Reading and Writing

, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp 205–217 | Cite as

Enhancing reading comprehension with text-to-speech (DECtalk) computer system

  • Che Kan Leong
Article

Abstract

The study aimed at enhancing text comprehension, assessed through inferencing questions in expository prose passages, in adolescent readers. A total of 67 grades 6, 7, and 8 readers, dichotomized into above and below average subgroups in reading, first read unaided the 12 computerized passages of about 200 words each. They were then provided with explanations of difficult words and sentence structures given either on-line or on-line plus DECtalk speech. Using a pre- and post-test design, it was found that the students gained in their reading comprehension across both training modes, but the efficacy of DECtalk together with on-line explanations was found with only 2 prose passages and mainly with above average readers. The findings are discussed within the context of situated and interactive computer learning environments.

Keywords

DECtalk Reading comprehension Text-to-speech Training 
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • Che Kan Leong
    • 1
  1. 1.Department for the Eduction of Exceptional Children, College of EducationUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada

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