Using a Paper-based Digital Pen for Supporting English Courses in Regular Classrooms to Improve Reading Fluency

Reading fluency is considered critical in skillful reading in that many reading training tools are developed for improving the fluency. Most of the tools are computer-based applications with a screen-based interface to provide multimedia learning environment. However, many students still prefer using paper materials especially for reading activities because of many familiar experiences of learning with a pen and paper. Also, many studies indicate that paper still plays an important role especially in reading activities. For addressing the issue, a paper-based digital pen with digital functions is used in paper materials for assisting in reading, and a novel fluency intervention program is designed in the hope of being easily and fully incorporated into regular classrooms for helping students achieve reading fluency. An actual study incorporating this fluency program was carried out in an English course in a regular EFL classroom in Taiwan. During the course, students were able to use the digital pen to in...