University of Roehampton evaluates DigiSmart
DigiSmart, an IT-based education programme that works with primary schools of children with poor reading skills, has been found to significantly improve literacy and reading confidence among Year 5 pupils by a University of Roehampton evaluation report published this month.
The system was developed by LIFT for Learning, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable objectives. It was launched in 2002 as a small action research pilot aimed at tackling the persistent divide in national literacy levels by exploiting the link between computers and traditional books, pen and paper. DigiSmart now partners with 250 primary schools in 18 local authorities including inner and outer London boroughs, Manchester, Sheffield, Derbyshire, St. Helens and Liverpool.
DigiSmart specifically targets the reading and wider literacy skills of under-achieving Year 5 pupils (aged 9-10) from low-income backgrounds, allowing them to achieve a successful turnaround before the end of primary school. It is deliberately positioned at a critical turning point, catching children before their experience of educational failure becomes entrenched.
The University of Roehampton report identifies the distinctive combination between screen and page as highly effective. Report author Dr d’Reen Struthers explains: “This technique works, because it combines the excitement and motivational power of technology with the security and sense of ownership associated with a traditional paper-based book.”
She adds: “It is clear from the data collected during the research that pupils participating in DigiSmart achieve real progress in literacy. Impact is quick and sustained, and there is overwhelming evidence of pupils’ increased confidence in themselves as readers.”
The PHF Education and Learning programme currently supports LIFT for Learning with a grant of £237,465 over three years awarded in 2011/12.
DigiSmart will be scaled up significantly over the next three years in order to reach many more children and achieve impact on a national scale.