Using Technology and Multimodal Literacy to Actively Engage Struggling and Disengaged Readers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how using technology, specifically BookFlix by Scholastic Inc. and Capstone Interactive Library impacts the engagement of struggling and disengaged readers. Struggling readers are at a great risk for failure and dropping out of school; therefore, using other resources such as digital literacy can aid in supporting readers who struggle to decode words and have trouble with fluency and comprehension. School library resources can provide students with eBooks that engage and enable readers to read a variety of books. Data was gathered through parent and student surveys, observations, interviews and student response journals. Through exploration and exposure to different genres of eBooks students were actively engaged by reading eBooks that supported their fluency and comprehension, and gave students an opportunity to participate in cooperative learning. Students gained a better understanding of eBooks as well as digital literacy skills that will benefit them in accessing literacy through different 21st century modes.