What Researchers in Norway Found Out About Digital Books in Early Childhood Classrooms

The article "Quality in children's digital picture books: seven key strands for educational reflections for shared dialogue-based reading in early childhood settings," by authors Trude Hoel and Margrethe Jernes was published in February 2023 in Early Years: An International Research Journal.

The study highlights the importance of considering multiple dimensions of quality in digital picture books for children, as well as the potential benefits of incorporating these books into early childhood education and care settings. It provides a useful framework for educators and caregivers to evaluate and select high-quality digital picture books for young children.

The authors pursued this study to address the growing use of digital picture books in early childhood settings and to provide a framework for educators to evaluate the quality of these books and aimed to identify key characteristics of high-quality digital picture books that early childhood educators can use when selecting digital picture books for shared dialogue-based reading.

They identified several characteristics of high-quality digital picture books, including engaging literary content, creative and visually appealing illustrations, appropriate interactive features, reliable technical performance, educational value, social and emotional relevance, and cultural sensitivity. According to the authors, "Quality in digital picture books should be evaluated not only by the technical features but also by the content, design, pedagogical and cultural relevance, and social aspects."

The authors suggest that when teachers choose digital books to read with children, they should reflect on seven key strands: theme, duration, verbal text and illustrations, play with language, conversation and dialogue, the medium's flexibility, and interactivity.

. Specifically, the authors recommend that teachers should:

• Encourage active engagement with the text by asking open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and discussion.

• Use digital picture books that feature narrative and visual design elements that are appropriate for children's age and developmental level.

• Consider the linguistic complexity of the text, and ensure that the language used in the book is appropriate for the children's age and developmental level.

• Use digital picture books that represent diverse cultures and perspectives, and that challenge stereotypes and biases.

• Use interactive features in digital picture books thoughtfully, as a means of enhancing the reading experience and supporting the development of literacy skills

• Ensure that digital picture books are easy to navigate and use, so that children can engage with the text independently.

Overall, the authors stress the importance of intentional selection and use of digital picture books in early childhood settings to support children's literacy development. The authors have shared an online tool that guides educators through evaluating a digital book to ensure it is of high quality and pairs well with their goals.

You can try the tool here: http://vebb.uis.no/ 

References:

Hoel, T., & Jernes, M. (2023). Quality in children’s digital picture books: seven key strands for educational reflections for shared dialogue-based reading in early childhood settings. Early Years, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2023.2172552