UAYAN, MIGUEL JOHN A.
Grade 11 – Earth
General Academic Strand (GAS)

MANDREZA, JENNY T.
Research Adviser

Month of Completion
May 2024
 CATIGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Catigan, Toril, Davao City, Philippines

APPROVAL SHEET
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the course subject Practical
Research 1 under the General Academic strand, this
study is entitled:
(The Cellphone Dilemma: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Students
dealing with Insufficient Educational Resources in the Digital Era in
Catigan National High School)

Has been prepared and submitted by

BASLUTE, CRISLY A. CERVANTES, JEGGIR O.
EDO, RONALD B. ENRIQUEZ, JIMSIE C.
MATUTE, CLARESSA A. RUFOLE, MARY KAYNE M.
SALAPAO, JEFFERSON L. UAYAN, MIGUEL JOHN A.
who are recommended for the Culminating Performance Task

_________________________________________
Jenny T. Mandreza
Practical Research 1 Teacher

APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course subject

Practical Research 1 under General Academic strand by the Office of the
SHS Curriculum.

_________________________________________
Jenny T. Mandreza
Coordinator – SHS Coordinator

ACCEPTED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Practical Research 1

__________________________
Anselmo S. Saniel
School Head
 Declaration of Originality

We declare that this research is original to the best of our knowledge. We

declare
further that this activity was undertaken by us.

Group members

BASLUTE, CRISLY A.

CERVANTES, JEGGIR O.

EDO, RONALD B.

ENRIQUEZ, JIMSIE C.

MATUTE, CLARESSA A.

RUFOLE, MARY KAYNE M.

SALAPAO, JEFFERSON L

UAYAN, MIGUEL JOHN A.

May 2024
 LETTER ASKING FOR PERMISSION

____________________________________________________________

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Schools Division of Davao City
Catigan National High School
Catigan, Toril, Davao City

March 25, 2024

ANSELMO S. SANIEL
School Head
Catigan National High School

Sir:

We, Senior High School, General Academic Strand (GAS) students, will
conduct a study entitled, “The Cellphone Dilemma: Exploring the Lived
Experiences of Students dealing with Insufficient Educational
Resources in the Digital Era in Catigan National High School”. This is a
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the subject Practical Research 1: A
Qualitative Research.

In this connection, we would like to ask permission from your good office to
allow us to conduct our study.

We hope that you will considerately give us the opportunity to make this
study possible.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,
BASLUTE, CRISLY A. CERVANTES, JEGGIR O.
EDO, RONALD B. ENRIQUEZ, JIMSIE C.
MATUTE, CLARESS A. RUFOLE, MARY KAYNE M.
SALAPAO, JEFFERSON L. UAYAN, MIGUEL JOHN A.

Noted by: Approved by:

JENNY T. MANDREZA ANSELMO S. SANIEL

Research Adviser School Head
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

In an increasingly digitized world where information is at your

fingertips, the importance of using cellphone to develop research skill cannot

be overstated. Cellphones encourages students to acquire higher

technological skills, make a real-time collaboration through tools embedded

in social networking platforms (Becton, 2024). Online platforms, educational

apps, and interactive tools have transformed the learning landscape,

enabling students to explore subjects in innovative ways. Mobile phones

have greatly influenced students’ research skills by providing them easy

access to various learning tools and resources. These devices also support

students’ learning by assisting with research and assignments, allowing them

to communicate with classmates and teachers to clarify facts.

Cellphones have become an integral part of our daily lives and are

being recognized for their potential role in research skills. The use of

cellphones in the Philippines has significantly transformed the way

individuals mainly students communicate, learn, and manage their finances.

According to (Reyes, 2023) Filipinos spend more than 21 hours daily on their

phones to connect with others, but most are claiming to have used their

device to learn a new skill and manage their expenses. Moreover, mobile

phones are the first choice of digital device among many Filipino, serving as

a primary tool for learning and developing technological skills. Most Filipino

students uses mobile phones to accomplish research papers for it is easier

to be utilized and improve one’s skills. Through mobile-phone based data

collection, where data is automatically transcribed and uploaded into a

database during data collection. The use of cellphone in education has had a

tremendous impact on students' overall learning experiences in the

Philippines.

The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs

and tastes of the new generation. 21st century learners are demanded to be

ICT inclined. Activities, assignments, and projects must be completed using

electronic equipment such as cellphones, and instruction are provided in

digital form through TV presentations. It Aid students in research skills by

offering access to information, enhancing academic experience, and

improving general knowledge. One study conducted at Davao Del Norte

State College indicated that the technology usage helped students in their

studies and equipped them with necessary skills (Melver Serado, 2020).

However, not all students have equal access to cellphones leading to a

significant disparity in educational opportunities.

In a certain educational setting, such as Catigan National High

School, a significant number of Senior High School (Grade 11) students face

a challenging reality of insufficient access to educational resources,

particularly in the form of cellphones. These students find themselves at a

disadvantage, as they lack the necessary tools and technologies for

accomplishing their research paper. Many of them come from low-income

families, where even basic necessities can be a struggle, let alone owning a
smartphone or having a stable internet connection. The integration of

cellphones in education has gained significant attention due to their potential

to enhance learning skills.

There is a gap in the literature regarding the specific ways in which

cellphones can improves research skills and how it affects the learning

experiences of students. Therefore, it is worthy to explore the importance of

cellphone usage in building research skills by exploring the lived experiences

of Grade 11 Senior High School students in Catigan National High School

with the lack of access to cellphones amidst the conduction of their research

for Practical Research 1. This study delves into the lived experiences of

these students, navigating the treacherous waters of education in a digitized

era with the lack of access to cellphones as an essential tool for

accomplishing research and building research skills. It explores the struggles

they face, the resilience they show, and the innovative ways they adapt to

their circumstances.

Statement of the Problem

The overall objective of this study is to explore the lived

experiences of students facing lack of access to cellphone as a primary tool

for crafting research skills. It seeks to provide insights into the impact of lack

of access to cellphones on students’ learning experiences.

Specifically, this study will answer the following questions:

1. How does the lack of educational resources, particularly cellphones,

affect the learning experiences of students at Catigan National High

School in the digital era?

 2. What are the specific challenges faced by student dealing with limited

access to cellphones as an educational resource?

3. What strategies do students employ to overcome the limitations of

inadequate cellphone resources for educational purposes?

Significance of the Study

DepEd. The results of this study will be helpful for the Department of

Education (DepEd) to understand the challenges faced by students who do

not have access to important educational tools such as cell phones. These

insights can inform DepEd policies and programs to reduce the digital divide

and ensure equitable access to technology-based learning opportunities in

all schools.

School Administrator. School administrators can benefit from the

results of this study by using action plans to help reduce the disadvantages

associated with students not participating in cell phones. This may include

implementing sponsorship programs, obtaining funding for technical

resources, and developing strategies to improve students’ research skills.

Students. The study will empower students by giving them a voice

and platform to share their experiences. It can validate their struggles and

provide a sense of solidarity, while also highlighting their resilience and

resourcefulness in overcoming educational obstacles. This recognition can

boost their self-esteem and motivation to succeed academically.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as a valuable resource

and guide for future researchers interested in examining the impact of digital
inequality on students’ educational experiences and skills. The knowledge

gained can inspire further research into innovative solutions to address these

issues.

Practical Research. This study is applicable to practical research

environments, showing the advantages of cellphones for data collection and

the importance of cellphone use for building research skills. The findings of

this study contribute to broader research by providing insights into the lived

experiences of students who have difficulty accessing academic skills. This

can help develop more comprehensive and effective research methods.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This focuses on the lived experiences of students at Catigan

National High School who face a lack of access to cellphone and its

importance, specifically focusing on the use of cellphones as a primary tool

for building research skills. The research will investigate the challenges of

students without cellphone as an educational tool, how they adapt and cope

up throughout their academic journey.

Additionally, the study will examine the impact of lack of access

of cellphones on students’ motivation, engagement, and overall learning

experience. The study will aim to understand the perspectives and attitudes

of students without cellphones.

However, this study will only cover the experiences of students

Grade 11 Senior High School at Catigan National High School, and as such,

it may not encapsulate the wider experiences of students in other schools or

educational settings. The research will depend on data self-reported by

students, which could be prone to biases and inaccuracies. The primary

emphasis will be on the students’ perspectives, and it may not thoroughly

investigate the viewpoints of other key players, such as teachers, parents, or

educational policymakers, within the specific framework of Catigan National

High School.

Lastly, this study will not delve into the larger systemic factors

leading to the lack of adequate educational resources but will rather

concentrate on the personal experiences of students grappling with this

issue within the specific school setting.

Definition of Terms Used in the Study

Importance.

Cellphone Usage. Digital cellphone usage supports a variety of other

services, such as text messaging, multimedia messaging, email, internet

access.

Building. A method of teaching that encourages students to explore their

ideas, think abstractly, and create new solutions to problems.

Research skills. Are the ability to find an answer to a question or a solution

to a problem.
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Mobile phones are now very crucial when it comes to educational

purposes. And it plays significant role in making practical research, to make

our research more accessible and convenient, students really need to use

mobile phones to make their assignments and most specially research.

Firstly, using mobile phones can improve research training processes,

framed in the urgent mode of knowledge or context-centric research,

especially in virtual higher skills are one of context-centric research,

especially in virtual education, according to (Estrada, Marin, & Salinas, 2021)

cellphone can help us enhance our research training process, because

mobile phone is easy to navigate compared to the other gadgets.

In additional, Today’s 21st Century of Learning demands higher

education to produce graduates with skills to support life in the future. These

skills are socio-cultural, critical, and creative thinking. Research skills are

one of the skills that we need to be built for students to face the challenges

of the 21st century, (Sinensis, Firdaus, & Saulon, 2022) and they also said

that research is the most critical, we really need to have skills about

research because, research is in the curriculum that we need to accomplish,

In the future, if the students have research skills, they can use these skills to

begin to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Moreover, understanding the creation of research skills in students by

teaching technical sciences, teaching students of technical science is to

easily understand our creation ability to do research and so that we can help

our future researchers, (Salomovna, 2022) with the help of teaching

technical sciences we have the ability to enhance our research skills.

Technical sciences play an important role in educational purposes, especially

in making research we can easily gather data to make our research reliable.

Furthermore, smartphones offer generous and fast access to information,

and not just to information as perceived for educational purposes especially

in Research we can easily gather reliable data using our smartphones.

Smartphones is very important for Davao City students that they use them in

response to moderation to avoid negative results in using smartphones, if

they do not use it to responsive certain that it will bring negative results to

them, so it’s better if they use it in moderately, (Wahyudi, 2023).

In conclusion, the relationship between technology and education has

grown tremendously, and the importance of technology in our lives cannot be

overstated. Technology is very important for educational purposes and

allows everyone to improve their computer literacy and research ability. That

they can use it in the future (Arrington, 2022).

 CHAPTER 3

METHODS OF STUDY AND SOURCES OF DATA

This chapter introduces the procedure that is used in this study in

investigating the experiences of students who lack cellular device as a
learning instrument
Research Design
The study utilized the phenomenological-qualitative method in order

to achieve the purpose of the study – which is to understand and describe

the experiences of students experiencing lack of access to cellphones as a

significant tool for building research skills for Grade 11 students in Catigan

National High School. It is phenomenological in a sense that it describes the

actual experiences of students who are in lack of cellphone.

The researcher used an in-depth interview as instrument. By the use

of this survey tool, the researchers were able to determine the details of

experiences of students experiencing the lack of access to cellphones as a

significant tool for building research skills.

Research Setting

The study was conducted in Catigan National High School, a

secondary school located at Purok 2 Catigan Toril Davao City. The school

was established in 2016, it is populated by almost 425 students, as of now,

2024. Catigan National High School is home to diverse student population,

each with unique aspirations and dreams.

Respondents and Sampling Procedure

The respondents of the study comprised of two (2) students who are

experiencing the lack of access to cellphones. The sampling design that the

researchers utilized was purposive sampling. The respondents who

participated in the study were students who are experiencing lack of

cellphone as a primary tool for building research skills.

Data Gathering Procedure

1. The researchers made a letter for the approval to conduct the

study at Catigan National High School through Mr. Anselmo S.

Saniel, School head.

2. After the approval was prepared and signed, the researchers

identify and select two (2) students from Catigan National High

School who are currently dealing with lack of access to cellphone.

3. Then, the researchers developed a structured interview.

4. After that, the researchers carry out a one-on-one interview with

the two (2) students chosen.

5. The researchers ensured that the students being interviewed was

comfortable. Alongside, the one-on-one interview the researchers

take note and audio record the interviews with the consent of the

participants.

6. After collecting all data, the researchers gathered, the researchers

transcribed the audio recordings verbatim.

 7. Next, the researchers analyzed the transcribe data, identify

common themes, patterns, and insights that emerged from the

students’ responses.

8. Moreover, the researchers shared the findings with the participants

to verify the accuracy of the data and the interpretations made.

9. Finally, the researchers present the findings in a comprehensive

report, highlighting the key themes and insights gained from the

research.

Instrumentation

To explore the lived experiences of Grade 11, Senior High School

students dealing with lack of access to cellphone as a primary tool for

building research skills at Catigan National High School. The researchers

employed an in-depth interviews. These instruments will allow us to gather

rich and detailed data directly from the participants, capturing their

perspectives, emotions, and experiences in their own words. In-depth

interviews will be conducted face-to-face with individual. The interview

questions will be structure, providing an opportunity for the interviewer to

delve deeper into the subjects’ personal experiences and perspectives. The

interview questions guide will be translated into Tagalog and Bisaya, also,

the participants are encouraged to use their preferred language or dialect.

To ensure the credibility and accuracy of the data gathered, all

interviews will be recorded using an audio recording device. The use of

recordings will allow for a more accurate transcription of the interviews,

avoiding potential omissions that could occur if relying solely on note-taking.

 CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

INFORMANT 1
VERBATIM TRANSLATION THEME

I: How does the lack of I: How does the lack of a

a cellphone as a tool cellphone as a tool for

for developing research developing research

skills affect your skills affect your

academic experiences? academic experiences?

P: The current P: The current curriculum

curriculum of Grade 11 of Grade 11 subject THE USE OF

subject named named Practical CELLPHONE IS

Practical Research and Research and it’s very CRUCIAL FOR

it’s very crucial to have crucial to have a proper PRACTICAL

a proper gadget to do gadget to do your RESEARCH

your research, research, although, you

although, you can use can use other gadgets

other gadgets such as such as computers,

computers, tablets or tablets or any of the

any of the sorts. Having sorts. Having a cellphone

a cellphone is still is still much better

much better because it because it is what I have

is what I have been been used to.

used to.

I: How do you think I: How do you think

having a cellphone will having a cellphone will

improve our research improve our research

skills and educational skills and educational

experience? experience?

CELLPHONES ARE

P: Personally, having a P: Personally, having a MUCH

TABLE A. INTERPRETATION

The student discussed the impact of smartphone use on academic

effectiveness and demonstrate the positive correlation between smartphone

and academic experience. Contrary to popular belief, smartphones can

improve academic performance by improving communication skills and

providing access to information. However, the lack of a cellphone for

research can hinder efficiency but not necessarily the ability to conduct

research, as alternative resources like borrowing phones or using computer

shops are available. Mobile phones play an important role in modern

education by making it accessible and convenient for research and learning

activities.

INFORMANT 2

VERBATIM TRANSLATION THEME

I: Sa unsang paagi ang I: How does the lack of

kakuwang sa cellphone cellphone as a tool for

isip usa ka gamit sa developing research skills

pagpalambo sa kahanas affect your academic

sa pag research experience?

makaepekto sa imong

pag skwela? P: The lack of access to

cellphone has definitely DIFFICULT, NOT

P: Daku kayo sya ug affected us students. It’s ALL ACTIVITIES

epekto sa amoa like as almost like everything ONLY REQUIRE

student, tanan man jud needs to be done with a THE POWER OF

mi kailangan mo gamit cellphone. Some MINDS

ug cellphone, mga assignments do require

himuon na assignments the use of a cellphone,

kay kasagaran man jud especially now that we

ana sa cellphone jud are tackling practical

gamiton, nya mag research. The urge to use

practical research mi, a cellphone is very

daku jud kayo ug epekto crucial; it has hugely

nga dapat jud nga mag impacted my academic

gamit mi ug cellphone experience. It is crucial

dili tanan nga mga because not all activities

himuon namo kay only require the power of

makaya ra namo ug the mind.

utok-utok.

I: Sa imong huna-huna I: How do you think

sa unsang paagi and having a cellphone will

cellphone improve our research

makapauswag sa atong affects your research

kahanas sa ability?

pagresearch?

P: Cellphones are very

P: Makatabang jud ang handy and it’s easy to HANDY AND

cellphone ug pwede navigate. You may EASY TO USE

rasad kaau sya madala- discover several things

dala unya dali rasad through embedded tools

siya gamiton, daghan that may improve one’s

kag ma discover nga research skill.

new things nga naa sa

cellphone tungod sa

mga digital tools nga

maka tabang jud ma

hanas ang imong

research skills.

I: Maka hatag kaba ug I: Can you give an

pananglitan kon sa example of how not

unsang paagi ang Walay having a cellphone affects

cellphone makaapekto your research ability? DIFFICULT TO

sa imong abilidad sa HAVE ENOUGH

pag research? P: Having no cellphone SOURCES FOR

P: Having no cellphone for our research subject is RESEARCH

for our research is lisud very difficult. If you do not

jud kayo sya. Kay kung own any gadgets for

wala kay sapat na research purposes is

gadgets na imong difficult because have

gamiton sa research enough sources for your

lisud jud kayo sya, lisud research.

kaayu makakuha ug

mga source sa imohang

research.

I: Unsa nga mga babag I: What obstacles did you

ang imong giatubang confront as a result of not

tungod sa walay access having a cellphone affects CANNOT OPEN

sa usa ka cellphone? your research ability? PDF FILE AND

CANNOT ACCESS

P: kung wala kay P: Not being able to attain ENOUGH

cellphone kay kung nay the lessons that are being AMOUNT OF

mga new lessons send through PDF file INFORMATION

kasagaran man kay and not being able to FOR OUR

naga gamit man jud access cast amount of RESEARCH

PDF si maam niya dili information for our

ko ka search ug research. There are so

informatiion para sa many obstacles and

amoang research. these are just my

common encounter.

I: Unsa ang uban I: What alternative

nimong ginagamit nga resources are you

gadget para masulbad employing to compensate

ang imong kawad on sa for your lack of access to

cellphone? a cellphone?

P: Ang lain nako na P: The other alternative PISO NET

akong ginagamit kay sources that I use are

computer ug wala kay computers (Piso Net)
cellphone naga gamit because I don't have a
kug computers na cellphone to complete my
hulog-hulog para maka schoolwork.
himu kus akong mga

school works.

I: Unsa ang imong huna- I: What are your thoughts

huna alang sa on the importance of

importansya sa cellphone in developing

cellphone para sa research skills? ABLE TO ATTAIN

pagpalambo sa kahanas TECHNOLOGICAL

sa pag research? P: A cellphone is a SKILLS.

pocket-sized gadget that

P: Ang cellphone man has a lot of usage.

gud kay gamay ra siya Through the use of

pero daghan kaayu cellphone, you are able to

siyag gamit ug isa pa attain technological skills.

maka acquire sad kag That is why it is very

mga skills nga important.

connected sa

technology. Mao nang

kailangan kaayo.

I: Unsa ang mga I: What strategies do you

estratehiya ang imong believe can be used to

gituohan nga magamit overcome the absence of

para masulbad ang cellphones as a tool for

pagkawad on sa developing research

cellphone isip usa ka skills?

gamiton para sa

pagpalambo sa kahanas P: I believe the strategies SCHOOL MUST

sa pag research? that can be used to REQUEST

overcome the absence of COMPUTER

P: Para sa akoa ang cellphones are for the LABS ANG

mga estratehiya na school to be able to STABLE

dapat gamiton kay dapat request a computer lab INTERNET

jud na mag request na and a stable internet CONNECTION.

ug computer lab ang connection. So that we, STUDENTS MAY

skwelahan, para sa mga as students, may compel BORROW PHONE

studyante, para our schoolwork or AND GO TO

mabuhat ang among research. I advice the COMPUTER

practical research and students who were at the SHOPS

stable na internet disadvantage, for now, we

connection. Pero sa can borrow someone

 pagka karun, kami, else’s phone or go to

students nga way mga computer shops.

cellphone ang

estratehiya nga gamiton

nato kay pwede ta

manghiram ug

cellphones or moadto sa

computer shop.

TABLE B. INTERPRETATION
The student expresses the significant impact of not having a cell

phone on the academic experience, especially in practical research tasks

that often require the use of a cell phone. Cell phones are considered

important research tools because of their convenience, affordability, and

embedded tools that enhance research skills. Without a cell phone, getting

information becomes a challenge, leading to difficulties in completing

schoolwork. Alternative means such as computers are used, but the lack of

mobile phones prevents the acquisition of technical skills crucial to modern

education. To solve this, the student recommends that schools create

computer labs and stable internet connections that effectively support

research activities and school work.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The findings indicated that having lack of access to a cellphone is a

challenging obstacle that these students from Grade 11 Senior High School

needed to encounter every day.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the critical role of cellphones in shaping students’

research skills and educational experiences, particularly emphasizing the

disparities in access faced by students of Grade 11 Senior High School in

Catigan National High School in Davao City. The findings underscore the

significant impact of digital inequality on students’ ability to engage with

technology, complete assignments, and develop essential research skills.

Insights drawn from the study reveal the challenges faced by students

without access to cellphones, the educational disadvantages they encounter,

and the innovative ways in which they navigate these barriers. Furthermore,

the study emphasizes the importance of addressing digital disparities in

education, promoting digital inclusion, and ensuring equitable access to

technology for all students.

The implications of the research extend to educational policies and

initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, supporting underprivileged

students, and enhancing research skills development in a digitized learning

environment. By delving into the lived experiences of students facing

challenges in accessing cellphones, this study provides valuable insights for

Department of Education, School Administrator and Researchers to create

more inclusive and effective strategies that empower all students to thrive in

a technology-driven educational landscape. Ultimately, the study calls for

concerted efforts to address digital inequalities, foster digital literacy, and

provide equal opportunities for all students to succeed in their academic.

RECOMMENDATION

• Implement programs and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital

divide by providing access to cellphones and technology resources for

at Catigan National High School. Collaborate with stakeholders to

secure funding and support for these initiatives.

REFERENCES