Effectiveness of Computer-Based Reading with Images vs. Plain Paper-Based Reading in Improving the Reading Comprehension of Selected G7 Students in English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The 21st century is marked by tremendous changes in the education system and the way how a student study and read is greatly affected by these changes. The use of printed materials such as books is slowly dying and being replaced by e-books. Thus, many students are much more interested in reading online where information is more accessible and images are more vivid. In this study, the authors determined if the students' reading comprehension increased through the use of computers coupled with images.

METHODS

The study used a quasi-experimental research design. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the 34 respondents from G7 students. These respondents were divided into 2 groups namely: study and control group. Five reading materials were validated and administered to both groups. Random sampling was used in selecting the 17 respondents of each group. The control group used the printed copy in reading while the other used a computer. Text on a computer was presented in a slide presentation with images. Five reading materials were used and validated. These were administered to both groups of the respondents. The study utilized six written tests. One for pretest/ posttest and five were used for five reading selections. Quantitative analysis was used in interpreting the collected data.

RESULTS

The study showed that most of the respondents are male. The greatest number of respondents' age is 13 years old. The study group's mean average score on the pre-test is higher than the control group. The control group means the average score is higher in 4 reading selections. There is a significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores of the study group. There is also a significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores of the control group. However, there is a non-significant difference in the posttest scores of both groups.

DISCUSSIONS

The implication of the study is that even in the presence of computers and vivid images, printed reading material is still more effective. The result can be used to further improve the printed learning materials being used in the educational institution. Teachers can also utilize the results of the study to inspire themselves in creating printed instructional materials and not just rely alone on using slide presentations with images. The study can also be a basis for further research studies on other factors that could affect the student's reading comprehension in English.