Work

Learning apps at home prepare children for school

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The usage of high-quality learning applications (apps) at home may increase children's mathematical and literacy competencies. This approach was tested in a family intervention study. Intervention families (n = 302) in two German cohorts (N = 500; M (SD)age = 61.0 (4.6) months; n ♀ = 302) received tablets with newly developed learning apps focusing either on mathematical or literacy learning for every-day usage at home across half a kindergarten year. Compared with two control groups with and without tablets, children in the intervention groups significantly enhanced their specific competencies (η2 = .03–.10). Higher app usage was associated with greater gains (ΔR2 = .01–.02). Consequently, an easy-to-apply app-based intervention supports children's development of cognitive competencies and helps prepare them for school.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14184

Authors: Frank Niklas, Efsun Birtwistle, Anna Mues, Astrid Wirth

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Nottingham, University of Vienna

Language: English

Topic: Child Development and Digital Technology

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070