The Impact of Multimedia on Early Literacy Development and Essential Skills

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Abstract

Today’s young children are growing up in a fast-paced, ever-changing multimedia literacy environment, and its significance for their literacy development and learning is only emerging. To date research has been mixed on the benefits of multimedia in supporting early literacy experience and skills. The papers in this symposium systematically examine the multimedia environment in the learn-to-read process of infants, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Findings have implications for early childhood literacy education policy and practice along a continuum of literacy development from infancy through kindergarten, and provide quality information for parents and schools.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Susan B. Neuman, New York University

Papers

• Can Babies Learn to Read? A Randomized Controlled Trial of Baby Media - Susan B. Neuman, New York University; Ashley Pinkham, University of Michigan; Gabrielle Strouse; Tanya Kaefer, Lakehead University

• E-Books in the Preschool Literacy Environment: Is There Value-Added for Word Learning? - Kathleen A. Roskos, John Carroll University; Danielle Simpson

• The Promise of Computer Programs in Narrowing Gaps in Early Literacy Skills - Adriana G. Bus, Leiden University; Rachel Plak, Leiden University; Cornelia Kegel, Leiden University

• Investigating Video as a Means to Promote Vocabulary for At-Risk Children - Rebecca Deffes Silverman, University of Maryland - College Park

Discussant

• Michael L. Kamil, Self-employed