Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally

University of California, Santa Cruz

About this Course

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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.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Flexible deadlines

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Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

3.92/5 (14 Ratings)

Dr. Dominic William Massaro

Research Professor

Psychology

14,145 Learners

1 Course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Offered by

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.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

2 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.

2 hours to complete

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

Week 2

2 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.

2 hours to complete

14 videos (Total 88 min), 2 readings

14 videos

Acquiring Language6m

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

Week 3

3 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.

3 hours to complete

15 videos (Total 98 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

15 videos

Measuring Reading Skill6m

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally

Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally