INTEGRATING DIGITAL TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE LITERACY AND NUMERACY INSTRUCTIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION


Nerissa I. Pita, Melinda F. Marquez PhD
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piňas City, Philippines
Abstract
This study examined the extent and effectiveness of integrating digital tools into early reading and numeracy instruction for kindergarten pupils at selected public schools within the Division of Quezon Province. In the 21st century, digital tools, including interactive applications, educational games, and multimedia materials, have become essential for enhancing engagement, facilitating differentiated learning, and developing foundational skills. The study, informed by the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Framework and Constructivist Learning Theory, aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of teachers, the degree of digital tool integration, and its effectiveness in literacy and numeracy outcomes, as well as the correlation between integration and effectiveness. Employing a descriptive-quantitative methodology, data were collected from kindergarten educators via a validated researcher-developed questionnaire. The findings indicated that most teachers were in the middle of their careers, held sufficient academic credentials, and had received some training in digital integration. Digital tools were frequently utilized and proved effective for learning new words, recognizing existing words, performing basic math calculations, and identifying numbers. However, they did not work as well for learning phonemic awareness and letter-sound recognition. There were significant differences in integration when teachers were classified by profile, but no strong link was found between the level of student integration and the effectiveness of literacy instruction. The study suggests that although teachers appreciate digital technologies, their effectiveness is contingent upon strategic implementation, teacher expertise, and the availability of high-quality materials, rather than merely the frequency of usage. To ensure that digital teaching skills align with specific learning goals for developing early literacy and numeracy, an intervention program focusing on mentoring, specialist training, and resource development is recommended.
Keywords: Basic Operations, Counting, Frequency of Using Digital Tool in the Classroom, Instructional Strategies Employed, Integrating Digital Tools
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)

VIEW PDF
Published on : 2025-09-20

Vol : 11
Issue : 9
Month : September
Year : 2025
Copyright © 2025 EPRA JOURNALS. All rights reserved
Developed by Peace Soft