Progression of Computers in
Reading Technology- iPad
Enhances
Students’ ability
to access multimedia applications for reading books and learning reading skills.
Allows learner to hear text, along with having words highlighted to assist
students in becoming fluent readers.
|
Obsoletes
Students reading
text-only hard and soft cover books, checked out from a
library.
|
Retrieves
The idea of
storytelling and reading from printed books, as well as computer-based software
for reading instruction.
|
Reverses
May lead to the creation
of new technologies that support more interactive text, such as 3D or
holographic images aligned with stories.
|
As technologies such as the iPhone and iPad have emerged,
students now have access to interactive reading applications that support them
in learning to read. Rather than having to check out a paperback book from the
library, there are technologies emerging into education that provide books on
tablets such as eReader, Nook, and Kindle. The iPad also enhances the ability
for additional book titles to be located and read from anywhere, at any time
using one tool versus a stack of books. The idea of storytelling is retrieved
through eBooks because students can follow along with stories as they are read
to them by the tablet.
The iPad not only provides books through iBooks, but
iTunes and the App Store allow for applications to be downloaded which feature
activities and games to increase students’ reading skills, as well as their
motivation to learn to read. In a recent study using the iPad to facilitate
reading improvement with a fifth grade student, McClanahan, Williams, Kennedy,
and Tate (2012) found success in using applications to address comprehension,
sequencing, details, drawing inferences, and identifying cause and effect. As
the student came across struggles, the teacher was able to instantly download
and provide activities for the student to engage in immediate guided practice.
This type of individualized computer-assisted instruction allowed the student to
feel successful in a self-paced format. The idea of computer-based instruction
where all students move through the same work has become obsolete. The iPad and
similar technologies are proving to increase students’ motivation and success in
learning, especially in reading and literacy skills. As more classrooms are
becoming equipped with such tools, hopefully the future will lead to teachers
being able to provide all students with more individualized educational plans.
Additional resources for information about the iPad
taking the role of computers and books in the classroom:
Interactive iPad Reading Experience- http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/02/interactive-ipad-reading-experience.html
‘Reading Rainbow’ app aims to take kids to new learning
heights- http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/science_tech/reading-rainbow-app-aims-to-take-kids-to-new-learning-heights-wcpo1340894862740
Reference
McClanahan, B.,
Williams, K., Kennedy, E., & Tate, S. (2012). A Breakthrough for Josh: How
Use of an iPad Facilitated Reading Improvement. Techtrends: Linking Research
And Practice To Improve Learning, 56(3), 20-28.
