Dr. Michelle Riconscente
Tina Barseghian of Mind/Shift (KQED) reported on the first controlled experimental study to test whether educational iPad apps are delivering on their promise to boost students’ learning. The study, carried out by USC Rossier Professor Michelle Riconscente, found that an iPad app called Motion Math significantly improved fifth-graders’ fractions knowledge and attitudes compared to a control group. The full report was released Wednesday by the GameDesk Institute.
The study was also reviewed by Cult of Mac, which noted that students who used the app for 20 minutes for five days improved on a fractions test by an average of 15 percent compared to the control group. Using Motion Math also improved the kids’ attitudes about fractions by 10 percent. The students who used the app said they would gladly play it again or recommend it to their friends.
Softpedia also reported on the study: iPad Makes Learning Math a Breeze, Study Shows.
Stories were featured by ABC News and Wired, among many other news outlets.
Children’s Technology Review will have a story in its December issue.
Screenshots:
Star falling from top of screen. Player must tilt the device so the star falls at the correct location on the number line.
Wrong answers trigger increasingly explicit hints. This screen shows the last hint the player receives before losing the level.
