Linda Laidlaw, Elementary Education,  Australian co-investigator Joanne O'Mara at Deakin University, Melbourne, and  Lee Makovichuk, kindergarten teacher at the Child Study Centre have been awarded SSHRC Digital Economy funding for their study: Literacy learning in playful spaces: Using multimodal strategies to develop narrative with young learners. The focus of the project is in the area of "new literacy" practices, through use of digital technologies, narrative and dramatic play, investigating innovative approaches coming from early childhood, influences from Reggio Emilia preschool programs, and theories of innovation.