Multimodal digital text creation using tablets and open-ended creative apps to improve the literacy learning of children in early childhood classrooms

This article reports on an exploratory mixed-methods study that investigated how the creation of multimodal digital texts, using tablets, and open-ended creative apps contributed to the literacy learning of five-year-old children in two schools in low socioeconomic areas in Western Australia. Participating teachers learned about seven exemplar learning activities designed to engage children in multimodal text creation using tablets, primarily to improve literacy. Teachers used exemplars to guide their literacy planning and practice over three school terms. Pre- and post-test scores suggest that aspects of participating children’s reading had improved. Teachers also reported some improvements in children’s oral language and writing, as well as reading.