Digital Play Newsletter 1
Many apps are fun and engaging for children. But if we also want children to learn through their digital play then how do apps measure up?
A recent review assessed the learning potential of the 100 most downloaded ‘educational’ apps for children on the App Store and Google Play. It found that most were not well designed to support child learning. Apps were rated on a scale from 0 to 3. Only 6% received the highest score of 3 for ‘supporting meaningful learning’ (see graph). Most (87%) offered little support for social interaction – for example features which allow or encourage parents or other children to play along, or chances to interact with digital characters.
Rating for 'supports meaningful learning'
Source: Meyer and colleagues (2021)
Luckily, there is lots of good advice available for choosing good quality apps...
The National Literacy Trust have lots of tips for using technology and choosing apps for children. They also have information on a huge range of apps that have been reviewed by independent experts. Click here for details. Click here for an article featuring one of our team on 'how to raise happier kids in a digital age'.
Did you know…..that children get more out of apps when they use them together with an adult?
We have been looking at the research on what works best for adults and children using apps together. We recommend looking for apps that…
* Let you go at your pace
• leave time for talk
• have simple controls
• are not too ‘busy’
* Encourage conversation & real-world activities
• Are there interesting things to talk about?
• Can you recreate the game offline?
* Support collaboration
• Opportunities to play together
• Ideas for the adult
• Structure for different roles
* Are interesting for your child…
...but also for you! You will play for longer if the app isn't driving you mad!
* Are right for your family
Does it fit into your routines and the kinds of things you already do?
Can I join the Digital Play Family Research Hub if I’m not a parent?
Yes! Anyone interested in keeping up to date with research on this exciting topic is welcome to join.
Sign up here to join the Hub. Find out more about the Family Research Hub here.
What would YOU like to see in future newsletters?
If you have ideas for topics you’d like to see featured, please get in touch!
