Reading&Technology	Lesson 2: Readings (1)	-

Learning to Read in the Cmputer Age (Chapters 2, 3, and 4)

Meyer, A., & Rose, D. H. (1998)

Retrieved November 21, 2000, from the World Wide Web:
http://www.cast.org/udl/LearningtoReadintheComputerAge18.cfm

Abstracted by Anne Daugherty

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Meyer and Rose's book, Learning to read in the computer age, is available online in its entirety. The book is part of a series called From Reading Research to Practice, and relays significant research underlying effective practices in reading instruction.

Chapter Two, "Developing Reading Recognition" describes computer programs that employ computer capabilities to help students learn recognition skills. The best computer programs can simultaneously engage the brain's recognition, strategic, and affective systems.

Chapter 3 "Developing Reading Strategies" describes successful readers as neither passive nor reactive, rather, they use strategic skills to pursue meaning. Communicating over computer networks has created an especially engaging new tool for learning such strategic skills. The World Wide Web and e-mail have broadened collaborative opportunities, broadening the practice field for apprentice readers to unlimited boundaries.

In Chapter 4 "Developing Reading Engagement," the authors claim engagement is essential to successful reading. Beginning readers engagement in the material they are trying to read will build their confidence and arouse their interest, enthusiasm, and desire. Computer technology had great potential to engage students in reading and learning to read, but the authors caution that there is more to motivating readers than adding entertainment value to reading lessons or tests.

Computers provide flexibility of support, encouragement, and interest appropriate to individual students. Ideal software moves the focus from play to engagement in learning to read, supporting reading skills and helping students discover the pleasures and rewards of reading.