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The Lab

We are currently the only university research lab in Ontario that is equipped with both the Observer XT system and the Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL) system – the latter a comprehension method that can assess children’s understanding of language and mathematical concepts before they start to talk intelligibly. The two systems are funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) grants.

Understanding Language and Mathematics Development

Do you know that four in 10 Canadian adults (aged 16-65) have literacy skills that are below the minimum standard necessary for an individual to function in a modern society and economy (International Adult Literacy Survey, 2003)?

Do you know that half of Canadians (aged 16-65) lack minimum mathematics skills necessary to cope with the everyday demands of an advanced society (The Adult Literacy and Life Skills, 2005)?

Our goals are to understand why so many Canadians are not acquiring these minimal literacy and mathematics skills as well as to design intervention or instructional programs to foster the acquisition of these skills.

How Educational are Math Apps?

Comparing Math Apps

App

Spatial Category: Dimensions

Spatial Category: Shapes

Spatial Category: Location and Direction

Spatial Category: Orientation / Transformation

Spatial Category: Features

Quality

Scaffolding

Block Rock

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

2

Yes

Kids Doodle and Discover Tangram Puzzles

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

2

Yes

Shapes Toddler Preschool

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

2

No

Match a Match a Island

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

2

No

Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Games

No

Yes

No

No

No

2

No

Cyberchase 3D Builder

No

No

No

Yes

No

2

Yes

PBS Parents Play and Learn

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

2

No

Caillou Search and Count

No

No

Yes

No

No

2

No

Spatial Line Puzzles

No

No

Yes

No

No

1

Yes

Kiko's Thinking Tim

No

No

Yes

No

No

2

Yes

LumiKids Backyard

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

2

Yes

Cyberchase Shape Quest

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

3

Yes

Leo's Pad

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

2

No

Mickey's Magical Math World

No

No

Yes

No

No

2

No

Spatial Tasks

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

2

No

Touch Counts

No

No

Yes

No

No

1

No

Logic and Spatial Intelligence Free

No

No

Yes

No

No

2

Yes

Wonder Numbers JK

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

2

Yes

Visual Spatial Relationship Exercise: Butterfly

No

No

Yes

No

No

2

Yes

E: childlab@wlu.ca
T: 519.884.0710 x2643
Office Location: 66 Hickory St., Waterloo (Northdale campus), room 108

A reserved parking spot for our participating families is available in front of the Northdale campus. A picture of the reserved parking spot will be provided.

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