Ready to Learn Initiative: Using a Transmedia Approach to Enhance Early Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium will present research findings from three U.S. Department of Education-funded Ready to Learn (RTL) projects (Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) & Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN), Window to the World Communications (WTTW)) that are designing, developing, and deploying highly engaging multimedia learning experiences to foster the early literacy and mathematics skills of low-income children ages 2 – 8. These projects are advancing the emerging field of transmedia storytelling--the delivery of learning content through the coordinated use of multimedia platforms. The presentations will describe how the projects will use the results of their research and outreach activities to enhance the educational ecosystem in which underserved children and their families live, learn, and play.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction / Section 7: Technology Research

Chair

• Karen Cator, U.S. Department of Education

Papers

• Current and Emerging Uses of Digital Media Artifacts in Preschools and Summer Learning Programs - Shelley Pasnik, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Formative Evaluation of PBS Ready to Learn Transmedia Gaming Suites - Elizabeth M. McCarthy, WestEd

• Young Children, Apps, and iPads: Touch Screen Technology and Early Childhood Education - Michael Cohen, Michael Cohen Group LLC

Discussant

• Christopher J. Dede, Harvard University