Working with two elementary schools, Larry Smith, chair of the Department of Elementary Education, confirmed that the repeated use of quality computer programs gives students the meaningful practice and immediate feedback that helps them improve their reading skills.

"Arthur Gates revealed in the 1930s that it takes an average first grader 35 exposures for students to recognize a new word," Smith said. "Quality computer reading programs are great teaching tools because they provide the necessary repetition, offer the immediate response and track the progress — all while making the whole process fun."

Programs like the Intentional Reading Program and the Waterford Early Reading program significantly increased students' reading achievement and phonological awareness, Smith said. The students who had the largest percentage of improvement were students who scored in the low achievement category at the beginning of the study.

"Kids who struggle with reading are benefiting the most from these programs," Smith said. "By the end of the study, the ‘low achievement' group surpassed the ‘middle achievement' students who had little exposure to technology."

Computers obviously do not replace the teachers, Smith added. These programs are simply another teaching tool that can enhance students' overall education.

For more information, contact Smith at (765) 285-8564 or lsmith@bsu.edu.