Does Technology Have a Place in Reading Instruction?
The National Reading Panel examined the use of technology in reading instruction. Panel members were encouraged by reported successes in the use of computers to teach reading but found there were few specific instructional applications based on the 21 studies they reviewed. Because there were so few studies that met its criteria for review, the panel found it difficult to draw conclusions about the role of computer technology in reading instruction. The panel did find, however, that the studies report positive results indicating that it is possible to use computers to teach reading. Panelists point to two promising trends in using computers to teach reading: • the use of hypertext that links to underlying definitions or supporting or relating to text; and • the use of computers as word processors, noting that reading instruction is most effective when combined with writing instruction.
