2. Using Mobile Media Devices and Apps to Promote Young Children’s Learning Sharon Judge, Ph.D. Old Dominion University

3. Mobile Learning
Refers to smart phones, video iPods, and iPads or other tablet devices
Pass-back effect or digital pacifier
Mobile apps are type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks used on mobile devices

4. Use of Mobile Media Devices
At age 4, 75% of children had their own mobile device
97% of children used mobile devices
Children started using mobile devices in their 1st year
At age 2, most children use a device daily
Kabali et al. (2015). Exposure and use of mobile media devices by young children. Pediatrics, 136(6), 1-9.

5. Benefits of Mobile Learning
Portability and ease
Opportunities for inclusion and social interactions
Anywhere, anytime learning
Accommodate many different needs and learning styles
Achieve digital equity

6. Challenges in Mobile Learning
Social
Amount of screen time
Monitoring children’s access
Health concerns
Distraction
Parents question educational value

7. Challenges in Mobile Learning
Research
Little research validates quality of apps and devices
Technological
Poorly-designed mobile media devices
Screen size, text entry method, battery life
Complexity of device

8. 1st Wave of Apps Fire-alarm syndrome Too-many-choices traps
Masquerading “educational” app
Rote memorization
Empty calories
No educational content
Attention-deficit design
Constantly changing what is presented
Hirsh-Pasek et al. (2015). Putting education in “educational” apps: Lessons from the science of learning. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(1), 3-34.

9. Evidence-based App Development- Four Pillars of Learning
Active or Minds-on Learning
Interactivity
Words for Osmo
Sustained Engagement in Learning Process
Intrinsic & extrinsic motivation & feedback
Morton Subotnick’s Pitch Painter

10. Evidence-based App Development- Four Pillars of Learning
Meaningful Learning
Solve problems or demonstrate proficiency
Motion Math
Social Interaction
Multiple users
Speak a Zoo

11. Critically Examining Apps for Young Children with Disabilities
Evaluate Accessibility
Universal Design Framework & Principles
Examine for Developmentally Appropriate Practices & Content
Based on child’s interest
Allows child to make choices
Addresses current learning needs while simultaneously challenging child to grow
Includes socially appropriate language

12. Critically Examining Apps for Young Children with Disabilities
Examine for Individual Learning Needs
Allows customization to meet child’s unique needs
Compatible with assistive technology used
Difficulty can be adjusted
Aligned with IEP/IFSP goals & outcomes
Can be embedded into daily routines
Content addresses multiple skills
More, C.M., & Travers, J.C. (2013). What’s app with that? Selecting educational apps for young children with disabilities. Young Exceptional Children, 16(2),

13. Strategies for Integration
E-book reading
Video modeling & social stories
Virtual Manipulatives
Speech apps for voice output devices
Speech to text apps

14. Implications
Research on how content consumed & context affect child development
Investigate characteristics of apps that are most effective for teaching young children
Research needed to update recommendations for families & providers
Built-in accessibility features

15. Mobile Media Resources
Best Apps for Kids
Mom with Apps
SpedApps2
Apps for Children with Special Needs
Bridging Apps
Common Sense Media
Parents’ Choice

16. Questions
For more information

17. “Assistive and Instructional Technology Supporting Learners with Disabilities”
The Center on Technology and Disability is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under award #H327F – 13A.