Supporting Home Language Reading Through Technology in Rural South Africa

• In Event: 64.018 - International Perspectives on Schools, Communities, Families, and the State

Abstract

This paper describes a short-term longitudinal study in rural South Africa, with children in grades 1–3, some of whom received a multimedia technology reading support programme in one of three home languages and English (through existing computer labs in schools). Findings reveal a positive and significant impact on local language reading acquisition among children with multimedia support. The study shows that effective literacy support can help struggling learners make significant gains that will help them complete their schooling. The ability to accomplish a complete cycle of primary school with fully developed reading skills has significant implications for continued learning.

Author

• Nathan M. Castillo, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign