Word Work Mat App for literacy instruction
The Virtual Word Work Mat is an interactive app designed for literacy instruction, based on the original physical classroom version. The app was released to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many schools moved their K-12 classes to on-line sessions and their on-line instruction could benefit especially from experiential learning that is not typically offered in ad hoc online settings. Just two days after its release date the Virtual Word Work Mat app had already reached more than 70,000 people, with more than 6,000 engagements and 300 shares.
Description
During the COVID-19 pandemic, education has been severely impacted across the globe.
Ongoing class sessions are especially important for K-12 students, many of whom benefit
especially from experiential learning that is not typically offered in ad hoc online settings. UF
Digital Worlds Institute professor Angelos Barmpoutis is working in partnership with the UF
Literacy Institute (UFLI) to address this world-wide need with an innovative virtual platform
solution.
The Virtual Word Work Mat (VWWM) is an interactive app designed for literacy instruction,
based on the original physical classroom version of the Word Work Mat created by UF doctoral
student Valentina Contesse. Valentina stated, “I never imagined when I was making Word Work
Mats for my first graders, using file folders and Velcro, that it could be transformed into a
digital tool that teachers all over the world would use in their classrooms!”
According to Facebook analytics, just two days after its release date the VWWM had already
reached more than 70,000 people, with more than 6,000 engagements and 300 shares. And
UFLI’s online engagement increased by more than 1000 subscriptions during the same period.
Creating and offering ready access to the Virtual Word Work Mat during pandemic lockdown
has empowered teachers and students continue their literacy instruction as part of their on-line
learning activities. Designed to work on tablet and other devices using the either iOS or Android
platforms, VWWM provides a simple user interface in which students can manipulate letter and
phoneme cards with intuitive touch gestures and compose words at home.
Holly Lane, Director of UFLI said, “We’re so excited about the partnership between the UF
Literacy Institute and Digital Worlds in our response to the pandemic. Thanks to the
commitment and technical expertise of Angelos Barmpoutis, we were able to take some our
interactive literacy instruction materials and bring them to life on a virtual platform. The
response from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. We have many thousands of
teachers accessing the materials and sharing the links on social media.”
This excitement is shared by Digital Worlds Director James Oliverio. “One of the great benefits
of experiential online learning is accessibility across the traditional challenges of demographics,
geography, and time zones. This project is an example of the interdisciplinary strengths of the
University of Florida; faculty stepping up in a time of need to provide tangible benefits from the
ongoing research and development happening across our campus.”
UFLI Director Lane also stated, “Together, UFLI and DW are making a difference for teachers
and their students. We hope this is just the beginning of our collaboration!”
Sample Comments from Parents and Teachers:
“I used this for the first time yesterday in my virtual reading lesson with my struggling readers.
Their response was priceless. They were so engaged and actively asking me to change the
letters and make new words”
“This has been amazing for my daughter with a severe Auditory Processing Disorder and
dysgraphia. Thank you!!!”
“This is amazing— thank you! Can’t wait to share with my teachers!”
“This is immeasurably helpful!!!!”
Press Release by the UF College of the Arts:
Links to the App:
Try the Virtual Word Work Mats below:
Beginner Word Work Mat
Direct link: Beginner Word Work Mat
Drag and drop the letter cards below:
Intermediate Word Work Mat
Direct link: Intermediate Word Work Mat.
Drag and drop the letter cards below:
Additional information
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