Provide a robust orientation when introducing parents to a new second-screen companion app¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Because an app for parents designed to accompany a children's show is a new type of tool for many families, the researchers conclude that a more robust orientation to the app would likely increase its effectiveness. Families who understood the app's purpose explored its components and experimented with its use during co-viewing, while families confused about it did not try out the strategies or tools. Orientation support should therefore accompany distribution of parent-facing companion apps.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Orientation that helps families understand the app's purpose and explore its features before or during use

Constraints¶

• The report notes some participants did not know how to use the app and one participant reported a language barrier to finding it helpful

Target Learners¶

• Parents and caregivers of young children using educational media companion apps

Target Learning Goals¶

• Supporting family science talk and joint media engagement around educational media

Claims¶

• In interviews, families who used the app's features more extensively seemed to have better internalized its purpose, and those who explored it most reported stronger self-reported changes in joint media engagement and science [+W]

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Dominguez, X., Rood, E., Kamdar, D., Leones, T., & Huynh, K. (2021). Splash and Bubbles for Parents App: Field Study Report [Project Report]. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/119