Using a mobile application to support children's writing motivation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the prototype of a mobile application for the enhancement of children's motivation for writing. The results are explored from students' and experts' perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a field trial and expert evaluations of a prototype of a mobile application. The field trial data consists of questionnaire data collected from elementary school students (n=25) who used the mobile prototype. The expert evaluations (n=8) of the prototype were conducted based on usability and pedagogical heuristics. The main research question is how the mobile application motivates children to learn creative writing.

Findings

The findings suggest that the use of a mobile application can have potential in supporting children's creative writing skills and their motivation to complete writing tasks.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a limited sample of students (only one class), and the mobile application of Ruff being only a prototype, the results cannot be directly generalized. In the future, longer and more comprehensive field trial periods with a larger sample group should be conducted.

Originality/value

These findings are valuable for teachers and researchers. This research points out both students' and experts' opinions of the prototype of a mobile application, Ruff, and its potential to motivate children to learn creative writing.

Citation

Kanala, S., Nousiainen, T. and Kankaanranta, M. (2013), "Using a mobile application to support children's writing motivation", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 4-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/17415651311326419