Rethinking Difference in the iWorld: Possibilities, Challenges and ‘Unexpected Consequences’ of Digital Tools in Literacy Education

Within contemporary literacy classrooms, mobile touchscreen devices are occupying a more prominent place. For children who have disabilities or learning differences, such devices can offer increased participation and access and may also provide social capital to users. We share examples of how iPads...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Linda Laidlaw, Joanne O'Mara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada 2015-06-01
Series:Language and Literacy: A Canadian Educational e-journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/langandlit/index.php/langandlit/article/view/24386
Description
Summary:Within contemporary literacy classrooms, mobile touchscreen devices are occupying a more prominent place. For children who have disabilities or learning differences, such devices can offer increased participation and access and may also provide social capital to users. We share examples of how iPads and iPods were successfully used in classrooms by children who might be categorized as experiencing various challenges, as well as autobiographical examples we have experienced as parents of children with disabilities. Through these illustrations, we examine the possibilities of ‘new tools’ as well as challenges encountered in changing existing literacy practices.
ISSN:1496-0974