[LM_NET] Using AR as a tool

[Janet Sharp <janetjss@YAHOO.COM>]

I agree with the previous comments about AR. The problem with AR use is the way the 
incentive programs are devised. Accenting the point system is a problem with 
several negatives attached, which have already been discussed. 
Studies have shown (Krashen) that getting students reading and reading is the way 
to increase skills and comprehension.

 AR can be made to be a tool to get students reading more, and talking more and 
writing more about their reading, and also give the tracking data that is demanded 
of teachers these days.

The AR point system is not the best way to use AR as a reading incentive to get 
students reading. The point system should be downplayed in using AR.
A more useful way to take advantage of AR and get students reading and talking and 
writing about their reading is to first, help students set reading goals. The 
reading goal can be expressed in pages read, a list of book titles the student is 
interested in, a genre, an author, the number of minutes read daily, etc. 
The reading goal then becomes the basis of the incentive system, if there needs to 
be one, which there often does in today's TV/Play Station generation. "Jason met 
his reading goal this week. His name goes on the celebration board." 
A way to use AR data as positive feedback for students, is to acknowledge students 
who earn 100% on the computer tests. "Jasmine got 100% on her AR test, lets all 
give her a hand." Celebrate high AR score on test, rather than point accumulation.

Student-set AR reading goals can be used as a tool to get students talking and 
writing about their reading. Once a reading goal is set, teachers can use this 
information to set up literary circles or reading clubs to give like-minded 
students a forum to discuss and write about their reading. Nothing encourages 
reading as much as hearing your friends talk about a book they like.
Again, AR is not a demon nor a salvation, but can be made to be a tool to give 
students incentive to read more, to discuss more and to write more about their 
reading.
Janet SharpMedia SpecialistJamestown ElementaryHephzibah, GAsharpja@rcboe.org







      

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