Exploring the Integration of M-Kids Mobile Apps in Preschool Education: Assessing Readiness

Abstract

The reality for children today is that their education and all areas of learning demand tech, but many parents (and even educators) worry about the amount of screen time the kids are getting. Digital products become part of education, and it is important that these tools are appropriate for the development stage on which they focus. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, 1.57 billion students were out of school across over 190 countries worldwide driving home a critical need for outside-the-box education solutions. One such solution is the M-Kids Mobile Apps, which use serious games to support Islamic preschool education while adhering to developmentally appropriate practices (DAPs). This study examines the effectiveness of the M-Kids Mobile Apps through two phases: (1) by observing 150 preschool children aged 5 to 6 years during the app's implementation, and (2) through a post-implementation survey assessing usability from the perspectives of teachers and parents. This survey evaluates the app’s efficiency in engaging children and supporting their cognitive development and behaviour. Findings from the study revealed that the M-Kids Mobile Apps significantly improved children's understanding of moral and Islamic values, with 82% of parents and teachers expressing satisfaction, particularly with the app's ability to help monitor children's behavioural development and performance. By integrating the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Design and Islamic Design Principles, the M-Kids Mobile Learning Applications have enriched the learning experience for preschool children, fostering both cognitive and behavioural growth. Still, worries persist about how more time on screens might affect young children. The study can be considered crucial because it investigates the advantages and drawbacks of utilizing digital applications for preschoolers with prominence on moral & cognitive development. Validation of the educational use of screens through this M-Kids app, which tries and ensure a more organized approach with its agenda-oriented driver for consideration. One of the research questions will be discussed on, whether educational screen time can enhance learning without the negative effects typically linked to digital devices.