Third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs

Third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs. (2011). Third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs.

Download PDF

Metadata

MODS Metadata


Title	Third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs
Abstract	This study identifies third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs on students' literacy achievement. The study seeks to elaborate on minimal existing research regarding the outcome of web-based learning. Specifically, the study examines teachers' perceptions of the programs' impact on students' literacy achievement, students' attitudes and motivation toward literacy acquisition, and the ability of the programs to offer opportunities for successful individualized learning experiences through differentiated instruction. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from 70 teachers from 10 elementary, middle, and junior high schools in West-Central Pennsylvania. A survey was used to acquire quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected from participants in the form of open-ended interview questions. Thirty-five teachers offered responses for the qualitative segment of the study. Based on results of the data analysis, quantitative and qualitative measures revealed that teachers perceive web-based reading programs positively impact students' literacy achievement. Web-based applications, when used appropriately as supplemental teaching and learning tools, promote students' literacy ability, enhance students' attitudes and motivation toward literacy acquisition, and offer opportunities for individualized learning paths. Content analysis of interview responses revealed teachers' beliefs that web-based learning is guided by constructivist principles. Teachers revealed that web-based learning is engaging and student-centered. The feature of immediate feedback offered through web-based platforms was identified as a highly valued program component. Years of program implementation and grade level of instruction were reviewed to determine if significant differences in perceptions existed. Inferential statistics revealed no statistically significant difference between the number of years teachers implement web-based reading programs and their perceptions. Significant differences were noted between the grade level teachers instruct and their views. Fourth-grade teachers possessed the strongest degree of agreement that web-based programs positively impact students' literacy achievement and students' attitudes toward literacy learning. While fifth-grade teachers agreed that web-based programs offer opportunities to differentiate instruction, they agreed to a lesser extent than teachers of other grade levels.
Date	2011

Details

Title: Third- through eighth-grade teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of web-based reading programs
Personal Name(s): Ivory, Stephanie L.
Corbett, Frank, Jr.
Corporate Name(s): Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professional Studies in Education.
Note: Publisher info.: Dissertation/Thesis.
Advisors: Corbett, Frank, Jr. Committee members: Kelly Heider; Richard Nowell; Kelli Paquette.
Topical Subject(s): Literacy
Reading instruction
Educational technology
Online instruction
Teacher attitudes
Elementary education
Middle school education