The Quantified Child Reader: When Early Literacy Becomes Big Data

• In Event: 54.066 - Using Digital Media to Inform Learning, Pedagogy, and Assessment

Abstract

This paper conceptually explores an emerging educational platform we term children’s literacy groupware, cloud-based reading management systems that combine digital reading collections with behavior tracking and analysis, communication tools, and reader incentives. The systems enable adult stakeholders to manage the reading activities of dozens of children. We offer an analysis of two for-profit app-based systems that provide reading content and instruction for elementary age children in the United States. We question the influence of these systems on the practice of reading. How do systems for managing engagement with digital texts frame reading practice: the what, where, when and how of reading, including behaviors, attitudes and dispositions toward the practice itself?

Authors

• Eric Meyers, The University of British Columbia

• Lisa Nathan, The University of British Columbia

• Casey Stepaniuk, The University of British Columbia