Policy and Practice
Digital Learning: A Review of Free Educational Apps for Children Aged 9-12 View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Anila Virani,
Lukhvir Johal
Children's increasing use of educational apps is driven by the perceived benefits recognized by parents and educators, particularly with the widespread availability of smartphones. However, there is a significant shortage of apps tailored for children aged 9 to 12. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify high-quality, free educational apps available for children aged 9 to 12 and examine the engagement strategies these apps use to enhance learning. The Google Play Store was searched using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. An initial search identified 239 apps, of which five apps were deemed eligible. The in-depth evaluation of the eligible apps was conducted using information available on the Google Play Store and within the apps themselves. The study identified five free educational apps that can be used by parents and educators to support children's learning. Animations, gamification, quizzes, flashcards, and interactive books and songs were utilized as engagement strategies among these apps. The study offers valuable insights for parents, educators, app developers, and researchers. It provides parents with options for free educational apps that balance entertainment and educational value. Educators can use these apps in the classroom or recommend them to parents to support children's learning. Developers and researchers can utilize engagement strategies to design apps that meaningfully engage children. Future research should investigate the long-term educational impacts of using these apps.
Analyzing AI Policy for Academic Impact
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Wei Ying Hsiao,
Adriano Cavalcanti
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies reshape academic environments, universities are working to create policies that govern their use in coursework. This paper explores the diverse strategies institutions are adopting to incorporate AI while maintaining academic integrity and ethical standards. Key themes such as ethics, transparency, critical thinking, and responsible usage are explored in depth. The paper highlights the importance of balancing the advantages of AI tools with the necessity of academic integrity, placing a particular focus on the role of faculty in guiding responsible AI usage. Ultimately, this research examines the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in higher education and provides recommendations for developing robust AI policies that support ethical scholarship and meaningful learning experiences.
