This capstone project aims to show how technology can be used to help students struggling with reading. The project creator will produce an informational pamphlet highlighting research on the benefits of technology in teaching reading. A booklet will also be created demonstrating different technologies and apps that can be used to teach reading skills. Workshops are proposed to train teachers and families on using these tools to provide reading intervention and practice. The goal is to free up teacher time by allowing other students to work independently with technology while the teacher focuses on small groups or individual students.

1. Capstone Project
Proposal
Jennifer Pasmore
EDRG 697

2. Summary
 Learning to read is not an easy task. Today’s students are struggling with
learning how to read more than ever. This means that more is being asked of
teachers in the classroom. Instruction needs to be differentiated for all levels
of students, small groups need to be pulled, reading interventionists need to
be utilized, more time needs to be devoted to students. Families and friends
are needed more than ever to come together to help students. There is one
amazing tool that teachers and families can use to help students learn to
read, but is not being utilized, technology. Technology is an essential tool
that needs to be used when helping children learn. As we move more and
more into using technology in the world, students need to know how to use it,
and how it can help them learn. In order to use technology, teachers and
parents need to know how to use it and how it can help their student succeed
in reading and in all subjects of school. Once technology is being used to help
students in the right ways, teachers will have more time to work with
students, families will feel like they have been given a tool to help their child
succeed, and students will receive intervention they deserve and not slip
through the cracks.

3. Statement of Relevance
 More and more students are not meeting established benchmarks in reading.
Students are failing in reading and teachers are overwhelmed and frustrated.
Teachers and families are struggling with finding enough time to work with all
students at their individual level. This project will give some relief to those
frustrated teachers and families by show them how technology can free up
more time to work with students. As some students work with the teacher,
others are still receiving instruction and practice through technology.
Families who are working to make ends meet may not have time to work with
their child every day on reading. By using technology, students can work on
skills they need to practice until a family member is available. With the use
of technology, teachers can work with students, and students can practice
and increase reading skills. Reading skills have no choice but to improve!

4. Project Idea
 As a teacher who works with children learning to read, I know that there is
not enough time in the day to work with every child on the skills they are
struggling with. It is so time consuming to design instruction for every
students level and then work with each one of them to help them improve
their reading skills. Providing teachers with another way of supporting their
struggling students is a win for everyone. I want to put together a pamphlet
that explains how technology benefits students who are learning to read.
Some teachers and families are still undecided about technology benefiting
their students. By showing them solid research that states how technology is
a benefit, teachers and families may feel more at ease about using it. I
would also like to create a booklet about how to use different pieces of
technology, and different apps and programs that can be used to teach
reading skills. Workshops for teachers and families would also be great to
demonstrate the different devices, how to use them, and how to use the
different programs available.

5. My Plan
 I plan to complete the information pamphlet on a word document. The
pamphlet will be tri-fold and will highlight different pieces of research about
the use of technology in the classroom to teach reading. It will also be in
friendly language that will be easy for others to understand with photos and a
layout that is pleasing to the eye. This piece will be completed in two weeks.
 The second piece of my project is a booklet that highlights different pieces of
technology and programs that can be used with them. This piece will be
completed on a word document. Again, the booklet will be in friendly
language that is easy to understand with pictures that highlight the different
devices and programs. I plan on highlighting IPad/tablets, computers, and
iPods. This piece will be completed in three to four weeks so that the main
parts of my project are ready for feedback and revisions.

6. Project Benefits
 Less students on intervention, IEP’s, and READ plans.
 Teachers feel that students are receiving more practice time with
interventions on their level.
 Parents feel more responsible and able to help their child.
 Students feel more confident in reading due to increased practice in needed
skills.
 Students feel they are getting the help they deserve.
 Frees up more teacher time to work with students.
 Students are more engaged during while on technology.