From Texting to Learning: Effects of a Cell Phone-Based Literacy Intervention on Adult Learners

• In Event: Qualitative Research With Adult Education (With a Focus on Immigrant Populations)

Abstract

In this proposal I discuss my doctoral research, a pilot study where I designed and implemented an adult literacy initiative in Bangladesh using cell phones. In this mixed-methods study, I gave nine low-literate adults cell phones with the requirement that they regularly read the news clips texted to them and respond with questions and comments, across a nine-month period. Upon completion, the group overall saw statistically significant gains in their post-test literacy scores. More importantly, all participants reported changed attitudes towards literacy, including greater voluntary involvement in literacy engagement, and changes in their literacy practices, such as collaborative learning and learning for retention. Elaborating on my AERA 2013 presentation, I present final results and analysis here.

Author

• Kazi Arif Anwar, University of Toronto - OISE