Development of Pre-Reading Skills Using iPad and SMARTBoard Technologies

This study describes the use of iPad and SMARTBoard technologies in a kindergarten classroom with a dual language program (English and Spanish) to support the development of pre-reading skills in 30 students identified as “at-risk” (lagging or behind academically). After the initial evaluation and selection of the sample group, an intervention was carried out during 4 weeks that consisted in working on letter identification, naming speed, and uses and functions of reading, as part of the metalinguistic awareness of children in this age group.  The study concluded that the use of SMARTBoard and iPad may improve pre-reading skills such as identifying letters, naming speed, and metalinguistic awareness in kindergarteners, with no clear difference between English and Spanish native speakers. However, it was found that gender, as well as other external factors, may have an effect in the literacy acquisition process.