Computer based instruction in blending is effective for year 2 children with reading difficulties

Abstract

Three children in Year 2 with reading difficulties were taught to recognize long “a”; and long “i”; letter combinations in a single‐subject design using Phonics Alive 2! The Sound Blender, (1998), an Australian computer package designed to teach blending skills? Using a curriculum‐based measurement approach, the children were tested after each instructional session on accuracy and speed of word recognition Pseudoword recognition was also tested. The children showed improvement in accuracy of recognition of the letter combinations that they were being taught, which was more rapid when computer‐based instruction was supplemented with teacher instruction. Speed of word recognition generally improved at a gradual rate across sessions. It is concluded that this package is useful for instructing children with reading difficulties in blending, particularly when preceded by an overview by the teacher.