The Analysis of Trends in Smart Phone Applications for Education and Suggestions for Improved Educational Use

Abstract

This study analyzed educational applications in smartphones with some criteria seeking to apply online learning characteristics to smartphones. For the analysis, 85 educational applications were selected and they were classified by types of educational contents, interactions, and the combination of the educational contents and interactions. As a result, drill-and-practice and tool types of contents ranked high, and there found to be few simulation and problem solving types. In regard to interaction types, almost all of the applications had interactions only between contents and learners, which meant little active communications when using applications. Therefore, enhanced interactions and communications among learners using the social network service platform were required in order to use educational applications in a more effective way.