Montazami, A. (2020). Why this app? How educators and parents choose good educational apps (Publication No. 28383963) [Doctoral dissertation, McGill University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Abstract:

“Over 80% of top selling educational apps are targeted at children. Thus, it is critical to know how educators and parents are choosing apps for students. It is also paramount to understand what indicates a quality educational app that enhances learning. Through the use of two theoretical frameworks (i.e., TPACK and U&G), educators and parents app selection behavior were investigated. Educator and parent app selection will provide insights into their TPACK and app specific needs, respectively. The present studies investigated which features educators and parents value when selecting apps from the App Store. This question was addressed by two studies, an eye tracking study with educators (n = 57) and an online study with parents (n = 180). In both studies, participants viewed 10 mock math apps that replicated the App Store presentation format. Five apps included key educational benchmarks and five contained educational buzzwords. Immediately following each app, participants provided value judgements of the app (e.g., would you download it?). Results indicated that both educators and parents value educational benchmarks over buzzwords; both value apps that feature development team, scaffolding, and guiding curriculums more than those with central learning theories and feedback. Thus, educators’ educational app knowledge and parents’ app needs seem to align with some, but not all, of the research on what makes a good educational app.”