ERIC Number: EJ730375
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Aug
Pages: 16
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0272-7757
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Putting Computerized Instruction to the Test: A Randomized Evaluation of a ''Scientifically Based'' Reading Program
Rouse, Cecilia Elena; Krueger, Alan B.
Economics of Education Review, v23 n4 p323-338 Aug 2004
Although schools across the country are investing heavily in computers in the classroom, there is surprisingly little evidence that they actually improve student achievement. In this paper, we present results from a randomized study of a well-defined use of computers in schools: a popular instructional computer program, known as Fast ForWord, which is designed to improve language and reading skills. We assess the impact of the program on students having difficulty learning to read using four different measures of language and reading ability. Our estimates suggest that while use of the computer program may improve some aspects of students' language skills, it does not appear that these gains translate into a broader measure of language acquisition or into actual readings skills.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, Program Evaluation, Reading Programs, Students, Language Skills, Reading Skills, Language Acquisition, Reading Ability, Reading Difficulties
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
What Works Clearinghouse Reviewed: Meets Evidence Standards without Reservations
WWC Study Page: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/study/28296
IES Cited: ED540656
Author Affiliations: N/A