Overview
This study, funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation (£295,915) examined the extent to which an ICT intervention to enhance sustained shared thinking impacted on young children’s cognitive and linguistic outcomes. The project aimed to maximise the benefits of children’s early use of ICT whilst minimising the potential problems that may result from their use. It incorporated a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a programme which had been delivered in a partnership between the University of Swansea and Swansea LEA. The study applied standardised assessments to track the progress of 100+ children, aged 3-5 years, and of 100+ children in a comparable control group. Standardised instruments were also applied to assess the quality of the pre-school provision being made and a range of qualitative and survey data was collected to assess the wider effects of the intervention upon the children, their parents, pre-school practitioners and practice.
Deliverables
An interim report was submitted to the Esmee Fairbairn Trust at the end of August 2010. Progress reports were submitted to the Trust every three months with the final report being submitted at the end of the project.
