Finding the Needle in the Haystack: A Quality Appraisal of Mobile Applications for Foundational Literacy Skills

Abstract

The widespread availability of mobile apps has created new opportunities for supporting children’s foundational reading skills. However, with more than 9,000 apps in the Google Play and Apple stores claiming to support early reading development, it is challenging for educators and parents to identify high-quality and beneficial apps. This study presents a world-first, systematic quality appraisal of mobile apps for phonics and phonological awareness using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). A comprehensive search of the Australian Google Play and Apple app stores identified 309 apps for quality appraisal. Most apps (75%) achieved a MARS App Quality score of 2.1–3.9 (poor-acceptable). Only 24.7% achieved a MARS App Quality score of 4-4.8 (good). Further analysis focused on the apps’ alignment to evidence-based principles of phonics and phonological awareness instruction resulted in expert reviewers recommending only 85 apps (27.5%). Consumer star ratings showed poor correlation with expert reviewers’ ratings, highlighting the unreliability of app store metrics in identifying educational value. This study highlights the urgent need for rigorous regulation standards in the app stores to ensure the pedagogical integrity of apps used in early reading instruction and clearer guidance for educators and families seeking to use apps to support children’s early reading development.