Talk about texts: using ICT to develop children’s oral and literate abilities

Mercer, Neil; Fernandez, Manuel; Dawes, Lyn; Wegerif, Rupert and Sams, Claire (2003). Talk about texts: using ICT to develop children’s oral and literate abilities. Reading, 37(2) pp. 81–89.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9345.3702006

Abstract

This article describes the outcomes of recent research on children's talk while engaged in joint literacy activities in primary school (Year 5). The research is based on a conception of talk as a tool for 'thinking together', with computer software being treated as a resource for organising and focusing children's involvement in collaborative activities. The results are used to discuss the value of classroom talk and computer-based activities for promoting children's literacy development.