Technology Versus Teachers in Early Literacy Classrooms: Who Is the More Knowledgeable Other?

• In Event: 72.066 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 72.066-3 - Instructional Technology SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Increasingly, educators are using technology as a tool to instruct young students in early literacy. Guided by Vygotsky’s social learning theory, this study reports a 24-week investigation on whether regular use of Istation®, an integrated learning system used by approximately 3,000,000 students in the United States, had an effect on the early literacy achievement of children in twelve kindergarten classrooms. A mixed-method, quasi-experimental design was constructed using propensity scores. Also investigated were the effects of the level of teacher literacy support on early literacy achievement. The purpose of the investigation was to determine if teachers or technology were more effective in instructing students in early literacy skills and what role technology should play in an early literacy classroom.

Author

• Rebecca Putman, Tarleton State University