Computer Reading Rate Course for College Students?

A study examined the influence of the computer management feature of a commercially prepared speed reading software package on the reading rate and attitudes of college students towards computers as instructional tools. Subjects, 66 college freshman from lower-middle to middle socio-economic brackets (and divided into control and experimental groups) enrolled in the College Reading and Rate Improvement Course of William Paterson College, had borderline reading comprehension scores on standardized tests. Both groups used the Sack-Yourman Speed Reading Course, with the experimental group using the computer program to calculate their reading rates and comprehension scores. Results indicated that both groups made gains in reading efficiency, but that the experimental group using the computer management features made greater gains despite negative attitudes produced by troublesome computers and a mid-course change of instructor. (Four tables of data are included, and 34 references and two survey instruments are attached.) (RS)