Talk about texts at the computer: using ICT to develop children’s oral and literate abilities

Both computers and talk have long been established as integral to the primary curriculum. Neil Mercer and his collaborators argue that there are different kinds of group talk, but one in particular, exploratory talk, has the potential both to allow groups to extend the knowledge they hold in common and to develop the psychological capabilities of individuals. They explain their method of fostering group talk, and the role played by computers as a focus for joint activity.