Presented is an approach to using computers to meet the psychological, intellectual, and procedural needs of students with reading disabilities. A rationale is put forward for using "whole language" software packages to address these needs while facilitating reading and writing development; several software programs are described.…

Uses teachers' initiatives in 3 content areas--social studies, science, and mathematics--to highlight how 13 software packages are and can be used to support instruction. (PRA)

Introduces a new column written for the one-computer classroom and offers several perspectives for connecting software applications to trade book reading. Describes eight software packages for extending and enhancing students' reading of different genres: fairy tales, realistic fiction, science fiction, and biography and historical fiction in…

Discusses aspects of computers and computer software that motivate at-risk inner-city students. Concludes that the computer definitely serves as an important medium of instruction for these students and that software determines its success or failure. Calls for more simulations requiring collaborative problem solving and continued use of…

Computers can be used to teach reading to reading-disabled students in three modes: the tutor mode, tool mode, and tutee mode. The computer's ability to improve motivation and to provide versatility is examined. A vignette is presented of computer use in the instructional program of a reading-disabled nine-year-old. (Author/JDD)

Evaluates the effectiveness of the Sack-Yourman Developmental Speed Reading Course software program designed to increase reading rate and comprehension. Finds the software program effective in allowing students to quickly move from "chore" operations and didactic sections to "real" reading. Offers specific recommendations for…

Compares gains in reading rate and comprehension of students using traditional texts and those using a computer-based, commercially prepared, speed reading package. Offers recommendations for the use of computers in college reading courses, focusing on hardware/software needs and student/teacher responsibilities. (DMM)

Describes how computers, when cast in a holistic framework, can be a natural complement to students' literacy development. Discusses how six teachers use computers in holistic literacy instruction. (MG)

Focusing on improving college students' reading efficiency, a study investigated whether a commercially-prepared computerized speed reading package, Speed Reader II, could be utilized as effectively as traditionally printed text. Subjects were 70 college freshmen from a college reading and rate improvement course with borderline scores on the…