Original Research - Special Collection: Digital Literacy

Implementing tablets to teach Reading in Grade 5

Ethel Maboe, Cornelia G.A. Smith, Mumthaz Banoobhai, Moses Makgato
Reading & Writing | Vol 9, No 1 | a197 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/rw.v9i1.197 | © 2018 C.G.A. Smith, E Maboe, M Banoobhai, M Makgatho | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 06 February 2018 | Published: 27 July 2018

About the author(s)

Ethel Maboe, Department of and Educational Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
Cornelia G.A. Smith, Department of Applied Languages, Faculty of Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
Mumthaz Banoobhai, Department of and Educational Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
Moses Makgato, Department of Technology and Vocational Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Abstract

Literacy is regarded as a fundamental skill for people to communicate successfully in all areas of life. In the light of the poor performance of learners, an investigation concerning reading is imperative to enhance literacy in South Africa. This study explores the use of tablets to enhance English reading among learners in Grade 5 from selected primary schools in Atteridgeville. The sample consisted of 12 learners, six teachers and six parents. Tablets form part of connectivity because modern technology is used to draw the learners into listening and reading English. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge focuses on the use of modern technology to enhance teaching and learning in education. The study followed a qualitative approach involving a case study. Focus group interviews and observations were used as research instruments. The findings of the investigation reveal that learners using tablets have an advantage, because modern digital natives enjoy the use of technology to communicate and learn, which enhances their reading and learning. Tablets provide learners with the opportunity to experience technology physically and independently. Audiobooks used on tablets were a great help to facilitate reading development in English, especially with regard to vocabulary branching and correct pronunciation. Funds are still a problem because the use of technology does not happen in all educational environments.

Keywords

audiobooks; english reading; tablets; connectivism

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Crossref Citations

1. The Technological-Pedagogical Knowledge for In-Service Teachers in Primary Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Miguel Angel Paidican, Pamela Alejandra Arredondo
Contemporary Educational Technology  vol: 14  issue: 3  first page: ep370  year: 2022  
doi: 10.30935/cedtech/11813