The Impact of a Year of Computer Assisted Instruction on the Development of First Grade Learning Skills

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the effects of computer assisted instruction on the reading achievement of first graders. Two hypotheses were tested. The first is that computer assisted instruction improves first graders' development of reading skills as measured by the CTBS Form U Level B. The second is that this development depends upon student sex. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare one group of first graders whose reading lessons were supplemented with CAI to a group of first graders whose reading lessons were not. A treatment by sex ANOVA on change in reading skills demonstrated a significant treatment (CAI versus control) main effect. Results from planned comparisons of treatment differences by sex demonstrated that statistically significant gains were sex specific with only males exhibiting a significant average increase when exposed to CAI. Although females exposed to CAI also tended toward greater gain in the sample, the magnitude of their gain was not statistically significant. The implications of these findings are discussed.