Does The Accelerated Reader program offer the best way to use computers in classrooms?
Times have changed since 1990, when Judith Paul, director of Read Up program development for AR, stated in the AR video that the program is an exciting breakthrough in the use of computers as educational tools. Computers in classrooms may now be used to connect children to a world of information on the Internet (Leu & Kinzer, in press), provide a creative tool for children’s multimedia exploration of ideas (Labbo, 1996), and offer interactive software that support’s children’s development of literacy skills and strategies (Anderson-Inman & Horney, 1993; Labbo, in press). In light of new software, websites, and computer-related innovations, AR seems to present an especially narrow use of computers in classrooms. The program basically offers electronic versions of paper-and-pencil tests of low levels of reading comprehension. The primary advantage seems to be that it provides programmed feedback reports to students and the teacher. There is little doubt that the AR program is helpful as
