Teaching Reading with Technology
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Blending reading instruction with technology provides powerful and meaningful tools for literacy instruction. Over the past many years, technology-related tools used to teach reading have evolved, along with the techniques teachers use to implement those tools in the classroom. New advances in technology have resulted in a variety of tools that can be smoothly incorporated into the classroom. Reading resources and activities are widely available on the internet and often contain graphics, sound, video, and animation. Some of these tools include:
- Text-Reading Software
Also referred to as text-to-speech software, this type of software converts written text, such as word processor documents and web pages, into spoken words. Students may also be able to copy and paste text into the translation area for the software to convert it to speech. These tools are typically web-based and require an internet connection.
Most sites read the text aloud but some will also provide audio files via download or email that can be played back on demand using a computer or portable device. Many sites highlight the written word as it is spoken, allowing the student to follow along visually, and some also provide definitions, synonyms, and spell check.
- Fundamental Skills Software
Sites that reinforce fundamental skills typically focus on word attack, sentence mastery, symbol recognition, and phonics. Word attack strategies teach students to break words down piece by piece and analyze them from different angles to understand and pronounce unfamiliar words. Sentence mastery involves coaching students to combine a series of related simple sentences into complex sentences. Symbol recognition and phonetic awareness provide the keys to sounding out words. Students must be able to connect written letters (symbols) with the sounds they make (phonics) in order to pronounce and read words.
- Word Play and Phonics-Based Games
Sites with interactive games assist early readers with phonetic awareness, sound identification, and vocabulary building. These games often involve identifying starting and ending word sounds, matching letters to their sounds, completing partially spelled words, and matching words to pictures.
- Leveled Reading and Digital Text Resources
Leveled reading resources allow users to search for books according to reading level or to enter a title and find books at a similar level. Some sites will also rate the reading level of the title entered. Teachers can use these resources to help students build a reading list that is challenging but realistic and appropriate.
Digital text resources are typically free online libraries of classic literature, summaries, interactive activities, and study guides. Some sites include audio components that will convert the text to speech. For younger students, online storybook sites contain libraries of picture books and other elementary-level stories. Some sites will read the book aloud to the student, often highlighting words as they are spoken, and continue to the next page based on student commands, allowing students to proceed at their own pace.
- Dictionaries, Thesauri, and Vocabulary Tools
This set of online tools provides auditory pronunciation, definitions, common usage, and lists of synonyms and antonyms. Vocabulary building sites may present video-based demonstrations or representations of words, virtual flashcards, or games.
Teaching ESL Reading Using Computers
Using computers in ESL classroom is important for both teachers and learners. Computers can handle a range of activities and carry out programmed functions at amazing speed. They can check exercises after they are done, move students gradually from easier to more difficult exercises according to their levels and abilities.
- MacReader
Mac Reader by John Mc Vicker, 1992 is Macintosh based and mainly teaches reading. It can be used for many other purposes such as using it for exams, homework, or group projects. It is the teacher who decides what the program should be used for. The program is a great supplement for ESL teachers and can provide a tremendous benefit to ESL intermediate students when they use it in their free time or when assigned by teacher.
- Story Board
Storyboard is a program that teachers can use to improve their students' reading strategies, build up their vocabulary, and help them practice prediction and guessing. It a is good supplement for teachers to reinforce their regular activities. Like many CALL programs, this program provides change to the class's regular activities. Teachers can use this program to support their reading classes and train students to use reading strategies. students become better readers using their guessing abilities.
- Reading Galaxy
Reading Galaxy is another program that can be used for ESL intermediate students. In this program, students explore great literature while developing important reading and thinking skills.
In a reading lesson, the Reading Galaxy program can be used as pre-reading, reading, and post reading activities.
Today's teachers cannot let technological revolution pass by without using it to serve their language teaching goals. Having said that, teachers are advised to consider what the computer industry offers for their classrooms, and should, consequently, seek the necessary training to use them efficiently. ESL reading software programs should not be restricted to only classroom use. Since teachers seek to help their students become independent learners, these programs are very useful for teachers as well as students to achieve that goal.
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