WhatsApp Remote Reading Recovery: Using Mobile Technology to Promote Literacy During COVID-19

• In Event: Technology Integration and Effectiveness in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the feasibility of using WhatsApp as a digital tool to facilitate education through an educational intervention of daily delivery of readings by WhatsApp to students in elementary school. The goal was for students to maintain (or expand) their reading skills during school closure. The evaluation design was quasi-experimental, and measured level of adoption and words read per minute (WRPM). The total sample (n = 292) obtained a statistically significant gain in the mean WRPM (p <0.001). The average adoption rate was 84%, meaning that students read an average of 50-51 of the 60 total readings of the intervention. The results of this study will inform schools and decision-makers about distance learning options to promote literacy.

Authors

• Mariana León, Quality Leadership University

• Nanette Svenson, Tulane University

• Debra Psychoyos

• Nyasha Warren

• Guillermina De Gracia

• Andrea Palacios