Differential Effects of the iPad on Language learning in Children

This study investigates the differential effects of the iPad on language learning by children in Saudi Arabia. The focus of the study is on the informal, out-of-school use of the iPad.

A sample of 118 parents was interviewed using open-ended questions. The sample of children was grouped into 3 age groups: (i) 1-6 (kindergarten and pre-school children), (ii) 7- 9 (children in grades 1-3); and 10-12 (children in grades 4-6). The three groups will be compared as to effect of the iPad on language learning.

In general, parents reported that the iPad is more effective in helping children under the age of 6 in language learning than children in grades 1-3, and grades 4-6. According to the parents, the older the children, the less used the iPad is in language learning. Older children mainly use the iPad to play games and watch movies but not for language learning purposes. However, there are few exceptions of children who acquire some English words from games, read some stories or look up difficult words from the dictionary.

On the contrary, more children under the age of 6 use the iPad to learn English than Arabic (46%); 27% do not use it for language leaning purposes.

More young children use the iPad in learning English than Arabic because they go to international kindergarten, lived abroad (such as the UK) with their parents, and because parents are English instructors. Few children do not like the iPad. Others focus on games and movies, not instructional (language learning) Apps.

In addition, the parents reported that the iPad helps children under the age of 6 to learn the alphabet, numbers, and new vocabulary such as names of animals, colors, fruits, seasons, continents from special Apps, games, cartoons, movies, nursery rhymes, stories and flash cards. They also learn pronunciation and slang words. The iPad helps children focus and engage in learning as the Apps are interactive and use color, animation, audio and video. Children can use and re-use the Apps any time and as many times as they wish. Negative effects of the iPad in language learning include bad handwriting, and some children no longer read paper books.

The presentation will report the results in details, and will give examples and recommendations for the better use of the iPad.