Toys or Tools? Tablet Applications to Empower Young Students Through Open-Ended Literacy Learning

• In Event: 54.058 - Technology, Literacy, and Content Learning

Abstract

This research study examined 27 educators’ experiences and comfort levels using open-ended tablet applications to support young children’s oral and visual literacy learning. The open-ended applications used positioned students as the producers and creators of the literacy content. While the educators did experience some structural, technological, and pedagogical challenges using the applications, they reported many teaching and learning benefits. They found that using the applications empowered them with additional tools to support children in creating, documenting, and reflecting on their learning. Students were also empowered through being able to represent and archive their experiences in multiple modes and in their own voice. Through viewing the slideshows, parents were able to share in their children’s school lives.

Authors

• Monica Eileen McGlynn-Stewart, George Brown College

• Tiffany MacKay, Peel District School Board

• Lisa Hobman, George Brown College

• Nicola J Maguire, George Brown College

• Emma Mogyorodi, Ryerson University