Transcript Emerging Literacy and Technology: Working Together

The Impact of Technology for
Diverse Learners
Center for Best Practices in
Early Childhood Education
Western Illinois University
Presented By
Carol Bell
Projects
Early Childhood Emergent Literacy
Research Project
 Literacy Demonstration (ITLC)
 LitTECH Interactive Outreach
 Early Childhood Emerging Literacy
Technology Curriculum (ELITEC)
 LitTECH Outreach

Key Findings of Research
Carries on a conversation
 Makes judgments
 Listens
 Attends
 Predicts sequence and outcomes
 Shares/Takes turns

Key Findings of Research







Acquiring socialization and communication skills
Using appropriate vocabulary
Solving problems
Using related literacy materials
Articulating key concepts
Looking at or ‘reading’ a book
Identifying environmental print
Effective Instructional Strategies
Appropriate software
 Curriculum integration with adaptations
 Management strategies

Software

Three types of software
·
Story based software
Tool and graphics software
Authoring/Multimedia programs
·
·
Software Evaluation Checklist







Open ended and allows the child opportunities to explore
Problem solving opportunities
Feedback is effective and nonthreatening
Children can be successful
Encourages active involvement
Content is developmentally appropriate
Easy navigation through program features
Levels of Interactivity

Level 1
·
Minimal choices
Specific path
Fixed response
No control of text
Very limited control of sound; on/off
No control of graphics
Examples: Polar Express, New Frog and Fly, Mike
Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, and Storytime
Tales
·
·
·
·
·


Level 5
·
Choices limited by child
Control of path
Responses limited by child
Control of text
Control of sound and sound effects
Control of graphics
Integrated content
Examples: Buildability, HyperStudio, Logo
·
·
·
·
·
·

Why use Authoring Programs?
Retelling and authoring a story
 Reliving an event
 Introducing and reinforcing concepts
 Creating vs. purchasing
 Gathering for a portfolio

Integrating Software

Appropriate software can be integrated into
the curriculum to introduce, support, and
expand learning based on content themes
derived from children’s interests, everyday
experiences, and educational knowledge,
skills, attitudes, and values. Software
provides an educational tool that
encompasses learning domains from literacy
and communication to art, music, social
studies, science, math, and motor activities,
and results in multiple outcomes.
Managing technology in the
early childhood setting






Place the computer away from direct sunlight.
Avoids glare and damage.
Select a low traffic area.
Place the computer on an appropriate surface.
Encourage children to use different input devices.
Two to three chairs available at computer.
Software choices available to children.
CD Rom Organization

Plastic container
• CD pouch
• Folders
Environment
Adaptations
Sign Up Book
Facilitates turn taking
 Supports child management of computer
centers
 Promotes writing for a purpose
 Encourages recognition of names

Sign-Up Book
Example of Sign Up Book
Sample Changes in Children’s Writing
NRC Recommendations
Rich conceptual experiences that promote
growth in vocabulary and reasoning skills.
 Encourage lexical development, from early
referential (naming) abilities to relational
and abstract terms and finer-shaded
meanings.
 Encourage development of listening
comprehension skills, and the kinds of
syntatic and prose structures that preschool
children may not yet have mastered.

NRC Recommendations
Encourage development of children’s sense
of story.
 Encourage children’s sensitivity to the
sounds of language.
 Encourage development of children’s
concepts of print.

NRC Recommendations
Encourage development of children’s
concepts of space, including directionality.
 Encourage development of children’s fine
motor skills.
 Motivate children to read.

Resources
Center for Best Practices in Early
Childhood
http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter
1-309-298-1634
1-888-548-4278
[email protected]