Background of the Study

The use of laptops and personal computers in the classroom has become a

ubiquitous practice in many developed countries. However, the impact of these devices

on academic performance remains a topic of debate among educators and researchers

around the world. A study conducted by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014) in the United

States found that students who used laptops in class performed worse on tests than those

who took handwritten notes. In contrast, a study conducted by Chen and colleagues

(2018) in Singapore found that students who used laptops were able to take more

comprehensive notes and had a better understanding of the material. These conflicting

findings highlight the need for further research on the relationship between laptop use

and academic performance.

In the Philippines, the use of laptops and personal computers in the classroom is

also becoming more common. With the implementation of the K-12 program, students

are encouraged to use technology to enhance their learning experience. However, there

is a lack of research on how the use of laptops and PCs affects academic performance

in the local context. A study conducted by Torres and Colleagues (2019) in a private

university in Manila found that students who used laptops in class had higher grades than

those who did not use laptops. However, the study also found that excessive use of

laptops during class was associated with lower academic performance. These findings

suggest that while laptops can be a useful tool for learning, educators and students need

to be mindful of how and when they are used in the classroom.

The use of laptops and personal computers has become increasingly prevalent in

the education sector, especially with the implementation of the K-12 program in the

Philippines. However, there is a lack of research on how laptop/PC ownership affects the

academic performance of Grade 12 ICT CSS students. This is an important issue to

address, as laptops and PCs can be a significant financial investment for students and

their families.

To address this issue, a research study can be conducted to investigate the

relationship between laptop/PC ownership and academic performance among Grade 12

ICT CSS students. The study can collect data on the number of students who own laptops

or PCs, how often they use them for academic purposes, and their grades in various

subjects. The study can also explore the students' perceptions of how owning a laptop/PC

affects their learning experience.

Based on the findings of the study, educators and policymakers can develop

strategies to support students who do not have access to laptops or PCs, such as

providing loaner devices or creating computer labs. Additionally, the study can inform

discussions on the role of technology in education and how it can be used to enhance

learning outcomes.