Are educational iPad apps valuable for learning? Until recently, no studies had put iPad learning apps to the test. This month GameDesk released a study, led by USC Prof. Michelle Riconscente, on an iPad fractions game, Motion Math, for elementary-school aged children. The study, which applied a controlled experimental design, evaluated whether playing Motion Math led to increases in children’s fractions knowledge and attitudes. Over 120 participants played the game for 20 minutes daily for five days, for a total of 1 hour and forty minutes of game play. Among the main findings were that fractions knowledge increased an average of 15%, and participants gained confidence in their fractions ability and reported liking fractions more after playing the game. Changes on all outcome variables were statistically significant compared to a control group.  full story