Cloud-Based Narrative Writing Practice for Young English Learners From a Funds of Knowledge Approach

• In Event: 72.049 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 72.049-11 - Technologies to Support Young Writers

Abstract

Employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the learning effect of using Google Chromebook to develop young English Learners’ (ELs) narrative writing skills from the perspective of Funds of Knowledge (FoK). Seventeen 6th-8th grade ELs from low-income Mexican-American families and two EL teachers participated in the study. Among them, six ELs’ families were home-visited to explore their household FoK before starting the writing activities. Through the emerged FoK during home-visits, a cloud-based narrative writing curriculum was developed. The participating ELs completed 136 pre- and post-essays during the study. Repeated measured ANOVA showed that the ELs narrative writing skills showed significant improvement.

Authors

• Yan Chen, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Hayley J. Mayall, Northern Illinois University

• Cindy S. York, Northern Illinois University

• Ying Xie, Northern Illinois University

• Thomas J. Smith, Northern Illinois University