Does the App Store Accurately Describe Educational Apps: An Investigation of Educational Benchmark Integration in Math Apps

• In Event: Teacher Agency, Attitudes, and Evaluation of Technology Integration

Abstract

There are numerous applications in the Apple App Store (AAS) and well-designed ones can improve learning (Fabian et al, 2016). Previous studies have used several benchmarks to evaluate educational quality of math apps found in the AAS (Dubé et al., 2020); however, research has yet to compare the presence of educational benchmarks in the AAS and to those found in the apps themselves (i.e., in-app play,IAP). The current study evaluated the apps presented in the AAS and via IAP for their inclusion of benchmarks. Comparisons showed that educational benchmarks were found in both settings; however, the IAP showed significantly more benchmarks than advertised in AAS. Developers should keep adopting educational benchmarks in apps while effectively and accurately informing the public.

Authors

• Run Wen, McGill University

• Sabrina Shajeen Alam, McGill University

• Gulsah Kacmaz, McGill University

• Rima Eyyi

• Adam Kenneth Dubé, McGill University