Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Learning has come into different levels, from the traditional ways into a modernized one,

may be manual or with the help of technology. Its evolution rises along with the generation. As

study shown by Schwabe (2005), mobile technologies offer the opportunity to embed learning

in a natural environment. Students come up with their way of learning, citizens continue to

develop things that will certainly help them in order to do so, thus instructional designers and

educators recognize the potential of mobile technologies as a learning tool for students and

have incorporated them into the distance learning environment according to Park (2011).

Abacus, an apparatus originated in China, is a frame that holds thin metal rods with balls

that slide used for calculating. Traditionally, this had been a part of the learning journey of early

students even in other place in Asia including the Philippines, for calculating is easier with this.

Consisting of beads assigned with values, abacus had been the most primitive way of

calculating. Adams (2014) showed in his study that children performed very well in

understanding numbers and place value concepts after using Japanese abacus. Alongside the

easier way of computing, it is also a way that makes learning how to calculate faster. From

moving beads to counting them and instantly, the amount and value was achieved. Students

then tend to learn early mathematics by the use of abacus, supported by a study done by

University College London (2016), children will not be able to understand abstract words and

concepts until around age 9 or 10. That child will still have gone through 4 or 5 years of school
and struggled with abstract concepts like math and numbers. Without having something

physical and concrete, the child will only rely on memorization and will have limited

understanding of what they are doing.

Technology has been a part of daily lives, may be in different aspects specifically in

education. As easy as one click, information needed will be sent along with its method.

Technology is widely used and can be seen in mass, with different age frame, one can say that

this become generic most probably for students. Galanek (2018) research study shows that at

least three fourths of the student rate their overall technology as good or excellent. Linking

abacus traditionally, into modern one is coping with students’ need for better learning. Today’s

generation situates themselves into something enjoying, thus making them leave to things that

don’t satisfy theirs at all. Computer games provide opportunities for student engagement in a

non-threatening environment that can, if utilized correctly, improve student performance in

academic skills. Brooke and Solomon (2001) describe play as a “situation in which there is no

fear of failure because there is no goal, either internally or externally imposed” For students

with learning difficulties this can be significant and merging learning into something interesting

must have given them a push in order to focus more into certain areas. These apps ensure

interactive and effective learning, by transforming the boring lessons and helping the students

to visualize each and everything as stated by Martini (2017).

Statement of the Problem

 The general concern of this study is to improve the application of the tri-abacus in

creating a mobile app game.

The following were addressed in this study:

1. How does the students/respondents perform before and after using the

traditional abacus and Tri-abacus?

2. What is the difference between the improvement of score of students who use

the traditional abacus and the TAMP?

3. Is there a significant difference between the pre-test scores of students after

using TAMP?

Objective of the Study

1. To develop a tri-abacus mobile app that will help the Grade 3 students on math

focused on basic algebraic operation like addition and subtraction skills.

2. To evaluate whether the TAMP is effective in ?? the addition and subtraction of

Grade 3 than the traditional abacus.

Research Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

• Ease of use
•User satisfaction
 Design
 Functionality
Hypothesis

The selected students in Pakil Elementary School will not be satisfied on the improved

application of Tri-Abacus Operation through the use of mobile application.

Significance of the Study

The following are the beneficiaries of the study:

Elementary Students. Learning mathematics is challenging especially if not introduced

well. Students will be familiarized once the application is used and enhancements and

improvements are expected outcomes.

Mobile Application Developer. This is a great opportunity for developers to create an

application such this. For this is essential for the growth of a student, teachers and other in-

charge will consider consulting one in order to introduce to the students the application that

will certainly help their studies.

Teachers. This will introduce them into a modern and improved way of teaching.

Especially to teachers who has students that have difficulties in Mathematics.

Department of Education (DepEd). This might be considered for development of quality

of education in the Philippines. Not only in Mathematics, but also with other aspects. Usage of

technology along the learning process might lengthen and stretch students’ capabilities . Future
Researchers. Data gathered by the researchers would be helpful a useful for future ones who

have plans in doing so.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of the study includes the time range, money spent, when and where the

study will be conducted, number of respondents as well as the materials needed for the study.

This analysis as conducted to determine the status of application of Tri-Abacus in mobile

application only to grade 3 students. The respondents are consisting of 20 random grade 3

students. Also, students with smart phones with them will have a higher possibility to be a

respondent of the study. The data collection will last for one week, given with a pre-test, then

for familiarization of the application then a test after.

The general budget for the research will cost 600 pesos minimum up to 1500pesos

inclusive of transportation and materials needed.

Limitation of the Study

The study is limited only to selected grade school students as an additional learning to

easily understand the use of tri-abacus mobile app. This is not allowed for any lower level than

grade 1 and higher than grade 12. Respondents must be in the 3 rd grader students for the data

collection in our study.

 The researchers will focus on the data to be gathered before the introduction of the

application itself and answer it. Also, the money prepared will be used only for those necessities

along the study. A simple token of appreciation will also be given to those who participated

Definition of Terms

Abacus - an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in

grooves or a slab that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column.

Tri-abacus – a three layered abacus.

Mobile app- is a type of application software designed to run on a mobile device, such as

a smartphone or tablet computer.