This study explored the culture of learning with educational iPad apps using
activity theory as a guiding framework. First, the top nine educational apps were tracked
in the Top Charts section of Apple’s App Store for a duration of four months. The nine
sampled apps, selected based on their frequency of appearance, included Toca Hair Salon
2, Stack the States, Endless Alphabet, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Wildlife Count Along,
Wild Kratts Creature Power World Adventure, Wallykazam! Letter and Word Magic,
Starfall Learn to Read, Dr. Panda’s Restaurant 2, and Bug Art. The descriptions, version
updates, app content, and customer reviews for each app were digitized, coded, and
analyzed in Dedoose using the Activity Checklist. Additionally instructional analysis
diagrams were developed to provide insight into the user interface and actions. Results of
the study were presented in the form of nine portraits. The overview and relevant
instructional characteristics were detailed for each app. The final chapter examined the
broader implications of the app experience. The technology, the instruction, the adult
guide, and the App Store were identified as mediating factors that contributed to the
dynamic app culture
