Presentation Schedule
Fostering Cognition and Metacognition in Children Through First-language Digital Storytelling: Experience of Pre-service and In-service Teachers (93162)
Session Chair: Aysha Alshamsi
Saturday, 12 July 2025 13:25
Session: Session 2
Room: UCL Torrington, G20 (Ground Floor)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has outlined a clear vision for enhancing language teaching and learning, recognizing its critical role in advancing education and contributing to national development. A key element of this vision is the provision of high-quality early childhood education to foster both cognitive and metacognitive skills in young learners. As part of this initiative, the UAE also acknowledges the potential of integrating technology into education. One promising approach is the use of digital storytelling in children’s first language, which can significantly aid in developing these skills in the early years, particularly when the stories are culturally relevant, and community based. This study aims to explore the perceptions of in-service and preservice teachers regarding the use of digital storytelling to support the cognitive and metacognitive development of young children. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, reflections, and interviews, the research investigated teachers' experiences of integrating digital storytelling into their classrooms. The study found that digital storytelling, when culturally contextualized and linguistically relevant, significantly enhances children's engagement, language acquisition, and critical thinking. Educators observed notable improvements in children’s vocabulary, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for self-reflection. Challenges such as technology accessibility, varying digital literacy, and curriculum constraints were identified, highlighting a need for professional development and resources to address these obstacles. The study recommends structured support systems, including enhanced access to technology, teacher training, and curriculum adaptations, to maximize the effectiveness of digital storytelling as a tool for cognitive and metacognitive development, thereby contributing to the UAE's broader educational goals.
Authors:
Aysha Alshamsi, Emirates College for Advanced Education, United Arab Emirates
About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Aysha Saeed Alshamsi, Associate Professor, Emirates College for Advanced Education.
See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule
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