Exploring The Use of iPads in Grade 1 Balanced Literacy Program

Balanced literacy programs are a very effective approach to improve students’ literacy, but students have shown less and less interest in learning through the traditional ways, e.g. paper and pencils. Research indicates that iPads are a great tool to motivate early year students in learning. Therefore, this research aimed to explore how Grade 1 teachers use iPads as part of their balanced literacy program and to hear what outcomes teachers observed from students. This research study was conducted using a qualitative research approach, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with two Grade 1 teachers. This research found that 1) teachers use iPads more commonly in read aloud, guided reading, and word study than shared reading and independent reading; 2) teachers are supported by their school board but less so from schools and colleagues 3) teachers encountered many challenges, including bahavioural, technological, and institutional limitations; and 4) teachers observed that students were fully motivated by using iPads but it was very hard to assess the progress that students attained in reading proficiency through using iPads. These findings will contribute to the future studies on using iPads to support students’ learning