Evaluation of Teacher and Student Opinions on Using Computer Software to Improve Reading Performance of Students with Learning Difficulties

Abstract

The specific learning disability is one of the fastest growing categories in the field of special education in Turkey. Students with specific learning difficulties have difficulties especially in reading fluency and comprehension. In recent years, many methods and techniques have been developed to improve the reading skills of students with specific learning disabilities. One of these methods is computer-assisted reading instruction. However, the number of studies on computer-assisted reading instruction is limited in Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the views of teachers and students towards the reading software developed within the research project of TUBITAK 113K726. Findings of the study showed that teachers had a positive opinion regarding the reading software and believed that
the software has positive effect on students’ reading performance. Also, most students participating in the project preferred to use software developed for reading-related activities.