Classification and evaluation of educational apps for early childhood: Security matters

Abstract

This study explored certain popular educational apps’ vital characteristics and potential profiles ( n1 = 50) for kindergarten kids. The profile analysis involved a categorization ascended from an evaluation process conducted by pre-service early childhood teachers’ ( n2 = 295) at the University of Crete, Greece, using a new instrument, validated in the present research, the ETEA-2 scale. The categorization criteria were the five dimensions of the ETEA-2: Learning, Suitability, Usability, Security, and Parental Control. The classification based on Latent Class Analysis led to three apps' profiles: Cluster/profile 1 includes apps that have high values in Learning, Usability, Suitability, and medium Parental Control and Security; Cluster/Profile 2 includes apps with medium Learning, Usability, Suitability, but low Parental Control and High Security; Cluster/Profile 3 includes apps with medium Learning, Usability, Suitability, but low Parental Control and low Security. This profile scheme is an indicative categorization summarizing the crucial features that popular apps possess and can help parents and/or educators’ decision-making on choosing the desirable application for their kids. Moreover, from an independent evaluation of these specific fifty apps sought on the internet, the members of Cluster2/Profile 2 were the most popular and preferable, as suggested by the number of downloads. This profile is distinguished for the security dimension.

Case Study: Parenting Use of Digital Technology in Preschool Children by Middle-Class Digital Immigrant Parents

“…The research instruments used for parenting using digital technology in preschoolage children include activities using digital technology, digital game content, parenting approaches, parental knowledge of digital technology, and behavioral problems in using digital technology (Vaiopoulou et al, 2021;Wu et al, 2014). The questions in this study were formulated by researchers based on the parents' knowledge of digital technology, parent and child technology use activities, and behavioral problems in using digital technology.…”

“…The lower middle class is studied because, based on this context, economic literacy is an interesting determining factor, given the gaps related to aspects of knowledge (Hasan et al, 2021). In addition, indicators of low parental understanding of digital technology in the context of parenting, namely basic mastery (e.g., understanding the use of existing applications and features); second, the application of time limits on the use of technology for children and the application of content limits according to the age of the child; third, the ability to receive information about digital technology; and fourth, the adjustment of needs according to the stage of child development in utilizing digital technology (Vaiopoulou et al, 2021;Wu et al, 2014). Therefore, these indicators became an aspect of the writer's selection of research informants.…”

The use of Kahoot in preschool mathematics education

“…Several researchers have designed and implemented mobile educational applications with game elements to enhance preschool students' mathematical skills (Papadakis et al, 2022a;2022b). In their study, Schacter and Jo (2016) implemented Math Shelf, a math curriculum with smart mobile devices for preschool children, based on Maria Montessori's activities and instructions (Vaiopoulou et al, 2022). They found a significant increase in the math knowledge of students who used this program at school.…”

Mobile Applications for Cultural Tourism – Past, Present, and Future. Criteria for a Successful Mobile App

“…A significant indicator that remains in the background for users of travel mobile applications is their security. From our perspective, this indicator is of utmost importance for both educational mobile applications aimed at school children [37] and any mobile application aiming to succeed and prosper by satisfying one of the leading factors: security and privacy.…”