Talking to Learn in the 21st Century: A National Study of Digital and Face-to-Face Talk

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Digital Texts and Digital Talk: Tracing Online Reading and Writing Practices

Abstract

Research has established that classroom talk can support student learning. With the increasing popularity of collaborative digital technologies in K-12 spaces, classroom talk has expanded into digital settings. However, the relation between learning and digital talk— what I refer to as the interactive communication via signs and symbols that occurs in online spaces between two or more participants—is less clear. Drawing on sociocultural theories, this study used mixed methods to examine classroom uses of an e-reader that supports embedded discussions as a case to study digital talk-related issues. Findings from a national survey and design research with two teachers suggest tensions between intended learning opportunities associated with digital talk and the reality of implementing digital talk with students.

Author

• Jennifer Higgs, University of California - Davis