Interactivity and Preschoolers’ STEM Learning

• In Event: Children, Adolescents, and Media: Research Escalator 2

Abstract

Educational media may provide a key informal context for early learning of STEM concepts. While educational TV is still very popular for the preschool age group, many educational programs now have accompanying apps and games that can be played on mobile devices and computers. One prominent feature of these new technologies is their interactivity. This study will utilize a 2x2 experimental design (N = 100) to test the unique influence of interactivity on preschoolers’ learning of STEM content. Embracing an embodied cognition perspective, we hypothesize that children who engage with an interactive mobile app that teaches STEM content will show greater evidence of learning than children who engage with a non-interactive app that otherwise presents that same content. Because children have been found to demonstrate a passion for interactive media, we also expect interactivity to have a positive impact on enjoyment.

Authors

• Fashina Alade, Northwestern University

• Leanne Beaudoin-Ryan, Northwestern U