Reading Motivation and Technology

Hello Fellow Educators........

I have been busy conducting research.  The basis of my research has been cooperative learning impact on reading comprehension and motivation.  In my quest for knowledge, I discovered that motivation to read declines with age.  Most researchers indicated the decline begins in fourth grade and some studies suggest that the motivation to read begins as early as 2nd grade.  Unbelievable!!!!
Many of us(teachers) have witnessed the energy level return to our classroom when we bring in technology.  So it seems only natural to team technology and reading.  Though the National Reading Panel did report that not enough studies have been done yet to indicate the affect of technology on reading.

In my own classroom of fourth graders it was difficult for them to keep motivation to read independently and I hope to change that with some cooperative learning on self-selected books.  I also intend to infuse some technology to spur their interest in books.  Our school has purchased an elibrary called Tumblebooks.  I hope to incorporate these into my classroom.  Take a look on this youtube video.