In search of a science-based application: a learning tool for reading acquisition.
This is a story about the fate of a psychological application: from its conception to the optimistic vision surrounding its future. We hope that this application - an enjoyable learning game (www or mobile phone-based, available free of charge to the end users) for children - can at best help millions of children in their reading acquisition in the future. Its basis was created by following intensively the development of children with (N = 107) and without (N = 92) genetic (familial) risk for dyslexia from birth to puberty in the Jyväskylä Longitudinal study of Dyslexia (JLD)-project. We summarize some of the major findings of the JLD in order to facilitate understanding of the reasons and logic behind the development of the game. Originally intended as a research tool for reading acquisition, its potential for prevention of reading difficulties was quickly recognized.
Lyytinen
Heikki
H
Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. heikki.lyytinen@psyka.jyu.fi
Erskine
Jane
J
Kujala
Janne
J
Ojanen
Emma
E
Richardson
Ulla
U
D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D007858:Learning; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011932:Reading