Effect of Independent Digital Reading on Reading Comprehension in the Primary Grades: A Longitudinal Study

• In Event: 45.062 - Perspectives on Technologies + Pedagogies

Abstract

The importance of independent reading in children’s reading development is well established by research and professional wisdom. Today’s digital reading programs reinvigorate children’s independent reading. The present study examines the enduring effects of consistent independent digital reading (IDR) implemented in the primary grades. The results show that student cohorts who received consistent IDR intervention in grades 1-2 performed better on third-grade reading comprehension than those in a control site. In addition, within cohorts receiving consistent IDR intervention, time spent on IDR is impacted by earlier reading proficiency and exerts a significant direct effect on later reading comprehension performance.

Authors

• Yi Shang, John Carroll University

• Kathleen A. Roskos, John Carroll University

• Allison Taylor