الكاتب/ة الباحث/ة
Dr Fathi Ahmadieh
الناشر/المؤسسة
ELSEVIER
تاريخ الإصدار
2018
الدولة
الأردن
Touch-screen tablets are rapidly increasing in popularity and widespread use. They are entertaining, attractive,
and potentially powerful learning tools for young children. This study reports on a qualitative research exploring
how children use touch-screen tablets in Jordan in particular, and what implications this may have for learning
and teaching in early years. A total of forty K-2 children participated in the study (M child age=6.27years).
Semi-structured interviews and structured observation were utilized. The results indicate that overall, children
had reasonable knowledge of touch-screen tablets and their features. Children viewed touch-screen tablets as an
entertaining tool more than as a learning tool. Moreover, touch-screen tablets were used for different purposes
with ‘playing games’ being the most common purpose, followed by watching YouTube. In addition, children
were found to acquire most of the skills needed to use tablets, but still not in control in some cases. It was found
that gaming and entertainment apps on the touch-screen tablets replaced the traditional play-based activities
used in early years. Finally, the children expressed that their parents impose rules regarding tablet usage and
they need help and guidance from their parents while using tablets. The study concludes with a discussion of
what the findings might mean for current policy and practice