In this short course you will explore the possibility that children might acquire written language in a way that is similar to how they acquire spoken language—without instruction. You will encounter various aspects of behavioral science and technology that are relevant to this proposition. You will have the opportunity to learn the the perceptual, cognitive, and neurological capacities of children during their first years of life. You will advance your understanding of children and how they learn language. You will also be more attuned to current advances in the technology of human machine interactions, and what these phenomena imply for learning to read at an early age.
Offered By
University of California, Santa Cruz
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 hours to complete
Week 1 Introduction, Challenges, and Language
Universal literacy, differences between spoken and written language, models of perception and processing, and implications of natural acquisition of reading.
12 videos (Total 91 min), 1 reading
12 videos
Welcome6m
Challenges and Possibilities8m
Overview of Language8m
Spoken vs. Written Language9m
Analogous Processes in Speech Perception and Reading8m
Is Speech Perception Special?7m
Critique of Motor Theory8m
Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception7m
Top-Down Influences on Language Processing8m
Neural and Behavioral Development5m
Visual Word Form Area and Critical Periods5m
Implications for Learning to Read Naturally6m
1 reading
Week 1 Overview10m
Week
22 hours to complete
Week 2 Acquiring Spoken and Written Language
Influences on language learning, iconicity, recognition skills of infants, visual processes in reading, and rapid serial visual processing.
14 videos (Total 88 min), 2 readings
14 videos
Learning Words5m
Multiple Sources of Information Perspective part 16m
Multiple Sources of Information Perspective part 25m
Iconicity4m
Recognition Skills of Infants9m
Acquiring Early Reading Skill6m
Visual Processes that Support Reading7m
Uppercase and Lowercase Letters5m
Fundamental Processes Involved in Reading4m
Tunnel Vision in Reading5m
Eye Movements During Reading7m
Rapid Serial Visual Processing (RSVP)5m
Optimizing RSVP7m
2 readings
Week 2 Overview10m
Iconicity Ratings10m
Week
34 hours to complete
Week 3 Reading, Early Reading, and Technological Innovations
The nature of reading, reading myths, current approaches to teaching reading, demographics of literacy and illiteracy, and technological innovations.
15 videos (Total 98 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
15 videos
How We Perceive Letters and Words9m
Reading Words5m
Search for Magical Solutions6m
Testing Top-Down Influences6m
Written vs. Spoken Language6m
Traditional View of Learning to Read7m
Views of Reading6m
Learning Written Language4m
Writing and Reading6m
Print Influences in Early Reading5m
Technological Advances4m
Shared Reading Interventions7m
Possible Implementations6m
Potential Impacts of Technology Assisted Reading Acquisition7m
1 reading
Week 3 Overview10m
4.3
8 ReviewsTop reviews from Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally
It was a very interesting course that opened up my mind regarding early literacy in children. This new perspective could be a great start for further research on the topic.
The class was both fun and interesting. Thanks so much!
Instructor
Dr. Dominic William Massaro
Research ProfessorPsychology
About University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is an outstanding public research university with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. It’s a place that connects people and programs in unexpected ways while providing unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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