"Using Tablets and Apps to Enhance Emergent Literacy Skills in Young Children," Michelle M.

Neumann
explores the potential benefits of incorporating tablets and apps into early childhood education.
Neumann argues that these technological tools can play a crucial role in fostering emergent literacy
skills in young children.

Firstly, Neumann highlights the interactive nature of tablets and apps, which engage children through
visual and auditory stimuli. This multisensory approach enhances their learning experience by appealing
to different learning styles. Moreover, she emphasizes that these digital platforms provide immediate
feedback, allowing children to correct their mistakes and reinforce their understanding.

Furthermore, Neumann asserts that tablets and apps offer a wide range of educational content
specifically designed for young learners. These resources include interactive stories, alphabet games,
phonics exercises, and vocabulary-building activities. By engaging with such content regularly, children
develop essential literacy skills like letter recognition, phonological awareness, vocabulary acquisition,
and comprehension abilities.

However, it is important to note that while tablets and apps can be effective tools for enhancing
emergent literacy skills in young children when used appropriately under adult supervision or guidance.
Excessive screen time without proper monitoring can have adverse effects on a child's development.

Michelle M. Neumann's exploration of using tablets and apps to enhance emergent literacy skills in
young children is a pioneering effort in understanding the intersection of technology and early literacy.
This critical essay delves into the research tool she employed, namely the use of iPads, along with the
Think Aloud Protocol, Play, and Photovoice, to shed light on their functions, appropriateness, challenges,
and potential modifications.

1. Research Tool: The Use of iPads

The iPad, as a research tool, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides a platform for children to interact
with literacy-focused apps, offering a controlled and standardized environment for data collection.
Secondly, the device allows for the implementation of the Think Aloud Protocol, enabling researchers to
gain insights into the cognitive processes and strategies employed by children during literacy activities.

The significance of iPads in emergent literacy research lies in their ability to simulate real-world reading
experiences through interactive and engaging applications. Existing literature, such as the work of
Anderson and Choi (2016), illustrates how the iPad can be employed to facilitate early reading
interventions, leading to enhanced phonemic awareness and vocabulary development in young
learners.

2. Appropriateness of the Research Tool

a. Suitability for Data Collection: The iPad's touch interface and user-friendly design make it an effective
tool for gathering data from children in emergent literacy. However, concerns regarding screen time and
potential distractions necessitate careful consideration.

b. Developmental Appropriateness: The developmental appropriateness of the iPad for the target age
group is supported by research indicating that young children can effectively engage with digital literacy
tools (Marsh, 2019). However, the importance of balancing screen-based activities with other forms of
learning must be acknowledged.

c. Comparative Analysis: When compared with traditional research methods, the iPad's strengths lie in
its ability to capture real-time interactions and responses. However, limitations include the potential for
passive engagement and the need for careful design to align with specific research objectives.

3. Challenges or Barriers

a. Practical Challenges: Practical challenges encompass issues such as limited attention spans, technical
difficulties, and the potential for unequal access to technology. These challenges can impact the
reliability and generalizability of research findings.

b. Ethical Considerations: Ethical concerns include the need for informed consent from parents,
ensuring age-appropriate content, and addressing potential emotional effects on children. Research by
Plowman and McPake (2013) highlights the need for ethical guidelines in digital research with young
children.

c. Impact on Integrity and Validity: The challenges identified pose risks to the integrity and validity of
the research data, potentially leading to skewed results or incomplete insights into emergent literacy
development.

4. Addressing Challenges or Barriers

a. Modifications to the Research Tool: To mitigate practical challenges, incorporating breaks during
sessions, optimizing app design for short attention spans, and providing technical support can enhance
the research process. Ethical concerns can be addressed through comprehensive consent procedures,
content vetting, and continuous monitoring of children's emotional well-being.

b. Support from Research Theory: Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory supports the use of technology as a
mediator for learning, emphasizing the importance of social interactions and guided participation in
literacy development (Vygotsky, 1978).

c. Feasibility of Recommendations: The proposed modifications are feasible within the research
context, ensuring a balance between technological engagement and ethical considerations. However,
continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential for sustained feasibility.

5. Propagation of Research

a. Role of Thoughtful Tool Selection: Thoughtful tool selection is paramount in advancing research in
emergent literacy. The iPad, coupled with complementary tools like Think Aloud Protocol and Play,
contributes to a nuanced understanding of how technology intersects with early literacy.

b. Synthesis of Discussion Points: The synthesis underscores the multifaceted nature of the research
tool, highlighting its role in capturing cognitive processes, fostering engagement, and providing a rich
source of data for emergent literacy studies.

c. Forward-looking Statement: Looking ahead, the research tool's versatility suggests its continued
relevance in the evolving landscape of emergent literacy. As technology evolves, researchers must adapt
and innovate, ensuring that tools align with the dynamic needs of young learners.
Michelle M. Neumann's research, anchored in the use of iPads and supplementary tools, contributes
significantly to the emergent literacy discourse. Through a critical analysis of the research tool, this essay
illuminates its strengths, challenges, and potential modifications. As we navigate the digital age, the
thoughtful integration of technology in emergent literacy research remains pivotal for shaping our
understanding of how young children engage with and benefit from digital tools in their literacy
journeys. Neumann's critical essay sheds light on the potential benefits of using tablets and apps to
enhance emergent literacy skills in young children. By providing an interactive learning experience with
immediate feedback and access to educational content tailored for early learners; these technological
tools have the potential to significantly contribute to a child's literacy development when used
responsibly.
Tablets and apps can be a great tool to help young children develop emergent literacy skills. In recent
years, the use of technology in the classroom has become increasingly popular, and tablets and apps can
be used to provide educational opportunities for young children in a fun and engaging way. This essay
will analyze the benefits and challenges of using tablets and apps to enhance emergent literacy skills in
young children.

The use of tablets and apps to teach emergent literacy skills to young children can be highly beneficial in
a number of ways. First, tablets and apps can provide more individualized instruction for each student.
This can help ensure that each student’s needs are being met and that they are able to learn at their
own pace. Additionally, tablets and apps can be used to introduce new concepts and to reinforce
existing concepts in a more engaging and interactive way. Furthermore, the use of tablets and apps can
help to reduce distractions in the classroom, as students can focus more intently on the tasks at hand.

However, there are potential challenges that must be considered when using tablets and apps to teach
emergent literacy skills to young children. One of the primary challenges is the cost of purchasing and
maintaining the devices. Additionally, it can be difficult to ensure that the apps being used are age-
appropriate and beneficial to learning. Additionally, there can be a lack of access to technology for some
students, and this can limit the effectiveness of using tablets and apps to teach emergent literacy skills.

In conclusion, the use of tablets and apps to teach emergent literacy skills to young children can be a
highly beneficial tool. However, there are potential challenges that must be taken into consideration,
such as the cost of purchasing and maintaining the devices, the need to ensure the apps being used are
age-appropriate and beneficial, and the potential lack of access to technology for some students. With
proper planning and implementation, tablets and apps can be used effectively to help young children
learn emergent literacy skills.