Abstract
Literacy is regarded as a fundamental skill for people to communicate successfully in all areas of life. In the light of the poor performance of learners, an investigation concerning reading is imperative to enhance literacy in South Africa. This study explores the use of tablets to enhance English reading among learners in Grade 5 from selected primary schools in Atteridgeville. The sample consisted of 12 learners, six teachers and six parents. Tablets form part of connectivity because modern technology is used to draw the learners into listening and reading English. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge focuses on the use of modern technology to enhance teaching and learning in education. The study followed a qualitative approach involving a case study. Focus group interviews and observations were used as research instruments. The findings of the investigation reveal that learners using tablets have an advantage, because modern digital natives enjoy the use of technology to communicate and learn, which enhances their reading and learning. Tablets provide learners with the opportunity to experience technology physically and independently. Audiobooks used on tablets were a great help to facilitate reading development in English, especially with regard to vocabulary branching and correct pronunciation. Funds are still a problem because the use of technology does not happen in all educational environments.
Highlights
Teaching the millennials demands more than the usual teacher-orientated approach of enforcing silence when learning in the classroom
Implementing the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) principles, focusing on how to use technology and how to take into consideration the content and the pedagogical approaches to teaching effectively, teachers can incorporate technology to equip learners to prepare the lesson that they will teach in their classrooms
Skilled personnel: the Department of Education should focus on equipping teachers, support staff and other leaders skilled in the selection and effective use of appropriate e-learning and information and communication technologies (ICT) resources, implementing an ongoing framework
Summary
Teaching the millennials demands more than the usual teacher-orientated approach of enforcing silence when learning in the classroom. It requires innovation and adaptation with regard to the way teachers approach the learners who are far more accustomed to using technology than a few years ago. Be interpreted as making meaning from print If schools want teachers to use technology to enhance learners’ learning, it is important to address these issues. Whilst every school is different, with different needs and resources, there are several factors that facilitate technology implementation and can help address the challenges mentioned above, making the school’s efforts to develop reading more successful (Glazer, Hannfin & Song 2005:57). Learning can be enhanced through e-learning and mediation tools such as tablets are needed to distribute the content to be covered in the learning situation (Aparicio, Bacao & Oliveira 2016:29)
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