An e-­Book Instructional Model in Early Literacy

This past week I had the privilege to present some of my e-Book research with my colleague, BK You from the Southwest Institute for Families, at the inaugural Early Education and Technology for Children Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. This unique event was sponsored by the Waterford Institute and featured well-known speakers such as Dr. Grover J. “Russ” Whitehurst, Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams and Dr. John Dexter Fletcher, just to name a few.

At the conclusion of the Day One sessions, I had a chance to speak with Mr. Jeff Herr, head of school for the Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA), the first virtual charter school in the state of Utah. We talked at length about the challenges facing the current American educational system, the promises and pitfalls of online charter schools, and the steps he is taking to help ensure access for all of his students.

One of the highlights of the conference for me was the opportunity to meet and talk extensively with Dr. Warren Buckleitner, editor of Children’s Technology Review, about my research, his work, educational software and technology for children, and a whole lot of other fun topics. On the last day, I was even able to share and exchange favorite iOS Apps with him and a few other conference presenters.

Here are some additional conference resources.

e-Book Quality Rating Tool

e-Book Analytic Tool I

e-Book Analytic Tool II

List of Early Elementary e-Book iOS Apps

Akron Ready Steps TumbleBooks Library



Photo courtesy of Dr. Warren Buckleitner