Educators'assessment of digital resources for preschool Russian language learners

Abstract

Nowadays, parents and educators see the exponential growth of digital resources that target very young language learners including emerging bi- and multilinguals. Little do we know, however, about how educators use digital resources in the classroom. This study aimed at examining educational practices of early childhood educators working on speech development of bilingual children aged 3 to 7. Thirty-four educators working in bilingual kindergartens and preschools in Russia were recruited to complete a questionnaire. The study results demonstrated educators' positive view over the digital resources as tools for emergent bilinguals. Multimodal and interactive features of digital tools were assessed as the most effective. Common patterns among study participants were found in the teaching practices employed. While most educators showed readiness to let children work with digital technology independently, they still saw electronic resources as tools that simply amplify educator-child interaction leaving the crucial role of knowledge mediators to the educator.