International Journal of
Information and Education Technology

Abstract

This paper provides a tentative overview and first approximation of the growing e-learning app economy and delivers first insights of its impact on learning with a focus on primary education. For that purpose, a tripartite explorative research design was employed, consisting of: a) a market overview with a focus on business models and providers, b) an expert-based assessment of the learning and interface design of a sample of learning apps, c) an oral survey of teachers and pupils to understand and express their appraisal of learning apps. Results show that in the mobile app economy there is a larger variety of vendors than in the classical e-learning market. Most of the investigated apps do not follow sophisticated didactical paradigms, but employ a drill and practice approach and exhibit simple and usable interfaces. Teachers assess learning apps primarily as suitable tools to complement traditional teaching. Pupils’ assessments indicate that game-based elements, especially with rewards, are in high demand as they raise and maintain the motivation of the learners.