Are educational preschool apps designed to teach? An analysis of the app market

Melissa N. Callaghan · Stephanie M. Reich

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Child Development and Digital Technology Early Childhood Education and Development Mobile Learning in Education

Abstract

Over half of educational apps on mobile-app markets are for preschoolers, but little research has examined whether the designs of preschool apps are truly educational. Preschoolers process information differently from older learners (i.e., shorter attention spans), so app designs should be guided by developmental science. This content analysis of popular Apple and Android math and literacy preschool apps uses a developmental framework to code and analyze apps’ educational features. Findings show a wide variety of features apps used. However, few provided developmentally appropriate guidance, like scaffolded feedback. This study offers insights for improving apps to meaningfully teach preschoolers.

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References

2005Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis 2008Executive function in preschoolers: A review using an integrative framework.2011Gamification by Design: Implementing Game Mechanics in Web and Mobile Apps 2025Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education 2001Extrinsic Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation in Education: Reconsidered Once Again 2002Early Childhood Education: Young Adult Outcomes From the Abecedarian Project 2000Development of emergent literacy and early reading skills in preschool children: Evidence from a latent-variable longitudinal study.2015Putting Education in “Educational” Apps

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