Students’ reading skills are one of the major predictors of success in school and in careers later in life. And now, technology is shaping how children and adults read more than ever before. That transition from reading print books to reading from computer screens is raising all kinds of questions about how technology is helping students develop better reading skills on one hand and how it is possibly hurting those skills on the other.
For instance, emerging research suggests there might be a generational shift in the benefits and drawbacks of digital reading. Previous studies suggested that print books were far better tools for students to learn from than digital materials, but more recent findings suggest that digital reading might be more suited to the generation of kids who have grown up using computer screens.
Join us to explore how technology is being integrated into reading instruction, with a particular focus on the benefits and drawbacks of using digital tools to help kids learn how to read.
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Agenda
2:00pm ET
Welcome and Introduction
We’ll review key takeaways from recent reporting on reading instruction in the digital age.
Lauraine Langreo is an Education Week staff writer, covering education technology and learning environments.
2:10pm ET
Interactive Session: What Do You Need to Know About Reading and Technology?
This session will take the pulse of educators about what they need to know about research and best practices when it comes to using technology to improve students’ reading skills.
Arianna Prothero covers technology, student well-being, and the intersection of the two for Education Week.
2:20pm ET
Industry Perspective: Supporting Literacy Instruction with Technology
Content provided by Reading Horizons
Foundational literacy instruction is the launching pad for lifelong reading and writing proficiency. And yes, there’s a critical and growing role for technology. From gamified assessment and practice for students, to delivering data and support in real time for teachers, technology is essential. Take a look behind the scenes to understand how we harness the strategic and student-centric use of technology to help you deliver effective instruction aligned to the science of reading.
Foundational literacy instruction is the launching pad for lifelong reading and writing proficiency. And yes, there’s a critical and growing role for technology. From gamified assessment and practice for students, to delivering data and support in real time for teachers, technology is essential. Take a look behind the scenes to understand how we harness the strategic and student-centric use of technology to help you deliver effective instruction aligned to the science of reading.
Shantell Thaxton Berrett, M.A.
Vice President of Content Development,
Reading Horizons
Shantell Thaxton Berrett holds a B.A. in English teaching, an M.A. in Education, and dyslexia certification, with Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, and CERI training. As a mother of a child with dyslexia and dysgraphia, she became a passionate advocate for effective reading instruction. Currently, she serves as the Lead Professional Development and Dyslexia Specialist for Reading Horizons, and is a national presenter and consultant on reading science and dyslexia.
2:30pm ET
Research Presentation: Reading on Screens: Benefits and Drawbacks
Most teachers in the country have their students read a mix of print and digital books. But is one mode better than the other?
Many studies have shown that, in general, children find print easier to comprehend. Still, there are exceptions—some research has found that certain features in digital books can level the playing field. Researchers say that schools shouldn't look at print and digital books as a binary: There are reasons to use both, and methods to support children's comprehension that teachers can employ.
We’ll review the research and outline some research-backed suggestions for practice.
Many studies have shown that, in general, children find print easier to comprehend. Still, there are exceptions—some research has found that certain features in digital books can level the playing field. Researchers say that schools shouldn't look at print and digital books as a binary: There are reasons to use both, and methods to support children's comprehension that teachers can employ.
We’ll review the research and outline some research-backed suggestions for practice.
Sarah Schwartz is a reporter for Education Week who covers curriculum and instruction.
3:15pm ET
Industry Perspective: Make Thinking Visible with Digital Tools
Content provided by Promethean
Looking for ways to get your students to think deeper? Join this session to discover strategies to make thinking visible. This practical approach uses engaging digital tools that anyone can access and is engaging for all learners. Walk away with resources that you can use in your classroom!
Looking for ways to get your students to think deeper? Join this session to discover strategies to make thinking visible. This practical approach uses engaging digital tools that anyone can access and is engaging for all learners. Walk away with resources that you can use in your classroom!
Sheila Wolsker
Education Consultant for Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana,
Promethean
Sheila Wolsker, a former teacher of 10 years, is the Promethean Education Consultant for Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in Language Arts and Social Studies. Sheila also has a master’s degree in Literacy. At Promethean, Sheila is now able to blend her love of technology with her passion for teaching to help educators use technology to its fullest potential.
3:25pm ET
Interview: Practical Tips on How to Use Tech to Teach Reading
Students are much more likely to do a good chunk of their reading for school on digital devices these days. But educators worry something may get lost in this transition from print to digital content. When should students use digital devices and when should they stick to old fashioned paperbacks? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each medium? Our guest will unpack these questions, offering practical tips for educators on how to help young readers.
Alyson Klein is an assistant editor for Education Week.
Maryanne Wolf
Director, Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, UCLA
3:55pm ET
Interactive Session: Digital Reading Lessons That Work—And Don’t
This interactive discussion with the audience will reveal how they are integrating technology into reading instruction, what is working and not working, and how they see reading instruction evolving with new advances in technology.
Arianna Prothero covers technology, student well-being, and the intersection of the two for Education Week.
4:05pm ET
Closing Thoughts
Hear the big takeaways from the Forum.
Lauraine Langreo is an Education Week staff writer, covering education technology and learning environments.
