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Using computer-based instruction to improve Indigenous early literacy in Northern Australia: A quasi-experimental study

Title:

Using computer-based instruction to improve Indigenous early literacy in Northern Australia: A quasi-experimental study

Wolgemuth, Jennifer, Savage, Robert, Helmer, Janet, Lea, Tess, Harper, Helen, Chalkiti, Kalotina, Bottrell, Christine and Abrami, Philip (2011) Using computer-based instruction to improve Indigenous early literacy in Northern Australia: A quasi-experimental study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 27 (4). pp. 727-750. ISSN 14495554

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Abstract

The effectiveness of a web-based reading support tool, ABRACADABRA, to improve the literacy outcomes of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students was evaluated over one semester in several Northern Territory primary schools in 2009. ABRACADABRA is intended as a support for teachers in the early years of schooling, giving them a friendly, game and evidence-based tool to reinforce their literacy instruction. The classroom implementation of ABRACADABRA by briefly trained and intensively supported teachers was evaluated using a quasi-experimental pretest, post-test control group design with 118 children in the intervention and 48 in the control. Children received either a minimum of 20 hours of technology-based intervention or regular classroom teaching. Results revealed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students who received ABRACADABRA instruction had significantly higher phonological awareness scores than their control group peers. The effect size for this difference was large (eta squared=.14). This finding remained when controlling for student attendance and the quality of general non-technology-based literacy instruction. Limitations of the study and implications for effective practice in remote and regional contexts are discussed.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Education
Concordia University > Research Units > Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance
Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Authors:Wolgemuth, Jennifer and Savage, Robert and Helmer, Janet and Lea, Tess and Harper, Helen and Chalkiti, Kalotina and Bottrell, Christine and Abrami, Philip
Journal or Publication:Australasian Journal of Educational Technology
Date:2011
ID Code:36082
Deposited By: ANDREA MURRAY
Deposited On:21 Nov 2011 19:08
Last Modified:18 Jan 2018 17:36
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