Using Digital Tools to Enhance Literacy Practices

This qualitative case study tells the story of Jack's turn to multimodal tools in second grade. Jack's mom, who is also the researcher, analyzes his paper/pencil and digital book reports during second grade to show how whole language practices, driven by his interests, opened possibilities that his teacher and mom never imagined he would be capable of in second grade. Not only did he enjoy digital writing more than traditional paper/pencil writing, but he also demonstrated greater sentence fluency, stronger analysis, and connected more meaningfully with his readers. Additionally, the digital mode opened up a dialog between student and teacher that facilitated a healthier writing process. This analysis has the potential to help teachers and parents imagine broader possibilities for using digital tools to facilitate healthy literacy practices at home and at school.