A parental mHealth resource targeting emergent literacy : an experimental study

Abstract

Emergent literacy abilities of young children are strong predictors of future academic success, however, biological and environmental risks can impact their progress. Parental interventions that promote home-based stimulation of preschoolers can enhance literacy development and ensure school readiness. mHealth technology may be a viable approach to offer parents increased access to emergent literacy resources. The effect of a parental mHealth resource targeting emergent literacy abilities was investigated. Eighty-two parent-preschooler (four- to five-year-old) dyads were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group based on age and gender. The parents of preschoolers in the experimental group received the mHealth application resource for 17 weeks. At post-test, no significant between-group differences were identified. Both groups showed significant within-group differences at post-test. Only eight of the parents in the experimental group (n = 42) used the mHealth application more than 50% of the active days. Most of the feedback received from parents regarding the application was positive. Parents may require more support when implementing mHealth emergent literacy resources.