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Article
Using Computer-Based Instruction to Improve Indigenous Early Literacy in Northern Australia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Australasian Journal of Educational Technology
  • Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Colorado State University
  • Robert Savage, McGill University
  • Janet Helmer, Charles Darwin University
  • Tess Lea, Charles Darwin University
  • Helen Harper, Charles Darwin University
  • Kalotina Chalkit, Charles Darwin University
  • Christine Bottrell, Charles Darwin University
  • Phil Abrami, Concordia University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.947
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.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, v. 27, no. 4, p. 727-750

https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/index

Citation Information
Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Robert Savage, Janet Helmer, Tess Lea, et al.. "Using Computer-Based Instruction to Improve Indigenous Early Literacy in Northern Australia: A Quasi-Experimental Study" Australasian Journal of Educational Technology Vol. 27 Iss. 4 (2011) p. 727 - 750
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer-wolgemuth/28/