Software Evaluation - Reading Horizons

Software Evaluation #2
Title of Software: Reading Horizons
Producer: Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself
Target students: 3-12th graders, adult and ESL students
Proficiency level: beginning and low intermediate

Description:
This is a reading program that teaches students to read words rapidly and automaticly. It emphasizes five phonic skills and two decoding skills. This program is presented in an engaging format. The program is divided into several parts elementary, secondary, adults and ESL students. I researched only the ESL category. The program recommends placing the student on the computer for 30–40 minutes per day at least three days per week. Students are required to move through the lessons sequentially. Each lesson has the capability of providing extra exercises for students who are struggling with a specific concept. The instructors can offer direct instructional help to individuals or small groups while remaining students work autonomously on the computer. The program provides a lesson summary manual which is highly recommended for instructor interaction with students. Finally the program suggests that in order to obtain full benefits from the program, the students must practice by reading daily.

Language skills targeted: English

Evaluation:
What are the program’s strengths or weaknesses? Do you feel it would be effective for helping ELLs learn English? Why or why not? Would you use it in your classroom? Why or why not? What method or approach to language teaching does this program appear to represent?
This program’s strength is that it offers the student a variety of options, flashcards, and colorful visuals. However, the one weakness I found is that there is no real necessity for instructor student interaction. I will use this program as a supplement in the classroom. This program cannot be the student’s only reading practice. Students should be able to also read for fun and read articles that interest the student. Reading the articles will help students improve their vocabulary skills and the best way for them to learn how to read is by reading.
The CD mentions that instructors can see improvements on their lowest level readers within 3-6 months. Without supplemental reading and grammar exercises, I don’t see that as realistic goal.