Background Study
According to a dictionary definition, “A gadget is a small tool or device that has a specific useful purpose and function. Gadgets tend to be more unusual or cleverly designed than normal technology.” Our lives were changed by technology since the 20th century. Many gadgets that were invented back then were now forgotten or disregarded. All gadgets were created differently. In fact most gadgets are built on the newest technology. Devices fall into four categories: mechanical, electronic, programmable, and application. Mechanical gadgets include the wheel, the pulley, the bicycle, the sail boat, and the sort. Followed by electricity, gadgets were improved and taken to a new level as inventors discover a different uses of newly applied electricity. The television, radio and quartz watch are some of the examples of electronic devices. After electricity, inventors toyed around with electronic information via microprocessor where begins the age of programmable devices such as computers, and later, MP3 players and the iPhone. Application gadgets include iTunes, Microsoft Office, and other computer applications that customize our experience in programmable devices.
In today’s generation, modern technology has improved people's lives in many fields such as medicine, work, industry, and especially in education. This helps not only the professionals but also the children and students at the very young age. Way back then where technology does not still exists, student starts to learn through reading books and taking some notes of what their teachers’ said. But when the technology came and grows, students depend their learning from what they saw and heard on their tablets, mini-Computers/laptops or cellphones. Gadgets are very useful because everyone can accomplish their tasks with efficiency. It made everyone’s life easier and more comfortable. Similarly, Shy (2010) says that no one can deny the fact that gadgets have not only simplified our lives but also made them more comfortable and luxurious. Indeed, these gadgets really made a huge impact in our lives and became part of it. Many people cannot even imagine a world without smart phones, laptops, tablets and so on.
It is amazing that kids today already know how to use tablets and smart phones. Action figures, board games, and recreational activities seem to be forgotten by today’s generation because they were all focused on playing and watching on their smart phones and tablets. But is it really good that all those touch screen devices are so wide spread among the growing up generation? FBlog gathered some facts and interviewed top US mommy bloggers about gadget influence on kids. Touch screens have taken over all other forms of playful delight for kids. Maybe, this is one of the reasons why tablets and smartphones are the most desired presents for Christmas and birthday among kids 5-12 years old. A research by Michael Cohen Group reveals that 60% of kids under 12 plays on a portable screen more often, while 38% play very often. Gadgets have become the most preferable toy in today’s generation.
Almost all of the students especially the elementary students are seen using electronic gadgets like laptop, smart phones, tablets, etc. // Therefore, the researchers came up with the idea on what will be the influence of gadgets to the elementary students. These students may get addicted in using gadgets that affect their studies or may help students learn in a way they are more comfortable with and this will depends only on how the students used it. With this study, the students will understand now how to use it properly and not abuse it.// These students are getting addicted in electronic gadgets that affect their studies. They use gadgets as an alternative to books. They find it easier to browse on the internet rather than the books. They all rely their works on it. As a result, they forget to be responsible on their own and let the world of electronic gadgets control them. Students spend more time on electronic gadgets because they believe that they will finish their assignments or research papers easily by using it. Some possible effects that students may encounter are losing of concentration during class time and lack of sleep. Students nowadays spend several hours each day using their smart phones and tablets that lead them to change their sleeping habit and stay up late every night. This lack of sleep can affect their school performance and lessen their study time. On the other hand, using gadgets for students could also be useful and more convenient for their study needs. As mentioned earlier, gadgets make lives easier and more comfortable. That is why students prefer to use gadgets as their tool to search for their assignments and research papers in an easier way. Gadgets help students learn in a way they are more comfortable with because as we know, every students have their own different ways of studying. Many online games, story-telling, online tools, etc., help teachers and parents provide students personalized learning environment. It has become easy for teachers to involve their students with lesson concepts through presentations rather than to depend on textbooks, blackboard or whiteboard. There are many possible effects on using electronic gadgets. And it depends only on how the students used it. Students must know how to use it properly and not abuse it.