Content area

Abstract

Studies indicate that refugee children’s linguistic and technological abilities develop faster than their parents (Larotta & Yamamura, 2011), resulting in a language and technological gap between parents and their children (Huang & La, 2022). In resettled refugee families, basic literacy levels make it challenging for parents to acquire English language skills, limiting their ability to actively participate in their children’s academic progress. The increasing reliance on technology in English-medium classrooms further complicates this issue, as parents with limited English language skills must navigate digital tools to support their children’s academic progress. Using Vygotsky’s Sociocultural theory, this qualitative study explored three questions regarding English and digital literacy practices within Congolese refugee families, and how their practices contribute to the children’s academic progress. Findings revealed that parents with intermediate English proficiency levels did not possess basic digital literacy skills and thus were not more effective in supporting their children’s academic progress. Additionally, digital intergenerational learning was infrequent within the homes, as parents believed they possessed better digital skills and knowledge than their children. Yet, children’s technological skills, primarily developed through immersion in the public school system, were more advanced than those of their parents. Parents lacked a clear understanding of the technological expectations set by the school system, and relied on at least one conceptual innovation, such as Google Translate, to help navigate their children’s education experiences. This gap presents valuable opportunities for intergenerational learning in the home, with the dyad collaborating to improve their digital skills together. Findings are discussed in relation to current research and Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory of development.

Details

1010268
Title
"I Learnt English Online Using My Computer and I’m Learning All Computer Programs”: Exploring Congolese Families’ Digital Literacy in Supporting Children’s Academic Progress
Number of pages
146
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0154
Source
DAI-A 86/11(E), Dissertation Abstracts International
ISBN
9798315746201
Committee member
Nadir, Hamid; Shreeniwas, Sudha
University/institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Department
School of Health and Human Sciences: Human Development and Family Studies
University location
United States -- North Carolina
Degree
Ph.D.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
29161975
ProQuest document ID
3212401380
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/i-learnt-english-online-using-my-computer-m/docview/3212401380/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic