As any parent with an iPhone or an iPod Touch knows, mobile apps can be an engag

As any parent with an iPhone or an iPod Touch knows, mobileapps (手机软件) can be an engaging and entertainingexperience for kids. Now, a new study of PBS Kids suggests that the experiencecan be an educational one as well.

The study, which was administered by PBS under a grantfrom the Department of Education, first tested the vocabulary level of a groupof 90 Title 1 school children, aged 3 to 7. Then, the children were each giventwo weeks with an iPod Touch loaded with the Martha Speaks Dog Party app createdby PBS Kids.

The study monitored how the children used the iPod,during what hours, and in what context. On average, the study found that kidsplayed with the iPod Touch for a total of 5 hours across the two weeks, withhalf that time spent playing the Martha Speaks app. At the end of the two weektrial, the children were given another vocabulary test, which revealed anincrease in vocabulary acquisition by as much as 31 per cent.

The study findings are particularly useful as smartphones and mobile devices have become increasingly popular among families andparents are faced with a proliferation of mobile apps designed for kids.According to a recent Nielsen study, smart phone usage is 12% higher inhouseholds with children than other households.

“Mobile apps can be a great learning tool in the handsof children,” said Lesli Rotenberg, SVP, Children’s Media, PBS. “This researchis important in helping to better understand and guide the development of newapps that improve the value of children’s screen time with significanteducational outcomes.”

So what does it all mean? Well, at the very leastit will help parents get over that guilty feeling when they hand over theiriPhone or iPod Touch for a little peace and quiet. At best, it providesmore evidence that mobile devices and apps do indeed have educational value andcould be an important part of the child-learning process for many years tocome.

1.What Lesli Rotenberg said in the fifth paragraphsuggests that       .

A. he has a positive attitude towards mobile apps

B. he thinks children should never use smart phones

C. he is doubtful about mobile apps designed forchildren

D. he thinks parents should be careful with mobileapps for children

2.The underlined sentence in the last paragraphimplies that       .

A. parents will feel more comfortable giving kidsiPhone or iPod Touch

B. parents will know what kind of mobile phones aresuitable for kids

C. parents will know what children do with mobilephones

D. parents can watch over their children now and then

3.What would be the best title of the text?

A. The popularity of smart phones among kids 

B. The entertaining function of smart phones

C. Smart phones make kids learn more.             

D. It’s too early for kids to use smart phones

试题答案

【答案】

1.A

2.A

3.C

【解析】

试题