Using Technology for Emergent Literacy and Language (UTELL): Phase Two/Evaluation

Project Details

Project Context:
Using Technology for Emergent Language and Literacy (UTELL) Evaluation will employ rigorous field-based research to determine the effectiveness of the UTELL technology-based approach in promoting the language and emergent literacy skills of young children with disabilities (Phase 2). The UTELL approach has been developed and piloted as a Phase 1 Steppingstones of Technology project. The UTELL approach promotes shared conversation around meaningful literacy experiences through the use of digital imagery to illustrate family-created stories in book format and to guide and support shared conversation.

Our preliminary Phase 1 findings from parent focus groups, staff questionnaires, program staff focus groups, child language and parent-child interaction data are very positive and indicate that the UTELL strategies are useful and feasible for young children with disabilities and their families.

Project Focus:
The proposed rigorous, random assignment research testing of the effectiveness of the UTELL approach is the next step toward establishing an evidence base for UTELL.

Disability Addressed: UTELL technology-based approach is appropriate for all disabilities. It has been used with a range of children with mild to severe disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, language delays, and deafness.

Age Group: The development of the UTELL approach has been in collaboration with Part C programs. The focus has been on children from approximately 18 months to 36 months of age. The proposed project will continue to focus on this age range.