Improving Students' Reading Skills Utilizing the Kurzweil Program and Practice
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Authors
Miller, Donna K.
Issue Date
2004-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Kurzweil program , Special needs , Reading skills
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of the research was to document the experiences of students as they
use the Kurzweil program and practice and to determine if regular use of the program and
practice should be recommended as an efficient, effective, and feasible practice in middle
school classrooms. The intervention consisted of a series of instructional units taught to
three groups of selected students from three intact classes, half of whom were designated
with special needs, used the program for a period of four weeks to complete assignments
in 7th grade Life Science classrooms. The Kurzweil program provided a synchronized
visual and auditory presentation of text. Thirty participants completed all activities.
The study included a reading skills pre-test and post-test, teacher observations,
student interviews, and a teacher survey. The principal conclusions were that Kurzweil
usage was correlated with improved reading scores, students prefer the computer to paper
and pencil, and teachers need training. The study indicated the program and practice
should be considered as an intervention to assist all students.
The results of the study were communicated to the learning community through a
PowerPoint presentation at a meeting with teachers and administrators. This meeting
supported a recommendation that additional computers and software should be
purchased.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Valdosta State University
License
Copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction or use beyond the exceptions granted by the Fair Use clause of U.S. Copyright law may violate federal law.