Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and analyse the user experience (UX) of Arabic educational and entertainment applications designed for children aging 8–10 years. This paper reports the results of an experimental study conducted on a sample of 53 children in two elementary schools in Qalqilya and Nablus, Palestine. The context of the current study is different from previous studies that were conducted in a western environment in terms of knowledge, awareness, demographic changes and background variables. Qualitative methods captured the enjoyable and attractive parts of the software being used. The qualitative content analysis showed that participants’ enjoyment using the system was quite different. During sessions, children showed much excitement and interest while working with the math app more than the science app. However, girls were less interested to use the math application compared with their use of the device itself. Following Hassenzahl’s model, the descriptions of UXs were also categorised into two categories: pragmatic and hedonic; the functionality, technical and ease of use aspects of UX of both the tablet and the math application were categorised as pragmatic. Enjoyable, exciting, confusing and upsetting experiences were categorised as hedonic. Male participants were more familiar with the use of mobile devices than female participants. The results of the present study showed that gender, culture and religion are important factors that affect children’s experience to use new technological devices since three female participants were reluctant to use the tablet especially due to cultural and religious factors.
Highlights
Mobile devices are known as expensive devices amongst parents, but the price has become cheaper with very fast technological development
Girls were less excited to use the math application compared with their usage of the device itself
Following Hassenzahl’s model, the descriptions of user experience (UX) were categorised into two categories including pragmatic and hedonic
Summary
Mobile devices are known as expensive devices amongst parents, but the price has become cheaper with very fast technological development. Various types of tablets emerged in the market, such as iPad, Samsung tabs and others from different suppliers. The number of sales is growing each day. Mobile devices are one of the leading innovative technological tools of communication which can be considered part of the lives of the young generation including students (Shaqour 2014). The development of mobile technology has been attracting children’s attention to Technology (ALT), a UK-based professional and scholarly society and membership organisation.
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