Victoria, Canada – Pyxwise Software, the maker of the Simplex Spelling series of apps, has had its educational methodology validated by an academic study published in a special issue of the International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education. The study revealed an average improvement of 1.9 grade levels among children who regularly used its iPad apps over an 18 week period.

A research study by Dr. Linda Chmiliar entitled “Improving the Spelling Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities using Apps on the iPad” followed two busy classrooms of students with learning difficulties in language arts. The 23 students completed the Schonell Spelling Test Form A at the beginning of the study to determine their starting equivalent grade level. The students then used the Simplex Spelling apps for 10-15 minutes a day, one to two days a week over an 18 week period. At the end of the study, the students were administered Schonell Spelling Test Form B to again determine their equivalent grade level.

The Schonell Spelling Test results indicated a very strong improvement in student spelling skills during the research study. The average increase in student spelling skills over the 18 weeks of the study was 1.9 grade levels, with the greatest student performance improvement reaching 4.4 grade levels.

The teacher involved in the study has been in special education for 14 years and “At the conclusion of this research study the teacher was very surprised at the spelling achievement of both her classes of students. She indicated that the results were “well above” what she would normally expect.”

The research study indicated that “Overall, it appears that this series of phonetically based spelling apps could be a very useful tool for teachers in inclusive classrooms who wish to successfully engage in differentiated spelling instruction for their students.”

In addition, the study revealed that “Students enjoyed using the apps and found them “cool” and “fun” to use. They were motivated to use the apps and engage in their weekly spelling practice. Students expressed interest in using the apps more, and several students indicated that they would be willing to practice their spelling at home for homework. This is a departure from pencil and paper spelling practice that students typically find boring and tedious.”

Pyxwise Software is at the forefront of a new trend in education: using tablets and apps to make education more fun and effective. Simplex Spelling apps use a systematic phonics-based approach which is backed by pedagogic research.

Device Requirements:
* iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
* Requires iOS 6.0 or later
* 157 MB

Pyxwise Software has a total of seven spelling apps on the market, suitable for kids from kindergarten to age 9 and above. The company will soon release an app update to Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 that will add support for British accents.

Pyxwise Software
Research Study (pdf)
Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 (v3.6.2)
Purchase and Download
Screenshot
App Icon

Pyxwise Software is an independent family-friendly game and educational software development firm based in Edmonton, Canada. The company combines technical excellence with a drive to change education for the better. The company has achieved wide recognition for its educational apps including winning the Balefire Labs "Best Educational App of 2014" award for its Simplex Spelling Phonics – Advanced Phonograms app. Copyright (C) 2017 Pyxwise Software Inc. All Rights Reserved. Apple, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.