{"id":78136,"date":"2025-11-21T10:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T18:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=78136"},"modified":"2025-12-04T08:21:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T16:21:04","slug":"how-effective-are-learning-apps-for-kids-what-the-research-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/how-effective-are-learning-apps-for-kids-what-the-research-says\/78136","title":{"rendered":"How Effective Are Learning Apps for Kids? What the Research Says"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Mother<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How Effective Are Learning Apps for Kids? What the Research Says<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Learn what studies say about the impact of educational apps on learning and how to use them most effectively.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Table of Contents – Jump to Each Section <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What Does Research Say About Educational Apps?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Makes an App Educational?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the Benefits of Educational Apps<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Do Educational Apps Work Best?<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 How to Maximize Learning from Education Apps<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

App stores are filled with education apps designed to help kids learn to read, practice math, pick up new languages, or even start coding. With so many options available, many parents and educators can\u2019t help but wonder if educational apps are effective for learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to research, the answer is yes\u2014they can be powerful tools for building skills and making screen time more productive. However, their impact depends on how well they\u2019re designed and how they\u2019re used. Here\u2019s what research shows about learning through apps, along with practical tips for choosing and using them effectively with your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

What Does Research Say About Educational Apps?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

Apps Can Teach Specific Skills, Especially for Preschoolers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A growing body of research on educational apps for children shows that high-quality apps can effectively help kids learn concrete skills in subjects like reading and math. The effects are especially impressive in preschool age children using apps designed to teach specific skills like letter names or counting. (Measures Matter<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

The Amount of Time Spent on an App Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Other studies show that the amount of time spent on apps matters too. In 2025, researchers found that five-year-olds who spent more time on math or literacy learning apps at home showed higher skills gains. (Learning Apps at Home<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Educational Apps Can Improve Understanding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to a 2024 article published in the journal Children<\/em><\/a>, \u201cBy integrating educational content with game mechanics, these apps can make learning more enjoyable and effective, leading to better retention and understanding of complex concepts.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Additional Benefits of Educational Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As research suggests, game-based learning offers many benefits for children<\/a>, helping with engagement, cognitive skills<\/a>, and more. Some educational apps, such as ABCmouse<\/a>, conduct their own research studies<\/a> to ensure their product supports learning. When considering an educational app for your child, it\u2019s helpful to seek out studies highlighting their efficacy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

 What Makes an App Educational?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Look for these features to determine if an educational app is designed for effective learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Aligned with Child Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best education apps use proven teaching and learning methods <\/strong>that get real results. They make learning fun and natural<\/strong>, with hands-on interaction that keeps kids involved. Repetition is key for learning, so apps should provide multiple opportunities to practice the same skill<\/strong> until kids have it mastered.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"ABC<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Learning apps should also provide positive feedback and helpful encouragement. Kids should feel proud of their efforts and progress and supported when they make mistakes. Note how your child feels after using an app. Are they content and able to share the knowledge they\u2019ve learned, or are they frustrated or confused?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Age-Appropriate Content<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While every child learns differently and at their own pace, child development experts have identified the general skills and knowledge appropriate by age and developmental stage. While it\u2019s always good to provide a challenge to your child, content that\u2019s too hard runs the risk of turning them off from learning.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, some two-year-olds may be able to count to 100 with confidence, but most cannot. An app that is too hard may frustrate your child and an app that\u2019s too easy may not help your child grow their skills. When selecting an app, check age recommendations and try the app with your child to make sure it\u2019s a good fit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Clear, Targeted Learning Objectives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that children benefit most from learning apps when the activities target specific skills. Look for apps that focus on one skill at a time and clearly state what kids will learn.<\/strong> The app might say \u201cIn this game, you\u2019ll practice counting in groups of less than five items.\u201d Or, the game or activity could give a clue to its goal in the title: Dracos Dash: Skip Count by 10s.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Monster<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Engagement without Overstimulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most effective learning apps make learning feel like play<\/strong>. But in some apps, the play element overpowers the learning. Flashy animations and sound effects are fun, but can also be distracting. Choice is important, but kids also need guides to keep them on track and focused, as too many options may overwhelm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-quality education apps are fun and engaging, but they make learning their major focus. Look for apps that provide a clear learning path<\/a>, while also offering the ability to choose activities along the way.<\/strong> Make sure the visual and sound effects are entertaining but not overstimulating. Remember that what works well for one learner may be too distracting for another. Use apps alongside your child and watch to see if they\u2019re actively engaged in learning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Safe, Ad-Free Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure the app you choose is free from third-party ads and doesn\u2019t allow children to click their way out of the app<\/strong>. Get more tips for choosing the best educational app for your child here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/hero-cta-component>\n\n\n\n

\n

Understanding the Benefits of Educational Apps<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When created with the features listed above, high-quality educational apps can have meaningful benefits to kids, especially preschoolers. When an app is designed with research-based principles, it can help children build the skills they need for school and beyond, including the following:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

 Cognitive Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Interactive apps don\u2019t just teach academics\u2014they help kids develop important cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. They can also teach metacognition, which essentially means learning how to learn. These apps show kids the value of trying new things, making mistakes, and persisting in the face of challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A game that asks kids to flip cards to find matching pairs<\/a> develops working memory. Kids must hold the location of previously flipped cards in their mind and recall them to make matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a timed sorting activity<\/a>, kids must concentrate and tune out distractions to complete the task on time. This develops attention and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a game asks kids to put items in a pattern<\/a> that changes each round, it encourages cognitive flexibility. Tackling challenges in new ways helps kids shift their thinking and adapt to new rules.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Fun
Memory Match: Colors<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Marie's
Marie’s Pattern Matching<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Academic Readiness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"Young<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Educational apps that teach early literacy and math skills can help lay a strong foundation for success in school. Preschool learning apps prepare kids by introducing counting and number sense, letter recognition and letter-sound correspondence, and practice tracing and forming letters, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Flexibility and Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Young<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When you download a learning app to a tablet or mobile phone, you can take it anywhere and use it anytime! Many aspects of learning apps are also self-paced, meaning children can progress at a speed that\u2019s comfortable for them, reviewing previous lessons and choosing activities that engage them most. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

When Do Educational Apps Work Best?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important things to remember is that all educational apps don\u2019t guarantee learning. A great deal depends on the app\u2019s design and content, as well as how it\u2019s used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning apps work best when<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n