Abstract

Abstract

Background: Teaching at the elementary level has changed drastically within the past 20 years. Our modern society illuminates the importance of having accessible technology in elementary classrooms, and the effect it has on literacy.

Objective: This study aims to research the pros and cons of having accessible technology in classrooms at the elementary level when considering literacy. It also goes into depth about how teachers can utilize technology within their lesson plans effectively.

Design and Method: The research method is based on peer-reviewed literature consisting of case studies, scholarly articles, online publications, and journals. The research performed is qualitative and the case studies that I reference range from 2007-2021. These studies delve deeply into the pros and cons technology has on literacy. My main research question is; In what ways does technology impact literacy in elementary aged children?

Results: The significance of this study is to show that technology can be a tool that the students and teachers can utilize within the classroom without it being a distraction.

Conclusions: The government funding for technology in the school system has skyrocketed, especially in the post pandemic world we live in. Technology within the classroom shows positive associations with regards to literacy. It was also shown that technology is only effective when the educators had the proper training to effectively incorporate it into their everyday lesson plans.

Keywords: Literacy, Elementary, Technology, Education, Effects