The use of digital technologies in primary school in France: The results of the “Lire-écrire au CP” study
This study draws on data stemming from a study entitled “Lire-écrire au CP” [reading-writing in primary year one] to analyze and ascertain the role of digital technologies in reading instruction during first-year primary school in France. On average, almost 6% of reading-writing tasks are completed using a digital medium. Even if the use of a computer or tablet remains marginal, Smart Boards are a growing feature of classrooms. Of the 131 classes participating in our study, 24 use such technologies, which account for an average 117 minutes per week devoted to developing reading-writing. Video analysis of these classes shows that, for the most part, their use is fairly close to that of a traditional chalkboard. The multilevel analyses did not indicate any effects of this Smart Board use on students’ progress.