Exploring a culture of learning with technology: An ethnographic content analysis of the activity of learning with educational iPad apps.

摘要

This study explored the culture of learning with educational iPad apps using activity theory as a guiding framework. First, the top nine educational apps were tracked in the Top Charts section of Apple's App Store for a duration of four months. The nine sampled apps, selected based on their frequency of appearance, included Toca Hair Salon 2, Stack the States, Endless Alphabet, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Wildlife Count Along, Wild Kratts Creature Power World Adventure, Wallykazam! Letter and Word Magic, Starfall Learn to Read, Dr. Panda's Restaurant 2, and Bug Art. The descriptions, version updates, app content, and customer reviews for each app were digitized, coded, and analyzed in Dedoose using the Activity Checklist. Additionally instructional analysis diagrams were developed to provide insight into the user interface and actions. Results of the study were presented in the form of nine portraits. The overview and relevant instructional characteristics were detailed for each app. The final chapter examined the broader implications of the app experience. The technology, the instruction, the adult guide, and the App Store were identified as mediating factors that contributed to the dynamic app culture.