Juanita's Conceptual Framework

The above framework is a depiction of how technology supports and enhances the development of literacy skills in children.

 Recent findings show that the integration of technology supports emergent literacy curriculum and instruction in early childhood classroom environments. As indicated in this article by Hourcade, Parette, Boeckmann and Blum, entitled Handy Manny and the Emergent Literacy Technology Toolkit (2010), the researchers outlined how a comprehensive technology toolkit consisting of both hardware, and software programs that run on computers) can enhance the construction of early literacy skills in students experiencing academic challenges. The article described examples of hardware such as large computer video displays (LCD screens), digital cameras, and audio outputs/inputs for sounds and voices) and software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Clicker 5 and Communicate that met the academic needs of the children.

 The researchers used a popular children’s show – Handy Manny, to draw an analogy between Manny’s toolkit and an early childhood learning environment. In the children’s show each tool in the kit has unique qualities that allow the tool individually, and as a team to assist Handy Manny. Similarly, this study points out that children need a technology toolkit, a collection of appropriate technology tools (hardware and software) in order to accomplish their task (of emergent literacy), as well.

 Struggling learners may benefit from the unique supports accessible through educational and assistive technology (Jewitt 2006; Loveless and Dore 2002; McKenna et al. 2006; Siiraj-Blatchford 2004; Valmont 2003), particularly as technology is thoughtfully infused throughout curricula and instructional practices (Loveless and Dore 2002; McGee and Richgels 2006). Furthermore, research shows that classroom computer usage is consistently associated with (a) increased student motivation (Hitchcock and Noonan 2000; Kamil et al. 2006; and (b) gains in emergent literacy skills (Hutinger et al. 2006; Parette et al. 2009a, b). (pg. 483).

 Hourcarde, J., Parette, H. P., Boeckmann, N., Craig, B. (2010). Handy Manny and the emergent literacy technology toolkit. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37, 483-4