Using Technology to Support Expository Reading and Writing in Science Classes

ABSTRACT

Students struggle with the transition from learning to read narrative text in the early grades to reading expository text in the science classroom in the upper grades as they begin reading and writing to gain information. Science teachers can adapt their teaching materials to develop students’ reading comprehension and recall by writing summaries of scientific text. Using technology, teachers can scaffold text comprehension and improve students’ reading and writing skills. Technology encourages improved comprehension of reading and more elaborate writing in the science classroom by motivating students to act on their curiosity, access resources, and embellish their work.

KEYWORDS:

• comprehension
• expository text
• multimedia literacy
• reading skills
• technology
• writing in science