Computer-based Program Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Computer-Based Learning in Developing Academic Skills for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effect of using a computer-based program in developing academic skills (reading, writing and arithmetic) for children with mild intellectual disabilities as compared to the conventional teaching instructions. Methods: The study was conducted in intellectual institutions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A randomized controlled trial design was adopted in the study to determine the impact of the intervention. The study sample was composed of boys (n = 19) and girls (n = 21) aged 6 – 10 years who were selected purposively, and randomly assigned to the experimental group and control group. The two-division experimental group one for boys (n = 8) and the other for girls (n = 12) in the experimental group was studied by using an academic skills development program or a computer-based program. Results: The results indicated that there is a positive impact of the academic skills development program, which was applied to the experimental group to improve academic skills. The reason for the absence of gender differences in academic skills for the educational program is the similarity of the educational environment and the activities used in the educational program in terms of skills, activities, training methods, similar abilities and intellectual preparations for the genders, and for their interaction with the program itself. In addition, the program corresponds to the developmental characteristics of both genders, and there are no impediments to the application of the program in both genders.

Virtual reality as training aid for manual spacecraft docking

The ability to manually dock a spacecraft to a space station can be crucial for astronauts during space missions. The computer-based self-learning program 6df is an abstract docking simulation for acquisition and maintenance of the underlying skill to control six degrees of freedom. One of the difficulties of this complex task is to construct a mental representation of the own position and orientation in space, based only on two-dimensional information. To facilitate this and possibly further improve the learning process, a new three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic presentation of the program is tested. This study investigates whether there is faster learning progress with 3D presentation compared to standard 2D presentation. 24 participants of the Artificial Gravity Bed Rest Study with ESA (AGBRESA) participated in the 6df docking experiment. Each of them completed 20 training sessions which lasted approximately 45 min and were conducted twice a week. The learning program is self-sufficient and adapts itself to individual learning speed. Half of the participants were presented with an UNITY-based stereoscopic visualization of docking, whereas the other half used the standard 2D version of the learning program 6df. Learning progress was measured as the number of tasks needed to reach a target task. Results overall indicate a slightly faster learning progress when using 3D technology, but no long-term performance advantages. The small benefit might not justify the usage of costlier and operationally limiting 3D systems.

Computer-based training in math improves inductive reasoning of 9- to 11-year-old children

This study focuses on a computer-based training program in inductive reasoning through tasks embedded into mathematical content for 9–11-years-old students (N = 118) and presents the results of the evaluation study. The online training consists of 120 playful problems based on Klauer’s “Cognitive training for children” concept and on his theory of inductive reasoning (Klauer, 1989). Both the experimental and the control group in the study consisted of 118 participants. A computer-based inductive reasoning test comprising of 44 multiple-choice items was used in the pre- and posttest to measure the effectiveness of the training (Cronbach α = .91). Both the test and the training tasks were in Arabic context regarding language and used directions and were delivered via the eDia online assessment platform (Csapó & Molnár, 2019). On the posttest, after the six weeks of training the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group by more than one standard deviation. The effect size of the training was in international context high (Cohen d = 1.71). Non-significant variance of the latent slope indicated that there was no significant variability in responding to the intervention program. This study provided evidence that inductive reasoning could be developed even on class level and in a computerised environment very effectively at the age of 9–11 independent of students’ original level of inductive reasoning, school-achievement, gender, and socio-economic status.

Sistem Komputerisasi Pengolahan data Penjualan dan Stok Pada Distributor alat alat Listrik

In line with the development of science and technology today, a job that is done requires fast-paced data and information. By getting data and information quickly, the company has the ability to develop faster. Inventory is a very important part for a company. Inventory of goods is one of the tasks of logistics management in a company, namely support in the procurement of goods for the company. In order for this support to be utilized, it is necessary to plan and carry out in an integrated manner, which is interrelated and supports between related elements.
 CV Sinar Karya Ungaran is a private company which is engaged in the distributor of Electric tools. CV Sinar Karya is located on the road Dabo II / D30 RT6 Nitibuana, Ungaran Regency Semarang Tel. (024) 3584074 - 3584075. This company has a wide enough working area covering Central Java and DIY. Because the working area is quite extensive and the number of processes in and out of goods, the company must be more careful in calculating inventory. In the process of recording and counting inventory at this time the company is still using Microsoft Excel so there are still many obstacles.
 In the process of recording and counting inventory at this time the company still uses Microsoft Excel. One of the difficulties experienced is the frequent occurrence of errors in making inventory reports. Besides making reports takes longer because there is no computerized database system.
 With the development of technology, especially in the field of computers, the authors try to create a computer-based inventory program using Visual Basic 6.0. This is expected to help companies in making goods inventory more quickly and accurately.

No evidence of attentional bias to food words among non-clinical female restrained eaters

Past research has demonstrated mixed findings on attentional biases toward food and body words among non-clinical restrained eaters (Brooks, S., Prince, A., Stahl, D., Campbell, I. C., & Treasure, J. (2011). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive bias to food stimuli in people with disordered eating behavior. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(1), 37–151. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.09.006 ; Dobson, K. S., & Dozois, D. J. (2004). Attentional biases in eating disorders: A meta-analytic review of Stroop performance. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(8), 1001−1022. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2003.09.004 ; Francis, J. A., Stewart, S. H., & Hounsell, S. (1997). Dietary restraint and the selective processing of forbidden and nonforbidden food words. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 21(6), 633–646. doi:10.1023/A:1021804207132). Addressing previous methodological issues, this study examined college female restrained eaters’ attentional bias to food words. We used 120 college females – 20 were classified as restrained eaters by the Restrained Eating subscale of Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (Van Strien, T., Frijters, J. E., Bergers, G. P., & Defares, P. B. (1986). The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) for assessment of restrained, emotional, and external eating behavior. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 5(2), 295–315. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-108X(198602)5:2 3.0.CO;2-T ). Using a computer-based program called MouseTracker for a Stroop test (Freeman, J. B., & Ambady, N. (2010). MouseTracker: Software for studying real-time mental processing using a computer mouse-tracking method . Behavior Research Methods, 42(1), 226–241. doi:10.3758/BRM.42.1.226), attentional bias indicators of both process (i.e., what happens while attention is captured and directed; Area under the Curve and Maximum Deviation) and outcome (i.e., the end results of attention captured by certain stimuli; Reaction Time and Percentage of Errors) were measured to forbidden (i.e., unhealthy) and unforbidden (i.e., healthy) food words over animal words (i.e., used as control condition). Word stimuli were matched on frequency and syllables between conditions (Francis, J. A., Stewart, S. H., & Hounsell, S. (1997). Dietary restraint and the selective processing of forbidden and nonforbidden food words. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 21(6), 633–646. doi:10.1023/A:1021804207132). No evidence of attentional bias to food words was found among non-clinical restrained eaters. Based on the results in the current study, non-clinical restrained eaters with no accompanying overeating may not show attentional bias to food words. Future studies could compare clinical and non-clinical restrained eaters with and without overeating symptoms on attentional bias to food versus body stimuli.

Efficacy of a Computer-Based Learning Program in Children With Developmental Dyscalculia. What Influences Individual Responsiveness?

This study presents the evaluation of a computer-based learning program for children with developmental dyscalculia and focuses on factors affecting individual responsiveness. The adaptive training program Calcularis 2.0 has been developed according to current neuro-cognitive theory of numerical cognition. It aims to automatize number representations, supports the formation and access to the mental number line and trains arithmetic operations as well as arithmetic fact knowledge in expanding number ranges. Sixty-seven children with developmental dyscalculia from second to fifth grade (mean age 8.96 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups (Calcularis group, waiting control group). Training duration comprised a minimum of 42 training sessions à 20 min within a maximum period of 13 weeks. Compared to the waiting control group, children of the Calcularis group demonstrated a higher benefit in arithmetic operations and number line estimation. These improvements were shown to be stable after a 3-months post training interval. In addition, this study examines which predictors accounted for training improvements. Results indicate that this self-directed training was especially beneficial for children with low math anxiety scores and without an additional reading and/or spelling disorder. In conclusion, Calcularis 2.0 supports children with developmental dyscalculia to improve their arithmetical abilities and their mental number line representation. However, it is relevant to further adapt the setting to the individual circumstances.

Development of a computer-based quantification method for immunohistochemically-stained tissues and its application to study mast cells in equine wound healing (proof of concept)

BackgroundThere is a growing interest in the scientific community to use computer-based software programs for the quantification of cells during physiological and pathophysiological processes. Drawbacks of computer-based methods currently used to quantify immunohistochemical staining are the complexity of use, expense of software and overly-simplified descriptions of protocol thereby limiting reproducibility. The precise role of mast cells in equine cutaneous wound healing is unknown. Given the contribution of mast cells to the chronic inflammation observed in human keloid, a pathology similar to exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) in horses, mast cells might be present in high numbers in equine limb wounds predisposed to EGT. The main goal of this study was to develop a reliable and reproducible quantification method for immunostained tissues using a computer software that is widely available, at no cost, to the scientific community. A secondary goal was to conduct a proof of concept using the newly-established method to quantify mast cells during wound healing at different anatomical sites (body and limb) in horses to see if a different pattern is observed in limb wounds, which are predisposed to EGT.ResultsA good intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, 0.67 p < 0.05) was found between the computer-based ImageJ method and manual counting. An excellent intra-operator ICC of 0.90 (p < 0.01) was found for the ImageJ quantification method while a good interoperator ICC of 0.69 (p < 0.01) was measured. No significant difference was observed between the variation of the ImageJ and that of the manual counting method. Mast cells were localized below the epidermis, around cutaneous appendages and blood vessels. Mast cell numbers did not differ significantly in relation to anatomical location or time of healing.ConclusionsThe computer-based quantification method developed is reliable, reproducible, available, cost-free and could be used to study different physiological and pathological processes using immunohistochemistry.

Synthesis and characterization of geminis and implications of their micellar solution on ninhydrin and metal amino acid complex.

In our study, three gemini dicationic surfactants with different methylene group spacer (16-6-16, 16-5-16 and 16-4-16) have been synthesized and characterized in solution by 1H NMR spectroscopic technique. The implications of gemini micellar solution on ninhydrin and metal amino acid complex ([Cu(II)-Trp]+) were performed by the means of single-beam UV–visible spectroscopy. The absorbance was noted at regular time intervals and values of rate constant (kψ) were determined by using a computer-based program. Synthesized surfactants proved as an efficient catalyst on the interaction of ninhydrin with metal amino acid complex as compared with conventional surfactant and aqueous systems. The required description regarding the implications of gemini dicationic surfactants are provided in the text in detail. The conductivity technique was applied in order to get critical micelle concentration (cmc) of geminis in the presence and absence of reactants. Catalytic results developed in gemini dicationic surfactant system were explained effectively by pseudo-phase model. Various thermodynamic quantities, viz., activation energy, Ea, activation enthalpy, ΔH#, and activation entropy, ΔS#, were obtained on interaction of ninhydrin with [Cu(II)-Trp]+ in gemini systems by applying Eyring equation. A detailed explanation about these evaluated parameters was also made.

The Impact of a Computer- Based Program in EFL on Hearing- Impaired Pupils' Writing and Reading Skills and their Motivation towards Learning English as a Foreign Language

This study aimed at investigating the impact of an EFL computer- based program on hearing- impaired pupils' reading and writing skills and their motivation towards learning English as a foreign language. The present study adopted the quasi - experimental design using a control group and an experimental group. The participants of the study were twenty pupils at first year prep stage at “Al Amal” governmental school for hearing impaired pupils in Mansoura. The researcher used a pre postreading test and a pre post writing test to determine the extent to which EFL hearing impaired prep pupils master the specified reading and writing sub-skills. The researcher used a motivation checklist to identify the level of motivation of EFL hearing impaired pupils towards learning English as a foreign language. Results indicate that the suggested computer-based program is effective in developing only some specific reading and writing skills. However, not all the specified reading and writing skills were developed. In addition, the suggested program is not effective in developing hearing impaired pupils’ motivation towards learning English as a foreign language. Key terms: Hearing impairment, motivation, computer-based program, reading, writing.

Effects of Computer-Based Attention Program with Eye Movement for Disabled Children: Case Series

Effects of Computer-Based Attention Program with Eye Movement for Disabled Children: Case Series

Using Adaptive Computer-based Instruction to Teach Staff to Implement a Social Skills Intervention

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effectiveness of an adaptive, computer-based staff training software program called Train-to-Code (TTC) to teach the administration of a social skills intervention. The software program actively trained participants to identify whether video models illustrated each step of the procedure effectively or ineffectively. Multiple exemplars of each step of the social skills task analysis were represented. Most-to-least prompting as well as feedback and error correction were embedded into the software program and prompts were faded through seven levels as the participant reached criterion accuracy. A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program by comparing pre- and post-training in vivo probes conducted with a confederate learner. All participant scores increased from pre-training to post-training, indicating that Train-to-Code was effective at teaching administration of the social skills intervention. These results have implications for training staff in applied community settings. Due to Train-to-Code’s ability to be internet-based and to measure actual viewing performance, it has the potential for “distance training” deliveries.

Memory Mates: An Evaluation of a Classroom-Based, Student-Focused Working Memory Intervention

AbstractThis applied experimental research tested the effectiveness of a universal, student-focused intervention (‘Memory Mates’), specifically focused on supporting students to use attention and working memory strategies within academic contexts, unlike computer-based programs. Memory Mates is presented in the form of icons and explanations, with the strategies embedded within the classroom. Analyses compared the impact of the intervention over 8 months in three schools with three control schools, comprising 13 Year 4 primary school classes. The intervention group students showed a significant improvement in mathematics and spelling; however, there was no differential effect on reading comprehension or academic engagement. Based on the present results, it is contended that implementing Memory Mates within classroom contexts demonstrated promising potential as a new approach to supporting academic progress.

Preovulatör folikülün vaskülarizasyonu: Arap kısraklarda erken gebelik sonuçlarında renkli Doppler değerlendirmesi ve öngörülen değeri

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the amount of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle wall and pregnancy establisment with colour Doppler ultrasonography. Colour Doppler ultrasonography images from 26 Arabian mares in breeding season were evaluated in the study. Mares no abnormalities in the reproductive system and mild-manner mares were handled. Preovulatory follicle (&amp;gt;35mm) was monitored twice in a day by transrectal B-mode ultrasonography and colour Doppler ultrasonography until the ovulation day. Follicular vascularization images which were incorporated into the study, were monitored 18 hours before the ovulatio Also amount of pixels in colour Doppler images were evaluated with computer-based image analysis program. The mares were mated naturally with a stallion. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography on day 14 to day 30 after mating. As a result of ultrasonography examination, mares were divided into two groups as pregnant (n=13) and non-pregnant (n=13). The statistical difference between the amount of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle wall of pregnant mares and the amount of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle wall of non-pregnant mares was compared by t-test. As a result of the study, there were no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant mares in terms of area, volume and intensity units of coloured pixels in the preovulatory follicle wall (P&amp;gt; 0.05). In conclusion, it was observed that the quantitative evaluation of the colour Doppler images of the preovulatory follicle wall in mares in the breeding season cannot be used in the diagnosis of pregnancy.

Prevalence of Machine Learning in Craniofacial Surgery.

Machine learning (ML) revolves around the concept of using experience to teach computer-based programs to reliably perform specific tasks. Healthcare setting is an ideal environment for adaptation of ML applications given the multiple specific tasks that could be allocated to computer programs to perform. There have been several scoping reviews published in literature looking at the general acceptance and adaptability of surgical specialities to ML applications, but very few focusing on the application towards craniofacial surgery. This study aims to present a detailed scoping review regarding the use of ML applications in craniofacial surgery.

Novel Coupled Molecules from Active Structural Motifs of Synthetic and Natural Origin as Immunosuppressants.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator in the pathogenesis and control of immune system-related disorders and its levels are modulated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Oxidative stress is another pathological indication in majority of autoimmune disorders. The present study aims at the development of coupled molecules via selection of pharmacophores for both immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities through iNOS inhibition. Variedly substituted coumarin moieties are coupled with naturally occurring phenols through an amide linkage and were predicted for activities using computer-based program PASS. The compounds predicted to have dual activities were synthesized. Docking studies were carried out against iNOS (PDB 1R35) and compounds having good docking score were evaluated for immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. The synthesized compounds were found to be pure and were obtained in good yields. Compounds with maximum docking score (YR1a, YR2e, YR2c and YR4e) were selected for evaluation by in vitro models. Compounds YR2e and YR2c markedly inhibited the reduction of NBT dye and showed maximum % iNOS inhibition. In DPPH assay, compound YR4e was observed as the most potent antioxidant (EC50 0.33 µM/mL). Based on these studies, compounds YR2e and YR2c were selected for haemagglutination test. Compound YR2e was observed as the most active immunosuppressant with maximal inhibitory ability of iNOS and NBT reduction and lower HAT value of 3.5. Compound YR2e can be utilized as a pharmacological agent in the prevention or treatment of immunomodulatory diseases such as tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, organ transplant and other autoimmune disorders.

Opinions of the Students from Foreign Language Teaching Departments about their Undergraduate Programs

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the undergraduate programs implemented in different Foreign Language Departments on the basis of the pre-service teachers’ opinions by using the “Context-Input-Process-Product (CIPP)” model. The current research was conducted on 40 pre-service teachers from the German, Arabic, French, and English Language Teaching Departments of the Gazi Education Faculty of Gazi University in the city of Ankara in Turkey in 2017-2018 academic year. The study was designed according to the qualitative research model. In this regard, the study employed the phenomenological method. As the data collection tool, a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used. In the analysis of the collected data, the descriptive analysis method was used. In the study, the context, input, process and product dimensions of foreign language teacher training programs were evaluated on the basis of student opinions. According to the results, the participants found the program sufficient in terms of reading, writing and listening skills but inadequate in terms of speaking skill. It seems that the participating students think that the foreign language teaching programs generally meet their needs but do not adequately meet their need for developing their speaking skill. It can be suggested that the class hours devoted to the development of the speaking skill should be increased. Arrangements such as using computer-based programs and increasing speaking lessons can be made for students to improve their speaking skill.&lt;/p&gt;

A Systems Perspective of DoD Global Health Engagement.

A systems perspective was used to describe U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Global Health Engagement (GHE). This description was based on DoD instructions and higher-level documents related to DoD GHE. A complex system of systems such as health care can benefit from using modeling approaches to help understand the interactions among major components. Models (conceptual, computer-based programs, realistic simulations, or training exercises) can be used to help stakeholders prioritize options and to identify important components and gaps for making performance improvements. Based on the cited documents, we identified major DoD GHE components to create a conceptual model. Components were selected from DoDI 2000.30 for DoD GHE. Definitions of these interacting components are given and assigned to our network model that consists of three levels: strategic, operational, and tactical. These levels are linked by critical nodes (decision points) that allow feedback to previous levels for modifying appropriate components. A network that is reminiscent of this structure is Boyd's observe-orient-decision-act diagram. Acceptable strategic and operational plans are linked to the tactical level. Acceptable tactical components lead to the desired outcome of accomplishing the DoD GHE goals. Complex systems also have feedback loops to allow for component evaluations and modifications. Accomplishing DoD GHE goals need to have adaptable components in dynamic permissive environments. The network that we considered is multicomponent and interdisciplinary. The network uses DoD GHE goals as the input (observing in the observe-orient-decide-act loop) to provide relevant information. It consists of three levels of adaptable, interacting (orienting) components that are linked by critical nodes (decision points) involving the evaluation of plans and desired outcomes. Strategic components (eg, sharing, personal interactions, agreements, planning, readiness, etc.) are required to develop strategic plans, the first critical node. If these plans are acceptable, the information is passed on (feed forward, action) to the operational components (define problems, understand strategic direction and guidance, understand the operational environment, etc.). At the second critical node, the decision is made about moving the operational plans to the tactical components (eg, evaluation, data, training, etc.). Tactical components are essential to provide further information to the third critical node, desired outcomes, in accomplishing DoD GHE goals. Feedback from all critical nodes is essential to allow modifications of various components and to attain health-related interoperability in supporting security policies and military strategies. Examining the composition of DoD GHE and creating a defined model can help identify interacting features of this complex system. All of the identified components have been associated with gaps, such as the need for monitoring and measuring tools, and standards. The current state of this system is dynamic and is evolving when confronting gaps. DoD GHE represents an intersection of global health and security in supporting U.S. national security objectives by establishing access and influence with partner nations and among health care-related government and non-government organizations, and as a result, improves the readiness, health, and safety of our military personnel.

Web-Based Intervention Effects on Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundApolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Computer-based training programs can improve cognitive performance in elderly populations. However, the effects of computer-based interventions on MCI APOE ε4 carriers have never been studied before.ObjectiveThe effects of different web-based interventions and the APOE isoform-specific differences in training outcomes are investigated.MethodsUsing a quasi-experimental study design, 202 participants with MCI aged 60 years and older took part in three different intervention programs (physical and cognitive [Long-Lasting Memories, or LLM], cognitive [Active Control, or AC], or physical intervention [Physical Training Control, or PTC]) via an innovative information and communication technologies exergaming platform. Participants in each interventional group were subdivided into APOE ε4 carriers and non–APOE ε4 carriers. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological evaluation before and after the training, blood tests, and brain imaging.ResultsAll interventions resulted in multiple statistically significant cognitive benefits after the intervention. Verbal learning (California Verbal Learning Test: immediate recall test score—LLM: P=.04; AC: P<.001), working memory (digit span forward and backward test scores—AC: P=.03; PTC: P=.02 and P=.006, respectively), and long-term memory (California Verbal Learning Test: delayed recall test score—LLM: P=.02; AC: P=.002; and PTC: P=.02) were improved. There was no statistically significant difference among the intervention effects. APOE ε4 presence moderates intervention effects as the LLM intervention improved only their task-switching processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part B: P=.03) and the PTC intervention improved only the working memory (digit span backward: P=.03). No significant performance alteration was noted for the APOE ε4+ cognitive AC training group.ConclusionsNone of the applied interventions could be identified as the optimal one; it is suggested, however, that combined cognitive and physical training and physical training via exergaming may be more effective for the high-risk MCI ΑPOE ε4+ subgroup.

Experimental Investigation and Modelling of Claystone from Mae Moh Coal Mine, Thailand

The open pit mine is excavation soil from the Earth's surface, leading to presence of cut steep slopes with stability-concerned manners. Mae Moh open pit mine has the main component of claystone with ambiguous properties under stress condition changes from mine operations. Therefore, the strength of the claystone must be studied to be used for the slope stability analysis. Shear strength parameters for slope stability analysis were derived from the Triaxial Compression tests. Claystone is a type of sedimentary rock. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the equipment of the triaxial compression strength test to fit with intrinsic soft rock characteristics of the Mae Moh Claystone. Determination of parameters was based on Mohr Coulomb model, because it is the basis for slope stability analysis and can be resulted from the triaxial compression test. In addition, many computer-based programs for slope stability analysis also were relied onthe Mohr Coulomb model, including PLAXIS used in this study. Before the analysis, the model were validated by the function of “Simulation of Lab Test” in PLAXIS. Comparison on triaxial compression test results between the Mohr-Coulomb Model from PLAXIS and triaxial compression tests were made. This article reported the strength characteristics of Mae Moh claystone.

Preventing Summer Reading Slide: Examining the Effects of Two Computer-Assisted Reading Programs

Students who display reading difficulties/disabilities at the end of third grade are less likely to succeed in content areas and graduate from high school than their reading-proficient peers. Literature suggests that students in rural school districts lag behind their suburban peers in terms of their reading levels and accessibility to resources. Furthermore, students from low socioeconomic status (SES) households and those who have disabilities exhibit greater learning loss during the summer break. This exploratory study examined the effects of two parent-implemented computer-based reading programs on the reading skills of 20 students at-risk for reading failure during a summer break. Parental and students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness and desirability of the programs were elicited. Results suggested that both programs facilitated gains in phonemic awareness and phonics. Furthermore, students in the Funnix group exhibited large gains in vocabulary and oral reading fluency, and the students in the PLATO group exhibited large gains in comprehension. Most of the students indicated they liked the programs and the programs helped them read. Similarly, most of the parents agreed that the programs were useful, and they were comfortable using the programs. A description of the computer programs, results, implications, and limitations of the study are discussed.