The Effect of Reading Comprehension When Using Digital Materials Compared to Paper Materials

Date of Award

Fall 12-20-2018

Document Type

Project (696 or 796 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Educational Leadership

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Michael Coquyt

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the difference between elementary students’ reading comprehension when using an iPad compared to a paper book. This study focuses on motivating students to want to read while comparing their comprehension results based on different materials. Students were split into different groups and were either reading a story on the iPad or they were reading the paper version of the story. After reading, they then had to complete a ten question multiple choice comprehension assessment based on the story they read. Group 1 read on the iPads the first week, while group 2 read the paper book. Week two group 1 and 2 switched, so group 2 had the iPads and group 1 had the paper version of the book. They continued that same pattern for four weeks. After the four weeks, the administrator collected and analyzed the data to determine if students comprehend better when reading on the iPad. The results validated that overall students comprehend better on the iPad. The average comprehension score on the iPad was 6.75 out of 10 and the average comprehension score when reading the paper book was 6.66 out of 10. The data showed that performances only differed a minimal amount.

Abstract only: No full text available.

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