The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple writes today about the success of a new research study at a kindergarten in Auburn, Maine, which shows that kindergartner students who use iPads get higher scores on literacy tests than their classmates who don’t use an iPad. Mike Muir, Auburn School Department’s Multiple Pathways Leader, spoke to Dalrymple about the program, saying:

“The objective has to be learning, not just getting the technology out there. We are paying attention to app selection and focused on continuous improvement – we aren’t just handing equipment to teachers.”

According to Dalrymple, the study randomly assigned half of the district’s 16 kindergarten classes iPads, which they were to use for nine weeks. 129 students used iPads, and 137 did not use iPads. Each of the 266 students were tested prior to and following the nine-week period, with the result being that those children using iPads outperformed those who weren’t using iPads in every test that they took. Apparently teachers also found that pupils were much more motivated and engaged in lessons when they were using the iPad as well.

Source: iPad improves Kindergartners literacy scores

Anyone have any idea what apps they are using at this school or any good learning apps for kids that you've tried?