Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

The Use of eReaders in the Classroom and at Home to Help Third-grade Students Improve their Reading and English/ Language Arts Standardized Test Scores

  • Published:
TechTrends Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study explored the effects of a portable technology intervention, the Nook Simple Touch eReader, on student performance in Reading and English/Language Arts when included as an integral part of the teaching and learning process in an elementary third-grade classroom. This study used the participating students’ end-of-year second-grade scores from the 2012 Georgia Online Assessment System (OAS) and end-of-year third-grade Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) as primary data sources. Findings indicate that a portable technology intervention, or in this case the Nook eReader, helped to demonstrate student responsibility and portable technology durability. Improved student achievement was observed during classroom activities in the 2012–2013 academic year.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson, C. L., Anderson, K. M., & Cherup, S. (2009). Investment vs. return: Outcomes of special education technology research in literacy for students with mild disabilities. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 9(3), 337–355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ash, K. (2010). Schools test e-readers with dyslexic students. Education Week, 4(1), 22–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • ATT (2010). The classroom of tomorrow is here today. Retrieved May 17, 2013, from http://www.corp.att.com/edu/docs/netbook.pdf. Rahamat, B. R. (2011). Students’ readiness and perceptions towards using mobile technologies for learning the English language literature component. The English Teacher, 40, 69–84.

  • Carter, B. (2010). E-readers: Supporting students with reading difficulties. Retrieved June 3, 2013, from http://blogs.ubc.ca/etec540sept10/2010/11/29/e-readers-supporting-students-with-reading-difficulties/

  • Chau, M. (2008). The effects of electronic books designed for children in education. Design of Electronic Text. Retrieved May 24, 2013 from http://fdt.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/fdt/article/view/4904/1762

  • Cheung, A., & Slavin, R. E. (2012). Effects of educational technology applications on reading outcomes for struggling readers: A best evidence synthesis. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University, Center for Research and Reform in Education.

  • Cheung, W. & Hew, K. (2009). A review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 25 (2), 153–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, W. W., Logan, K. K., Luckin, R. R., Mee, A. A., & Oliver, M. M. (2009). Beyond Web 2.0: Mapping the technology landscapes of young learners. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 25(1), 56–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damast, A. (2010). E-book readers bomb on college campuses. Retrieved on February 15, 2013 from http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/jun2010/bs20100610_200335.htm

  • Doiron, R. (2011). Using E-Books and E-Readers to promote reading in school libraries: Lessons from the field. [Conference paper.] International Federation of Library Associations meeting, August 16, 1–14.

  • D’Silva, J. L., Kumar, N., & Rose, R. C. (2008). Teachers’ readiness to use technology in the classroom: An empirical study. European Journal of Scientific Research, 21(4), 603–616.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falloon, G. (2010). Using avatars and virtual environments in learning: What do they have to offer?. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(1), 108–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foote, C. (2011). Technology connection: E-books. Just jump in! Library Media Connection, 29(4), 58–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greaves, T., Hayes, J., Wilson, L., Gielniak, M., & Peterson, R. (2010). The technology factor: Nine keys to student achievement and cost-effectiveness. Mason, MI: MDR.

  • Gregory, C. L. (2008). But I want a real book: An investigation of undergraduates’ usage and attitudes toward electronic books. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 47(3), 266–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grimshaw, S. (2007). Electronic books: Children’s reading and comprehension. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(4), 583–599.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hennessy, S., Hassler, B., Lord, T., Jackson, A & Cross, A. (2011). Portable technologies to support interactive teaching in Zambian classrooms. Cambridge, UK and Dar es Salaam, TZ: Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge and Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development - East Africa.

  • Hennessy, S., & Onguko, B. (2010). Developing use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning in East African schools: A review of the literature. Cambridge, UK and Dar es Salaam, TZ: Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge and Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development - Eastern Africa.

  • Jee, J. M. (2010). Web 2.0 Technology meets mobile assisted language learning. International Association for Language Learning Technology, 41(1), 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keengwe, J., & Onchwari, G. (2009). Technology and early childhood education: A technology integration professional development model for practicing teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(3), 209–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korat, O. (2008). The educational electronic book as a tool for supporting children’s emergent literacy in low ve rsus middle SES groups. Computers & Education, 50(1), 110–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, L.C. (2009). E-reading and e-responding: New tools for the next generation of readers. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 53 (3), 255–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, L. C. (2010). Digital readers: The next chapter in e-book reading and response. The Reading Teacher, 64(1), 15–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Library Journal. (2010a). Survey of e-book penetration and use in U.S. public libraries. Library Journal/School Library Journal research report. Retrieved form http://c0003264.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/Public%20Library%20Ebook%20Report_2.pdf

  • Library Journal. (2010b). Survey of e-book penetration and use in U.S. academic libraries. Library Journal/ School Library Journal research report. Retrieved from http://c0003264.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/Academic%20Library%20Ebook%20Report_2.pdf

  • Library Journal. (2010c). Survey of e-book penetration and use in U.S. school libraries. Library Journal/School Library Journal research report. Retrieved from http://c0003264.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/School%20Library%20Ebook%20Report_2.pdf

  • Lee, A. (2012). Tyrrell County Schools Technology Plan 2012–2014. Retrieved on May, 27, 2013 from http://www.tyrrell.k12.nc.us/Download.asp?L=1&LMID=172628&PN=DocumentUploads&DivisionID=4498&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=&Act=Download&T=1&I=172107

  • Lemke, C., Coughlin, E., & Reifsneider, D. (2009). Technology in schools: What the research says: A 2009 update. Retrieved on April 01, 2013 from http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/docs/education/tech_in_schools_what_research_says.pdf

  • Marinak, B. & Gambrell, L. (2009). Rewarding reading? Perhaps authenticity is the answer. Teachers College Record, 1–6.

  • Margolin, S., Driscoll, C., Toland, M. and Kegler, J. (2013). E-readers, computer screens or paper: Does reading comprehension change across media platforms? Applied Cognitive Psychology, 27(3), 512–519.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maynard, S. (2010). The impact of e-books on young children’s reading habits. Publishers Research Quarterly, 26(4), 236–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAlister, A. (2009). Teaching the millennial generation. American Music Teacher, 58(7), 13–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosenson, A. B., &Johnson, J. M. (2008). Instructional strategies and resources: Exploring the use of technology. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 26(3), 17–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, D. J., & Robertson, D. P. (2011). Educational benefits of using game consoles in a primary classroom: A randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(5), 850–864.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miranda, T., Williams-Rossi, D., Johnson, K. A., & McKenzie, N. (2011). Reluctant readers in middle school: Successful engagement with text using the E-Reader. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 1(6), 81–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neter, J., Wasserman, W., and Kutner, M. (1990). Applied Linear Statistical Models. Boston: Richard D. Irwin, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papert, S. (1993). The children’s machine: Rethinking school in the age of the computer. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, S., & Ertmer, P. A. (2008). Examining barriers in technology-enhanced problem-based learning: Using a performance support systems approach. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(4), 631–643.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2007). Framework for 21 st century learning. Retrieved on September, 14, 2014 from http://www.p21.org/about-us/p21-framework

  • Peters, K. (2007). m-Learning: Positioning educators for a mobile, connected future. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. 8(2), 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rocca, S. (2009). Texting to teaching: reaching the millennial generation. The Agricultural Education Magazine, 82(1), 10–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • SAS Institute Inc. (2012). SAS/STAT 9.3 User’s Guide (2nd ed.). Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc.

  • Tondeur, J. Arno Coenders, & Johan van Braak (2009). Using online tools to support technology integration in education. In Handbook of research on new media literacy at the K-12 level: Issues and challenges (ed. R. Subramanian), 437–450. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

  • Walker, L. R., & Shepard, M. F. (2011). Phenomenological investigation of elementary school teachers who successfully integrated instructional technology into the classroom. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 1(1), 23–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zucker, T., Moody, A. and McKenna, M. (2009). The effects of electronic books on pre-kindergarten-to-grade 5 students’ literacy and language outcomes: A research synthesis. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 40(5), 47–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Craig D. Union.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Union, C.D., Union, L.W. & Green, T.D. The Use of eReaders in the Classroom and at Home to Help Third-grade Students Improve their Reading and English/ Language Arts Standardized Test Scores. TECHTRENDS TECH TRENDS 59, 71–84 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-015-0893-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-015-0893-3

Keywords

Navigation