Supporting Striving Readers through Technology-Based Instruction

Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/ri.html

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Reading Instruction; Teaching Methods; Educational Technology; Technology Uses in Education; Reading Skills; Individualized Instruction; Small Group Instruction; Reading Teachers; Specialists; Summer Programs; Reading Programs; Reading Difficulties; Seminars; Practicums; Teacher Education Programs; Questionnaires; Observation; Attitude Measures; Graduate Students; Masters Programs; Technology Integration; Elementary School Students; Kindergarten; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Grade 6

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The purpose of this research was to determine if reading specialist candidates improve the reading proficiency of their students through the use of digital, technology-based teaching techniques and materials. The candidates were certified teachers who provided individualized and small-group instruction to K-6 children while the candidates were enrolled in their capstone seminar and practicum reading courses. The candidates implemented technology-based assessment and instruction during a summer reading program for children who were striving readers. The summer reading program was embedded in the seminar and practicum courses. Data were collected through a questionnaire, observations, and the analysis of a teacher work sample completed by each candidate. Findings indicate that the candidates: (1) perceived the digital technology-based instructional techniques and tools used in the practicum improved their students' reading proficiency and (2) their professional growth was enhanced as a result of implementing these digital techniques and tools. The study concludes that technology-based reading instruction was found to be effective in improving the reading proficiency of striving readers.

As Provided

15

2014

EJ1041878