Development of an Integrated Analytical Framework for Evaluating Early Childhood Digital Content: A Conceptual Model Based on Literature Review


Authors : Jiyoung Lee

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdfsyzub

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mv8utrb9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct349

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.


Abstract : This study aimed to propose a foundational integrated analytical framework for evaluating early childhood digital content, based on a systematic review of literature from 2015 to 2025. Through inductive content analysis of 52 selected studies, six interrelated domains were identified: (1) Linguistic Quality, (2) Cognitive and Pedagogical Design, (3) Developmental Appropriateness, (4) Multimodal Design, (5) Cultural and Social Representation, and (6) Accessibility and Ethics. These domains were synthesized into a conceptual model illustrating how linguistic, pedagogical, and multimodal dimensions interact under the moderating influence of developmental appropriateness, while cultural and ethical dimensions ensure inclusivity and child protection. The framework contributes theoretically by integrating developmental and media literacy perspectives, and practically by providing evaluation guidelines for educators, parents, and content developers. This pre-validation model lays the groundwork for future Delphi validation and empirical testing toward a standardized tool for assessing early childhood digital content quality.

References :

  1. L. S. Vygotsky, Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1978.
  2. S. Chaudron, M. E. Beutel, M. Černikova, et al., Young Children (0–8) and Digital Technology: A Qualitative Exploratory Study across Europe, Luxembourg: European Commission, 2018.
  3. M. Bolten, “Balancing digital media exposure in early childhood: Opportunities and risks,” Pediatrics in Review, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 120–131, 2025.
  4. R. E. Mayer, Multimedia Learning, 2nd ed., New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009.
  5. G. Kress and T. van Leeuwen, Multimodal Discourse: The Modes and Media of Contemporary Communication, London: Arnold, 2001.
  6. W. Jo and I. Choi, “Validation of a digital content evaluation tool for young children,” Korean Journal of Child Care and Education, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 77–99, 2023.
  7. J. De Medeiros and J. Lopes, “Educational potentials of YouTube Kids: Semiotic resources in children’s learning,” Learning, Media and Technology, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 123–139, 2023.
  8. J. Li and J. Marsh, “YouTube and children’s digital play: The production of learning, culture and entertainment,” British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 53, no. 4, pp. 745–762, 2022.
  9. J. Piaget, The Child’s Conception of the World, Totowa, NJ: Rowman & Littlefield, 1970.
  10. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Washington, DC: NAEYC, 2019.
  11. S. Kim and J. Park, “Analysis of developmental appropriateness in children’s media content,” Journal of Early Childhood Education, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 321–343, 2021.
  12. N. Fairclough, Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language, London: Longman, 1995.
  13. J. A. Banks, Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009.
  14. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines, Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2018.
  15. L. W. Anderson and D. R. Krathwohl, A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, New York: Longman, 2001.
  16. K. Krippendorff, Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology, 4th ed., Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2018.
  17. J. W. Creswell and C. N. Poth, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches, 4th ed., Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2018.
  18. S. A. Lynham, “The general method of theory-building research in applied disciplines,” Advances in Developing Human Resources, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 221–241, 2002.
  19. Y. S. Lincoln and E. G. Guba, Naturalistic Inquiry, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage, 1985.
  20. C. C. Hsu and B. A. Sandford, “The Delphi technique: Making sense of consensus,” Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, vol. 12, no. 10, pp. 1–8, 2007.
  21. “Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA),” Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC, USA, 1998.
  22. I. S. P. Nation, Learning Vocabulary in Another Language, 2nd ed., New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013.
  23. R. E. Mayer, Multimedia Learning, 2nd ed., New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009.

This study aimed to propose a foundational integrated analytical framework for evaluating early childhood digital content, based on a systematic review of literature from 2015 to 2025. Through inductive content analysis of 52 selected studies, six interrelated domains were identified: (1) Linguistic Quality, (2) Cognitive and Pedagogical Design, (3) Developmental Appropriateness, (4) Multimodal Design, (5) Cultural and Social Representation, and (6) Accessibility and Ethics. These domains were synthesized into a conceptual model illustrating how linguistic, pedagogical, and multimodal dimensions interact under the moderating influence of developmental appropriateness, while cultural and ethical dimensions ensure inclusivity and child protection. The framework contributes theoretically by integrating developmental and media literacy perspectives, and practically by providing evaluation guidelines for educators, parents, and content developers. This pre-validation model lays the groundwork for future Delphi validation and empirical testing toward a standardized tool for assessing early childhood digital content quality.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe