Volume 15

IMPACT OF DIGITAL LITERACY ON THE EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENT OF NURSERY ONE IN ASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

IBRAHIM, Hadi Gidado & OLANREWAJU, Olatunde Hamzat

Abstract

This study examined the impact of digital literacy on early literacy development among Nursery One children in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. A one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was employed to measure literacy outcomes using standardized tests, and the study developed a Rating Scale on Early Literacy Skills and Digital Resources, which demonstrated high reliability (ICC = 0.87). Sixty children aged four to six participated in an eight-week intervention that integrated interactive storybooks, phonics applications, and multimedia learning platforms into daily instruction. Results showed significant improvements in overall literacy (M = 24.86, SD = 2.65 at pre-test; M = 30.76, SD = 1.21 at post-test; t(59) = 15.03, p < .001) and in reading skills, vocabulary breadth and phonemic awareness (M = 24.18, SD = 3.54 at pre-test; M =30.13, SD = 1.87 at post-test; t(59) = 12.45, p < .001). The ndings suggest that digital literacy tools can effectively scaffold early reading and language skills in semiurban Nigerian classrooms. It is recommended that schools invest in tablets and internet connectivity, embed routine digital literacy sessions into curricula, and provide targeted professional development for teachers to sustain and scale observed literacy gains.

Keywords

digital literacy; early literacy development; phonemic awareness; vocabulary acquisition

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