iPhone and iPad, 6 Reasons Why Children Love Them as Much as Adults
27 August, 2010 - Blog
Guest Post By Sharon L. Cohen
Many new apps were ready and waiting in the wings when Apple announced its first iPad sales, a large number of them for children. In the beginning weeks, in fact, nearly all of the top iPad apps were created for this younger population. Although “games for guys” have long topped the list of winners with the iPhone, there are also a slew of iPhone and iPod apps for toddlers to teenagers. Joan Ganz’ 2009 book, A Content Analysis of the iTunes App Store’s Education Section, cited Susan DeWitt of PBS as saying that 60% of the top paid educational iPhone apps are for preschoolers. App developers find that the mom/dad/child demographic can be quite successful.A number of reasons may be driving this interest in children’s apps:
1 – Intergenerational Lifestyle: Since so many young parents can’t live without their mobile devices, it comes as no surprise that they’re using them at home for other reasons, too. More and more people are gravitating away from spending time in front of their television, and even computers, and instead using apps for their work and personal interests. It makes sense for these mobile users to buy apps for their children, as well—especially when they’re so inexpensive or free. It is not only the adults who are spending more time in the digital world. Many tweens and teens view their iphone or iPod Touch as another appendage. They watch TV, text message on their phones, IM on their laptops and listen to music all at the same time. Why can’t they take out the garbage or walk the dog?
2 – Delightful Device Design: Children—even two year olds—play educational games on a laptop. However, it’s much easier and enjoyable to fool around with technology like the iPad or iPhone where touch—the most basic human sense—manipulates the screen. These tykes can also hold their device in all different directions and sometimes even shake it. They can easily play on the floor, in bed, on the couch and in the car, alone or cuddling up next to someone else. And, then hopefully fall asleep!3 – Connectivity and Interactivity: Enhanced digital features keep apps innovative, creative, and filled with sound and animation. Children can hear and see a book read to them word-by-word. Or, they can read a book and then hear themselves read it back. They can interact with the app by playing a piano, plotting the stars or touching a picture and seeing the words pop out. And, this is only the tip of the iceberg. As developers become more comfortable with this technology, many more surprises will come. We haven’t seen anything yet!
4 – Electronic Education: A study administered by PBS with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education found that educational iPhone apps can increase a child’s vocabulary acquisition by as much as 31% within two weeks. The researchers first tested the vocabulary level of 90 Title I school children ages 3 to 7. Then, each child received an iPod Touch for two weeks, which was loaded with the PBS Kids Martha Speaks app.
The study monitored the length of time the children used the iPod, at what time during the day or night, and in what context. Parents could call in to a hot line with interesting anecdotes or observations. On average, the children played with the device for a total of five hours during the two weeks. Half of this time was spent with Martha Speaks. The study didn’t require kids to play with the device or the PBS app: It was all volunteer. The children were tested again after two weeks, and, voila, their vocabulary had improved significantly!
5 – Learning Entertainment: Increasing numbers of teachers from elementary school to college are incorporating app usage into their classroom lesson plans, since this technology combines education and entertainment. By using traditional teaching methods along with the latest digital innovations, teachers and professors can give students another way to enhance their cognitive skills with interactive games and activities. Similarly, more colleges and universities are either giving students free iPads (that is, included as part of the hefty tuition) or iPad discounts, instead of the previous laptop giveaways. If their textbook can be downloaded onto the iPad, they have nothing else to carry!
6 – Special Applications: Researchers are finding that the iPad may help children with autism. Since its launch, parents and educators have used the iPad with autistic children in numerous homes and classrooms worldwide. Although computer software has been designed for this use, many professionals say the iPad is less expensive and faster, as well as more versatile, user-friendly, portable, interactive, and enjoyable. Children can easily manipulate the pages and receive additional motivation to learn. This portable device grabs their attention and reduces impatience. The iPad has helped some of these children communicate their thoughts to adults for the first time, as well as learn lifestyle tasks and activities. Developers are now making more apps specifically for children with special needs.
Sharon L. Cohen is creator of “Family&MeReader,” an intergenerational early reader and storytelling app for iPad/iPhone for children K-1 and parents/grandparents coming out in September. We’ll be posting more about her upcoming site and apps in the very near future.
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