We present a study in which multimedia alphabet books were constructed for ten languages using the Learning And Reading Assistant (LARA) platform. We describe the alphabet books we built, the different design features they instantiate, and an initial evaluation using an anonymous online questionnaire. Links are provided to the books themselves,…

Computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) provide unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning at scale. One such system, iSTART (Interactive Strategy Training for Active Reading and Thinking) is an adaptive, game-based tutoring system for reading comprehension. This paper describes how efforts to increase personalized learning have…

Computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) provide unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning at scale. One such system, iSTART (Interactive Strategy Training for Active Reading and Thinking) is an adaptive, game-based tutoring system for reading comprehension. This paper describes how efforts to increase personalized learning have…

The purpose of the present study was to explore the beliefs and practices of teachers who implement independent reading in their classrooms. Results showed that teachers who implemented independent reading believed in the importance of both the quantity and quality of student reading. The teachers' practices of independent reading showed students…

As computers become an increasingly ubiquitous part of young children's lives there is a need to examine how best to harness digital technologies to promote learning in early childhood education contexts. The development of emergent literacy skills is 1 domain for which numerous software programs are available for young learners. In this study, we…

Presents 12 points to consider before buying computer software and includes an annotated list of software for use at the secondary school level. (HOD)

Educators have focused their literacy education efforts on teaching children to code and decode words. In spite of all the efforts to teach literacy, the various report cards indicate that, perhaps, a new way of doing teaching literacy should be investigated. Today's media-centric youths could benefit from using mediated programs to help motivate…

Suggests that common sense be applied when calculating text readability using a microcomputer. (CRH)

Argues educators need to identify software that will effectively support children with reading difficulties. Discusses: why computers should be used to aid struggling readers; what makes good software and why; and what software to select for classroom use. Contains an evaluation device that can be used by educators selecting software for classroom…

A study used schema theory as a basis for developing an instrument to evaluate reading software. The instrument was designed to assess software used in English-as-a-second-language (ESL) reading instruction. Evaluation criteria and questions were developed to address the programs' interactive capabilities (flexibility, response to student errors,…

Discusses the progress of reading programs during this century and the influences that shaped those programs. (RK)

Assists teachers in utilizing microcomputer instruction to maximize the effectiveness of classroom reading programs. Asserts that, when microcomputers are used with the appropriate software, they can be successfully integrated with the reading curriculum. Discusses the role of the teacher, selection of software, classroom organization, and current…

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…

This paper addresses the lack of evaluative resources for computer-assisted reading and writing instruction (CARWI). It begins by discussing the benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of computer-based instruction. It then describes types of CARWI packages, including: (1) writing process software; (2) electronic handbooks; (3) interactive…

Describes a variety of software programs appropriate for whole-language learning. The software allows elementary students to make picture books and create posters, banners, greeting cards, puzzles, and minimovies and to do group writing activities. Also included is information on resources and computer reading packages. (SM)