Mobile games and science learning: A comparative study of 4 and 5 years old playing the game Angry Birds

作     者：Herodotou, Christothea 

作者机构：Open Univ Innovating Pedag Milton Keynes Bucks England 

出 版 物：《BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY》 (Br J Educ Technol)

年 卷 期：2018年第49卷第1期

页      面：6-16页

核心收录：

学科分类：0401[教育学-教育学] 04[教育学] 

基　　金：British Educational Research Association (BERA) 

主　　题：Telecommunications Handheld Devices Educational Technology Technology Uses in Education Computer Oriented Programs Computer Games Preschool Children Comparative Analysis Motion Concept Formation Science Instruction 

摘      要：A popular activity among young children is the use of mobile devices and apps. Yet, the impact of mobile devices on learning and development is rather underexplored. The limited studies identified explore effects on literacy development and communication and report on mixed findings. A considerable gap is observed as to how the use of mobile apps relates to young children s understanding in diverse domains including science learning, and to extend, whether and how mobile apps should be used and how in early years settings. The aim of this paper is to shed light on this area by examining the learning effects of touch screen mobile game applications, in particular the game Angry Birds, on two groups of preschoolers 4 and 5 years old respectively. Evidence from a comparative study with 32 participants reveal significant differences between the two groups in terms of game skills and their understanding of projectile motion. Implications for educational stakeholders, parents and app designers are discussed along with future research directions.