Struggling Students' Reading Achievement: Benefits of Technology Beyond the Walls of the Classroom

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Testing Technology-Based Enhancements and Interventions

Abstract

In this study, the effects of a computer-adaptive reading program (CARP) on third grade students’ reading achievement, accounting for their achievement level and (school versus home) usage of CARP were examined. Results indicated that students below the 20th percentile (n= 5,042) and in the greatest need of intensive reading instruction evidenced greater gains than those above the 20th percentile (n= 17,920), exceeding the normed expectations. Nevertheless, on average, the achievement gap for students in the lowest academic level remained evident. Moreover, the additional time of using the CARP at home had a greater impact on the reading achievement scores than school usage. The study provided evidence regarding the beneficial effects of computer-adaptive environments for students at risk of reading failure.

Authors

• Claudia C Sutter, University of Virginia

• Laurie O. Campbell, University of Central Florida

• Glenn W Lambie, University of Central Florida