Kindergartners' Conversations in a Computer-Based Technology Classroom

This qualitative study examined emerging inquiries and dialogue of five-to six-year-old kindergartners (9 boys and 9 girls) taking place around computers as they engaged in a mapping project in a technology-rich classroom in the U.S. Discourse analysis of young children's conversations in a technology-rich classroom shed light on their perceptions of computer-based technology as a learning tool. Key findings revealed: (a) cumulative talk patterns among the children evolved into exploratory talk; (b) children's thinking, questioning, and talking was purposeful, reflective, and autonomous; (c) children's speech and dialogue influenced their emergent technological literacy skills; (d) peer collaboration and teacher input scaffolded student development; and (e) students discovered personal preferences in using various tools.