Computer
Programs
The
NM Lions Crane Reading Foundation is constantly seeking computer programs which
are proven to be effective and include classroom management tools. Currently we are using Lexia and My
Reading Coach; both Orton-Gillingham
based programs, to teach basic reading skills.
Students using My Reading Coach
or Lexia wear headphones and the
program ‘speaks’ to them. Both programs
offer versions with audio instructions in Spanish to teach English words and
sounds. My Reading Coach received the
Bessie Award for Best Educational Software in 2008. The Bessie Award citation stated: "MindPlay's My Reading Coach is, hands-down, the very best
reading/literacy, cross-age program we've seen yet. Easy to install and
use, full-featured, with everything from assessment and placement testing,
phonics and grammar lessons, with bilingual (Spanish/English) and IEP (Special
Education/Needs) features, this program will ensure success in struggling
readers of all ages." After
a student develops basic skills, we use Fluent
Reading
Trainer
to build fluency. Fluent Reading Trainer uses more than a thousand short
stories at all reading levels. Fluent Reading Trainer displays text at an ever
faster rate and forces students to increase their reading rate. The student starts Fluent Reading Trainer
two grade levels below his current grade and at rate of 80 words per
minute. After reading a story the
student is given 10 questions and must answer 8 of them correctly in order to
advance to the next speed or grade level.
If students are not
making adequate progress, a Visigraph test may be useful. The Visigraph consists of
four infrared sensors in a pair of goggles interfaced to a PC. The Visigraph records eye movement as a
student reads, documenting the student’s visual efficiency. The Visigraph can detect eye teaming problems
and other anomalies.
The Orton Gillingham approach used by both Lexia and My Reading Coach teach phonemes. They could be described as phonics programs. Eldon Steelman’s comments on Phonics versus Whole Language are here.