Catherine Hernandez
Oct 20, 2006
Assignment 1
9467-Technology to Enhance Learning
Moonheum Cho

Case Report based on KITE Database

Recalling a learning situation, describe the technology involved and how it was used. Specifically:

What was the context?  This case occurred with one child in a suburban setting. The effort is undertaken in the classroom and the home. There are computers available in the classroom, media center and home.

Who are the learners? The learner is a third grade, gifted student with phonic mapping issues. She is challenged to retain phonic information.

What is the Learning Goal? Our goal is to motivate this student to read frequently so that phonic mapping is “exercised” and reading fluency is improved. The challenge is to overcome eroded self-confidence and resistance.

How was the technology used? Accelerated Reader is available to the student at school. This student is highly competitive and enjoyed the challenge of completing the books, passing the tests and moving up through the reading levels. Once the student was able to achieve a reading level that allowed her to enjoy material more consistent with her intelligence level, we were able to maximize her competitive instinct to increase reading speed and fluency. The student was asked to meet a minimum goal of one AR test weekly. She has access to computers and the AR program at least three times during the week.

How was learning facilitated (or impeded)? There was a tremendous climb for her to reach a point where her reading level provided material that is intellectually stimulating. Once she “turned the corner” she was motivated to meet the weekly goal. The process of searching for material at her reading level in the library became a game and she enjoyed locating the material. The leveling system allowed her a range of material and she was neither bored nor overwhelmed. The tests are not lengthy, so they do not become drudgery, but are effective at assessing comprehension. The student was excited and delighted to see her AR tally rise as she progressed rapidly through the reading levels.

Comparing Situations

What is the KITE case number: 3057-1

How is the KITE case similar to my situation? In both this case and my situation, the children are motivated to use the program largely because they love working on the computer. My case indicated that AR works well with low level readers wish was also true with the KITE case. Both situations indicated accurate assessments of reading level and comprehension.

How is the KITE case different from my situation? In the KITE case, students can take the test in the library or classroom. In my situation, only the library is available. In my case, the student studied is also motivated by the competitive nature of achieving higher reading levels in addition to motivation to use the computer.