Using computer-based readers to improve reading comprehension of students with dyslexia

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Assistive Technology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Dyslexia presents significant challenges in reading acquisition and comprehension.
• The Slingerland approach is an intensive remediation program for dyslexia.
• Computer-based reading systems offer potential compensatory support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based reading system as a compensatory aid for middle school students with dyslexia.
• To assess the impact of the technology on reading comprehension and related skills.
• To determine if the computer-reader provided benefits incremental to existing remediation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight middle school students diagnosed with dyslexia participated.
• Students used a computer-based reading system for approximately 30 minutes daily over one semester.
• Reading comprehension was measured using the Gray Oral Reading Test.

Main Results:

• 70% of students demonstrated improved reading comprehension, with gains of at least one grade level.
• 40% experienced substantial comprehension improvements (2-5 grade levels).
• 14% showed decreased comprehension, potentially linked to kinesthetic-motor weakness; no incremental remediation benefit was found.

Conclusions:

• Computer-readers serve as effective compensatory tools for individuals with dyslexia.
• These systems can enhance reading performance in academic and professional settings.
• The technology supports, but does not replace, intensive dyslexia remediation programs.