A Human-Computer Partnership: The Tutor/Child/Computer Triangle Promoting the Acquisition of Early Literacy Skills
Richard F. Schmid
Concordia University
Nancy Miodrag
McGill University
Nathalie Di Francesco
Sheridan College
Abstract
This study involved the analysis of the complex interactions that take place between tutors and
preschool children using a computer during early literacy tutoring sessions. Eight five-year-old
pre- and early-readers attending a childcare centre participated in daily 20-minute tutoring
sessions for two weeks. The literacy software (a beta version) was especially designed to guide
tutors while working one-on-one with elementary school students falling into the lower 30% of
reading achievement (i.e., at-risk). Parent surveys, videotaped tutor/child sessions, independent
observer data, and tutor reports yielded rich descriptions of the tutor/child/computer process.
Rigorous grounded theory analyses generated three comprehensive themes: rapport, motivation,
and scaffolding. The first focused on interpersonal issues, the latter two on teaching/learning.
Implications for practice are discussed.
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Contributors
Richard F. Schmid is a professor of educational technology in the Department
of Education, Concordia University, and the associate director of the Centre for
the Study of Learning and Performance. His research areas include technology
integration in post secondary and early literacy contexts, and learning strategies.
Nancy Miodrag, MA, is currently a PhD candidate in educational psychology,
specializing in human development at McGill University in the Department of
Educational and Counselling Psychology. She is also the research associate for
the National Early Intervention Research Initiative.
Nathalie Di Francesco, MA, is a professor of early childhood education in
the School of Community and Liberal Studies at Sheridan College. She is also
currently a PhD candidate in educational psychology specializing in early childhood
education at the University of Ottawa.
Contact
Richard F. Schmid
Department of Education, Concordia University,
1455 ouest. Boul. de Maisonneuve
Montréal, Québec, H3G 1M8, Canada
schmid@education.concordia.ca
Copyright 2008, (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.
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