‘They just wanted to play’: A mobile-enhanced early literacy intervention in Cambodia

Mark Pegrum, Grace Oakley, Thida Kheang, Krisna Seng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

In an effort to improve the low literacy levels of Grade 1-3 students, the Total Reading Approach for Children Plus (TRAC+) program was implemented in 138 schools across five provinces in Cambodia from 2014-2017. This paper focuses on the mobile learning component, in particular the Aan Khmer (Read Khmer) literacy app, and examines the project in terms of the experiences of the young learners themselves. Based on mixed methods research, it reports on the results of literacy tests conducted in schools which made higher or lower use of the app, as well as drawing on insights derived from focus group interviews with students in the program and their peer tutors, individual interviews with school staff, and lesson observations. Despite a range of challenges, evidence emerged of some reading improvements, coupled with positive perceptions by students and other stakeholders. The paper concludes with recommendations about the organisation and pedagogical design of this mobile literacy intervention, including the value of increasing local input into such programmes in the Global South.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication19th World Conference on Mobile, Blended and Seamless Learning (mLearn2020)
PublisherInternational Association for Mobile Learning
Pages18-24
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 25 Jan 2021
Event19th World Conference on Mobile, Blended and Seamless Learning - Cairo, Egypt
Duration: 2 Nov 20204 Nov 2020
https://easychair.org/cfp/mLearn2020

Conference

Conference19th World Conference on Mobile, Blended and Seamless Learning
Country/TerritoryEgypt
CityCairo
Period2/11/204/11/20
Internet address

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