A new study finds that educational iPhone apps can increase a child’s vocabulary acquisition by as much as 31 percent within two weeks, CNET reports. The study is part of a larger look at the relationship between technology and education, administered by PBS and funded by a grant from the Department of Education. To glimpse the potential of mobile apps as a new educational medium, the study first tested the vocabulary level of a group 90 Title I school children, ages 3 to 7. Then, the children each were given two weeks with an iPod Touch loaded with the Martha Speaks app created by PBS Kids. The study monitored how the children used the iPod, how long they used it for, during what hours, and in what context. A call-in voice mailbox was established so that parents could relate any anecdotes or observations about their child’s time with the device. On average, the study found that kids played with the iPod Touch for a total of 5 hours across the two weeks, with half that time spent playing the Martha Speaks app. It’s important to note that the study didn’t require kids to play with the device or the app—all play was self-initiated. At the end of the two-week trial, the children were given another vocabulary test, which revealed an increase in vocabulary acquisition by as much as 31 percent…
- ‘Buyer’s remorse’ dogging Common Core rollout - October 30, 2014
- Calif. law targets social media monitoring of students - October 2, 2014
- Elementary world language instruction - September 25, 2014
