Technology in Reading: An Action Research Project

1. Technology in Reading: An Action Research Project By: Jennifer Kiner EDEL 676, Dr. Ford Fall 2011

2. Why this topic?

3. How does using technology in reading impact the student?

4. What did others say about using technology in reading? • The sound and graphics encourage the reader to be more involved (Jody, 1996). • In addition to sound and text size options; it offers ones that further their learning, such as language and supplemental activities (Jody, 1996). • Reading achievements for students in computer used classes were significantly higher than those in non computer used classes (Lai, 2006). • It is poorly integrated into the classroomcurriculum and is under-used (Hedges, 2000). • It is quite expensive (refers to software-Jody, 1996).

5. “Reading has the power to transform only if readers interact with the text” (Jody, 79)

6. Qualitative Data

7. Quantitative Data

8. Just what did I find? Interaction with technology Student #1 results Continues to be distracted, but gets back on track. Continues to use audio button. Interaction with technology- Student #1

9. Additional findings… Begins to sound out words when reading. Continues to reread the sentence along with the difficult words after using audio button. Interaction with technology- Student #2

10. The Reactions What did you enjoy most about reading online? Why did you enjoy it most? Neither student answered this question. • Student #1- It’s fun! • Student #2- All of it!

11. The Reactions continued… Would you rather read online or hold a book? Why? Student #1- Likes it a little on the computer, but likes the pages of a book. Student #2- Because reading is fun! Students agreed they liked both reading online and holding a book!

12. The final question… Do you think reading online helps you? Student #1- Sometimes when I get stuck on words. Student #2- Yes!

13. Just how beneficial is it?

14. Is this worth implementing? • Although distractions were presented to the students, they were able to: ∞use technology to decipher words ∞gain more confidence ∞start to read on their own (as with the case study of student #2)

15. Based on observations and test scores, the use of technology in reading, can be really beneficial. ∞In the case with student #2, we saw growth in her ability to read without technology, as she started to read on her own. • The test scores showed growth in both students. • The interaction with technology was guided a bit on my behalf, simply because of the time frame, but with full implementation I believe technology could produce drastic results.

16. How is all of this implemented? • Incorporate technology in reading from day 1. ∞Kindergarten- use online stories and software in the listening centers. • Address all students in using technology in reading. ∞Can use it for remediation with low ability readers as well. • Bring software into the elementary media centers using grant money. • Media specialists will work with the classroom teachers at the elementary and intermediate levels. • Use it at the middle and high school levels in foreign language classes.

17. Any questions?

18. References caitlinhanzlick.com~clip art. iCLIPART. clipartguide,.com, #167098. Hedges, L.V., Konstantopoulos, S., & Thoreson, A. (2000). Computer use and its relation to academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and writing. NAEP Validity Studies Panel, 1-30. Jody, M. & Saccardi, M. (1996). Computer conversations: Readers and books online. National Council of English, Available online from ERIC, 205 pgs.

19. References continued… Lai, S.L., Chang, T.S., & Ye, R. (2006). Computer usage and reading in elementary schools: A cross-cultural study. J. Educational Computing Research, 34 (1), 47-66. Microsoft Office. (2007). Clip art. Hicks, M.A. (1998). Clip art gallery. schooldiscoveryeducation.com. tasbooklover.blogspot.com~ clip art. utpb.edu~clip art.