Hypermedia CAI: A Supplement to an Elementary School Basal Reader Program

Abstract

The results from the first year of a longitudinal study involving the development and testing of hypermedia computer assisted instructional (CAI) reading materials for grades K-3 are discussed. The hypermedia materials were designed to facilitate the successful participation of both handicapped and nonhandicapped students as well as students at risk for special education referral in a regular elementary classroom basal reading program. The hypermedia reading lessons provided students with a reading environment offering additional information about words and concepts from their basal reading textbook. This differs from traditional computer assisted reading software which often presents lessons on isolated skills not specifically related to basal textbook content or pedagogy. The results from the first year of the three-year study indicate that hypermedia is a promising instructional tool for students who have been classified as poor readers by means of an achievement test. Results are inconclusive as to whether the hypermedia CAI lessons are best used before or after a teacher directed reading activity.