Choosing Quality Apps in Early Childhood: What Every Parent and Educator Should Know
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In today’s digital age, children are daily exposed to technology from a very early age. As educators and families, it's essential to ensure that the apps and the digital content they access are purposeful, safe, and educational, not just entertaining. And it is used thoughtfully, apps can support learning, creativity, and communication in the early years.
So, let’s explore what makes an app of quality in early childhood. How to choose the right ones? Why is this important? (ACEQCA, 2022).
What Is a Quality App?
-A quality app in early childhood is much more than games. It should:
Promote active engagement children do something, rather than passive watching (Serafini, 2012).
Be age-appropriate in both content and design
Allow for open-ended exploration and creativity
Be free from advertisements, in-app purchases or distracting features
Be simple enough for children to navigate independently or with minimal support
Match the child’s age, interest, and developmental level (Luke & Freebody, 1990).
Most importantly, it supports developmentally appropriate skills like language, probm-solving, and creativity (AGDE, 2022; Mayesky, 2015).
-Some apps that allow children to create, express, and explore, supporting educational and emotional development :
Toca Life World encourages storytelling and roleplay.
Book Creator helps children make their own digital books.
Draw and Tell combines drawing with oral language (AGDE, 2022; Mayesky, 2015).
How Do We Choose the Right Apps?
How Do We Choose the Right Apps?
When selecting apps for children, It is essential to think about
Does this app have any educational value? Does this app help children learn something new? Is it linked to real-life experiences or skills? Does the app match the child’s age and abilities?
Does it help children's engagement? Will this app hold the child’s attention through interactivity and creativity or challenge them? Does it encourage curiosity, imagination, or storytelling?
Can the child use it independently or with support? Does it encourage problem-solving or just repetitive tapping? Are there ads, pop-ups, or unnecessary distractions?
Read reviews from trusted early childhood websites like Common Sense Media or look for educator-recommended apps that align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Test the app yourself before introducing it to children.
Choose apps that align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), especially Outcomes 4 and 5Children develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching, and investigating. Make sure children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts (ACEQCA, 2022; AITSL, 2023).
Why Does It Matter?
Why Does It Matter?
-Choosing the right apps can:
Deeply influences how children think, play, and communicate.
Support positive learning habits and attitudes toward technology
Build critical early skills like language, thinking, and creativity (Serafini, 2012).
Encourage children to be creators of content and creative thinkers
Help families and educators model healthy digital use and balance
Support language and literacy (Serafini, 2012).
Develop problem-solving and creativity
Encourage collaboration and communication
Build children's confidence in using digital tools
-At the same time, avoiding:
overstimulation and limited thinking.
Passive screen time.
Inappropriate content.
Frustrate children with poor design (AGDE, 2022; Mayesky, 2015).
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