INTERNET USE HABITS OF FEU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

A Research Paper Presented to

The English Department
Far Eastern University Institute of Technology
Manila

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
ENGL4 Introduction to Research

Kyle Delos Reyes

Jaycon Estrada
Carlo M. Geron
Kirby R. Helmuth
October 2016

Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to show the effects on students health and academic
performance when they are connected to schools Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking
technology that enables users to connect to the internet. By the help of our research we are
proving that the students have the benefit of school Wi-Fi because they can search and access
in the internet and we can also say that there are disadvantages when the students overuse the
schools Wi-Fi. In terms of student health, we want to prove that there is also disadvantage
when using schools Wi-Fi. We gather some information using survey and our participants are
the students of Far Eastern University Institute of Technology.

Chapter I: Introduction
Background of the Study
Wi-Fi is the most used technology by the majority especially students. Wi-Fi is a wireless
networking technology that enables users to connect to the internet. Every now and then,
students use this technology. Being connected to Wi-Fi while in school helps them to
accomplish their projects and home works. This modern technology makes everyone`s life
easier especially the students as it shows or gives all sorts of information. Today, Wi-Fi is the
biggest connectivity technology (Benefits of Wi-Fi Technology, 2015). It allows users to stay
connected in a multitude of different places.
Wi-Fi can add a factor to universities enabling it to have new educational practices
because of this. Thus, high end speed access to online information enables more self-directed
learning among students, such as on time accomplishment of projects and assignments,
increased students motivation and active engagement in learning, improved teachers capacity
to plan for and not individual student needs, extended learning beyond classroom and lastly
increase parental engagement in learning, strengthening home-school connections.
Digital devices as an alternative tool for learning have also seen growth (McCoy, B.
2013). It makes the life of a student easier and more convenient because they carry their
gadgets around and they can look for anything online by connecting to the Wi-Fi. The true

power of technology is realized when it all links up together in a network (How can using Wifi in
Schools Benefit Students?, 2016). Today, Wi-Fi offers even more improvement on students
education. For years, technology has evolved into something greater and by far Wi-Fi is one of
the greatest creation of technology because it serves as a library of different kinds of information
which can be easily accessed by people especially students who have the required devices.
Hamblen (2008) said that students get information quickly when they are connected to Wi-Fi.
They inform when the school has an announcement via eLearning or social media (as cited in
Figueroa, n.d).
FEU Tech students have the benefit of school Wi-Fi, they can access PowerPoint
presentations in eLearning, and use YouTube for watching videos that may help them.

Review of Related Literature

Academic performance of a student is affected because of Wi-Fi. Using this advanced
technology can help students these days engage in new learning, but it can also be a distraction
(Belo, 2012). Instead of using Wi-Fi as an easy access in performing school related tasks, they
use it to visit their social media accounts, surf other networks, play computer games, hence
making their time spent unproductively. In a study conducted by Mehmood, Nizwa, Oman and
Taswir (2013) the use of social networking website has increased tremendously. They
conducted a survey on 1,000 students, and there is no connection of how much time they spend
using their gadgets connected to the Wi-fi with their academic performances. On a similar study,
students who use social media while studying have 20% lower result of grades than a student
who studies without multi-tasking. Kirschnera, P. and Karpynskib, A. (2011).

Another factor that affects a student who uses W-Fi frequently is health. Students tend
not to get enough rest and sleep. It is noticed that because of too much exposure of the eyes
using their gadgets, many students wear eyeglasses nowadays. A recent study conducted by
Havas says that it affects the health of a student. According to Havas, M. (2011), being exposed
to radiation can make students weak, and dizzy. It can make their resistance low due to
exposure of radiation. On a similar study, Cunnington D, Junge MF, Fernando AT (2013) also
wrote that sleeping near a phone, in a home with a Wi-Fi, can create chronic sleep problems as

the constant bombardment of Wi-Fi population intervenes with falling asleep and sleeping
patterns. But, according to Douglas (2015) Wi-Fi has no effect to the health of the students,
there is no accurate evidence that the Wi-Fi has a possible health effects in cellular models,
animals, or humans. Some research in International Agency for Cancer, proved that there are
no risks to humans, and the Wi-Fis radiologic waves are too low to cause damage in someones
health. Although the frequency of microwave radiation is same as the Wi-Fis radiologic wave,
the Wi-Fis heat is not manifest.
Nowadays, teenagers continue to enjoy the access of internet through Wi-Fi that they
always look-up to it wherever they go. Instead enjoying the company of friends in exchanging
ideas, they tend to be focused on their gadgets when Wi-Fi is available in the area. A study by
Joseph Mazer and Andrew Ladbetter (2012) explores how specific online communication
attitudes such as individuals tendency for online self-disclosure, social connection and online
anxiety predicted their compulsive and excessive internet use and in turn, poor well-being. If a
person has low communication skills, and they dont really socialize with others, they are more
like of being an anti-social because they depend on their gadgets and uses Wi-Fi to connect to
the internet.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer to the following questions:
1. How does the school`s free Wi-Fi affect the behavior of a student?
2. How can a student`s privacy be secured when connecting to the school`s Wi-Fi?
3. How can a student`s social interaction be affected when using the school`s Wi-Fi?
4. How efficient is the school`s Wi-Fi to the students when it comes to usage habits?
5. How can a student`s way of thinking be affected when using the school`s Wi-Fi?
Significance of the study

The study focuses on the usage of Wi-Fi by students. Mainly, the one who will benefit from this
study are the students. By this study, it can determine the effects of Wi-Fi to the students This
study will also uncover the advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi to student`s academics
performance and also about its health both mentally and physically.

Scoping and Limitations

The study mainly focuses on FEU Techs Wi-Fi and the students using it. FEU Tech
students are chosen for this topic because the school itself is offering a program that is based
on technology. It will elaborate the positive and negative performance of students in school, and
also focuses on the physical and mental health aspects. The limits of this study are the students
- the researchers focused on 50 FEU Tech students as respondents. Time - the researchers are
required to pass this study on schedule.
Chapter II: Methodology
Sample/Materials:
In this study, participants are limited to FEU Tech students. We are going to conduct a
survey on 100 FEU Tech students. The effects of Wi-Fi usage on students of FEU Tech. The
materials that are going to be used are 15 question survey questionnaire.
Research Design:
The research design that is going to be used is Descriptive. In descriptive quantitative
type of research, it is focused on the current status or phenomena of the study. By collecting
data, this can determine and demonstrate validity.
Data Analysis/Gathering:
The researchers will gather/analyze the data through the tally of the collected answers from the
questionnaires to know the effects of schools Wi-Fi in the behavior and academic performance
of the students.

Chapter III: Result

From the information shown in the pie charts above 73 (73%) of the students responded that
they are using the school`s Wi-Fi. While 27 (27%) of the respondents said that they are not
using the school`s Wi-Fi.

Reason why students access School`s Wi-Fi

To review for exams

Reading Online Modules

To use social media accounts

Doing assignments
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Series 2

The Clustered chart above shows the reason on why students access school`s Wi-Fi. The chart
shows that the most common thing that students do while their using the Wi-Fi is reviewing for
exams and doing assignments (35 - 50%). While other`s use it to access their social media
accounts and to read online modules ( 10 25%).

Overall Data
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Usage of Wi-Fi upto 15-30 mins

Doing Assignments

Using Social Accounts

Overall Data

Out of 100 respondents 70 answered yes to using the school`s Wi-Fi, most of them which is
around 50% answered that they are using the school`s Wi-Fi approximately 15-30 minutes
however 23% of the respondents are using the Wi-Fi more than 1-6 hours. While the other
reason for Wi-Fi access is to do assignments which is around 34%. Lastly 40% of the
respondents are the ones who reads online modules and use social media accounts are
students who use the school`s Wi-Fi to study or entertain theirselves.

Chapter IV: Discussion

Through the data discovered it is proved that among the 100 students who responded in
the survey are considered Wi-Fi users. There are four main reason why students access the WiFi. These are reviewing for upcoming exams, using social media accounts, doing assignments
and reading online modules but most of the respondents answered that the reason why they
access Wi-Fi is to review for upcoming exams. The respondents also answered that they use
the Wi-Fi for around 15-30 minutes for accessing social media accounts while other students
are browsing the power point presentations and read online modules for 1-6 hours.
Implication and Limitation
This study found out that most students from FEU Tech that took the survey had
problems about their behavior because of school`s Wi-Fi distracting them during class hours.
Other Students refused or doesnt use the school`s Wi-Fi in fear of their privacies or just trying
to be secured. While other student`s social interaction is being technology wise, like using the
school`s Wi-Fi to access social media accounts or to communicate with other people making
Wi-Fi affect the social interaction of a student. In terms of efficiency or usage habits the school`s
Wi-Fi is commonly being used every day by students on all premises on within the school.
Lastly the school`s Wi-Fi benefit the students way of thinking as it tries to enhance or help the
student on problems such as researching, assignments, projects and helping them review for
exams, quizzes. The researchers focus on the benefits of the students when they are connected
to the school`s Wi-Fi but the study has a limitation because other participants is not a Wi-Fi
user, They are using their own mobile data.
Summary and Conclusion:
The result of the study is that Wi-Fi in school help students finish their work faster. Which
makes them more productive in term of school activities and when it comes to the health of the
students, it can be distractive to them but if the student know how to control their time. The
technology called Wi-Fi is the most used technology in this era. Wi-Fi also makes the life of a
student much more convenient.

Recommendation:
The researchers of this study recommends that to improve this study, other researchers could
use descriptive study such as conducting surveys to FEU students in terms of the internet
habits. Other researchers may improve this study by including the mobile data of the students.

References:
Belo, R. (2012) Broadband in Schools: Effects on Student Performance and Spillovers for
Household Internet Adoption: Chapter One: Introduction. Retrieved from
http://repository.cmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1112&context=dissertations
Benefits of Wi-Fi Technology (2015, May 10). Retrieved from
http://blog.greenmountaincommunications.com/benefits-of-wi-fi-technology/
Cunnigton D, Junge MF, Fernando AT (2013) Insomnia: Prevalence Consequences and
effective treatment. Retrieved from
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1041794X.2012.686558

Douglas I. (2015) Wi-Fi is not harming our children. Retrieved from

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/mother-tongue/11599311/Wi-Fi-is-not-harming-ourchidrenheres-the-evidence.html

Hamblen, M (2008) WI-FI helps college student get better grades, survey says. Retrieved from
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2533547/mobile-wireless/wi-fi-helpscollegestudents-get-better-grades--survey-says.html
Havas, M. (2011, P.18) Wi-fi in Schools is safe. True or False? Retrieved from
http://electromagnetichealth.org/wpcontent/uploads/2011/12/Is_WiFi_in_School_Safe.pdf
How can using Wifi in Schools Benefit Students? (2016). Retrieved from
http://www.simplifi.co.uk/uncategorized/how-can-using-wifi-in-schools-benefit-students
Kirschnera, P. and arpynskib, A. (2011) Facebook leading to lower GPA? Retrieved from
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39038581/ns/technology_and_scienceback_to_school/t/facebookuse-can-lower-grades-percent-study-says/#.V-QR2vl97cc

Mazer J, and Ladbetter A. (2012) Southern Communication Journal. Retrieved from

https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2013/199/8/insomnia-prevalence-consequences-andeffectivetreatment

McCoy, B. (2013) Digital Distractions in the Classroom: Student Classroom Use of Digital
Devices for Non-Class Related Purposes. Retrieved from
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1070&context=journalismfacpu

Weisman J., and Dorn, B. (2014, P.5) State of Washington Responding to Wi-Fi Safety
Concerns in our Schools: Summary/Results. Retrieved from
http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/documents/4100/wifisafety_jan2014_draftfinal.pdf

Appendix:
1. Do you use the school`s Wi-Fi?
A. Yes
B. No

If Yes, proceed to the next question. If No, why not:

____________________________________________
2. What gadget do you prefer to use the Wi-Fi?
A. Laptop
B. Smartphone
C. School`s Computer
3. Which do you prefer in connecting to the internet?
A. Mobile Data
B. School`s Wi-Fi
4. Is the school`s Wi-Fi accessible in all premises inside the Campus?

A. Yes
B. No
5.

How many hours do you usually spend when connected to the school`s Wi-Fi?
A. 15-30 minutes
B. 1-3 hours
C. 4-6 hours

6. Does having Wi-Fi in the campus help you do your assignments faster?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Sometimes
7. What do you usually do when you are connected to FEU Tech`s Wi-Fi?
A. Using Social Media Accounts
B. Reading Online Modules
C. Both

8. Does having Wi-Fi in school help you review for exams?

A. Yes
B. No
9. Does having Wi-Fi in school entertain you when you are bored?
A. Yes
B. No
10. In terms of school activities, does the school`s Wi-Fi keep you updated?
A. Yes
B. No
11. Is the speed of the school`s Wi-Fi enough to help you in your academics?
A. Yes
B. No
12. Does the school`s Wi-Fi distract you during class hours?
A. Yes
B. No

13. Does the school`s Wi-Fi help you achieve better grades?
A. Yes
B. No

14. how would you rate the school`s Wi-Fi in terms of efficiency? (3 being the highest and 1
as the lowest):
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
15. How many times in a week do you use the school`s Wi-Fi?
A. Everyday
B. Once a week
C. 2 3 times a week