Computer software designed to teach reading skills has transformed the way students learn how to read and how they develop their skills. As the world rapidly transforms to a digital age, look for software to foster reading skills not just on PCs and Macs, but newer digital devices such as Ipods, X-boxes, Kindles, and cell phones.
A major concern of secondary school teachers and college instructors is that students are not learning those critical reading skills needed to progress satisfactorily through the upper levels of their education. The primary issue concern is that students who do not learn these skills well in the lower grades will be unable to properly process the academic information they are presented with in the future. Commercial reading software developers have worked hard to create software that gives learners real opportunities to read critically and develop critical reading, and critical thinking, skills.
Computer Software is Interactive
One of the primary benefits of commercial reading software is its ability to engage the student. Most current reading software requires that a student do more than merely punch buttons. Most programs strive to develop real two-way communication with the student, allowing the student to become involved in the learning process. Interactive software provides students with the opportunity to generate their own questions and leads the student through guided practice situations. Newer software has even developed ways for students to interact with each other via the internet. Students work jointly in virtual groups to expand their individual learning experiences.
Computer Software Uses Scientifically-Backed Research to Educate
The reality is that educational software that purports to teach without the backing of sound research and statistics often fails to hit the mark when it comes to really educating children. For this reason, it is important to use software based on established teaching strategies as well as credible research studies. Computer software also facilitates learners filling in gaps in prior knowledge with supplementary video, PowerPoint, and other interactive presentations. Many in-class software programs also include an online component that encourages learners to access additional information and share that information with learners across the world.
Computer Software Creates a "Real" Learning Environment
Until the advent of desktop computers, reading experiences were limited to print materials. Early programs were only used as supplements to a general reading lesson, rather than acting as a stand-alone reading experience. These factors meant that early computer reading programs could not meet the needs of children learning to read critically. Today's reading software can be used in conjunction with traditional reading programs, instead of such programs, or as a supplement to them. This flexibility indicates that reading software has come a long way in providing real reading experiences which mimic those of print materials, yet yield readily to formatting changes. The ability of the new generation of reading software also lends itself easily to a collaborative social environment which studies indicate helps learners construct meaning from reading materials.
Reading software developers are working vigorously to keep up with the demand for increasingly sophisticated reading opportunities. As the world goes digital, the next generation of readers accesses more information online than ever before via their computers and hand-held devices such as their mobile phones, X-boxes, Ipods and Kindles. Formulating reading programs that incorporate this trend will help ensure that technology keeps up with student preferences and will provide new readers with sophisticated, interactive reading lessons that stimulate the imagination and increase learner knowledge.
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If you are concerned as a parent or teacher about teaching your child to learn to read, review the tips and specific advice given in this article.
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