When teaching is not enough: Exploring educational computer games as a method for improving reading ability

Abstract

Imagine for a moment that you are a child once again, sitting in your primary school classroom. 30 other students are sitting with you, all at desks working at a task set by your teacher. You are reasonably content, happy to work independently on the task at hand. Suddenly, your teacher announces that it is time to put your workbooks away; you are moving on to the next lesson of the day. The lesson is English and your teacher has asked that you start the lesson by reading aloud to the class from your textbook. Panic creeps up from the pit of your stomach, your heart races and your palms start to sweat. Why? Because you know that you cannot read as well as the others in your class. In fact, you know that you cannot read as well as most other children your age. For many of your friends, ...