Technology and Reading
The Carnegie Corporation's report, Reading Next - A Vision for Action and Research in Middle and High School Literacy (2006) lists technology integration as one of fifteen elements of effective literacy programs (p. 19). According to the report, "as a tool, technology can help teachers provide needed supports for struggling readers, including instructional reinforcement and opportunities for guided practice. For example, there are computer programs that help students improve decoding, spelling, fluency, and vocabulary, and more programs are quickly being developed to address comprehension and writing" (p. 19).
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A rationale for technology integration
The Universal Design for Learning approach assumes that there is great diversity in students' dis/abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds. The UDL approach requires teachers to provide varied and flexible ways for students to access information and learn new skills. This approach is greatly enhanced by wide-spread access to the Internet and technologies like computers and smartphones. There are many ways that you can incorporate UDL into instruction, as evidenced by the list below:
Use Online Texts With Audio Files
Derived from Universal Design for Learning principles, a complimentary best practice for teaching struggling readers involves using technology to combine audio and visual components of reading instruction. The links below will take you to free or affordable, online, age-appropriate texts with an audio component so your learners can hear fluent reading while they follow along with the text. Purchase audiobook files to partner with books or use text-to speech software resources below to listen to a range of texts, including webpages:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A rationale for technology integration
The Universal Design for Learning approach assumes that there is great diversity in students' dis/abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds. The UDL approach requires teachers to provide varied and flexible ways for students to access information and learn new skills. This approach is greatly enhanced by wide-spread access to the Internet and technologies like computers and smartphones. There are many ways that you can incorporate UDL into instruction, as evidenced by the list below:
- Use multiple strategies to present content (music, guest speakers) and offer a choice of learning contexts (individual, paired, groups, distance)
- Use a variety of materials (e-books, videos, PPTs, podcasts)
- Provide cognitive supports (explain your organizational process, provide background information using a variety of materials)
- Teach to a variety of learning styles (movement, visual aides, oral and written instructions)
- Provide flexible opportunities for assessment (visual, oral, written)
Use Online Texts With Audio Files
Derived from Universal Design for Learning principles, a complimentary best practice for teaching struggling readers involves using technology to combine audio and visual components of reading instruction. The links below will take you to free or affordable, online, age-appropriate texts with an audio component so your learners can hear fluent reading while they follow along with the text. Purchase audiobook files to partner with books or use text-to speech software resources below to listen to a range of texts, including webpages: