Enhancing Reading Comprehension with Student-Centered iPad Applications

Reading comprehension, or understanding the author’s message, is a critical component of teaching literacy (Hougen and Smartt 2012). Student-centered activities using the iPad with the goal of improving reading comprehension in a fifth-grade classroom were implemented for this action research study. University teacher candidates guided fifth-grade students in completing the iPad reading comprehension activities. Findings indicate that the fifth-grade students increased their reading achievement scores to a statistically significant degree during the period of this study. These students also reported more enjoyment and understanding of reading. The university teacher candidates who participated also expressed that they gained valuable experience as they worked on a technology-enhanced learning experience with actual students. This study suggests that student-centered reading comprehension activities on the iPad can lead to better student achievement in reading comprehension.