The effects of web-based publishing on students' reading motivation

Researchers have suggested that students referred to special education services for specific learning disabilities also experience reading difficulties. Research also suggests that students who experience reading difficulties also tend to have low reading and achievement motivation scores. This study examined the effects of a web-based publishing website Voice Thread have on student reading and achievement motivation. The study specifically addressed two questions. The first question: will students' reading motivation improve after participating in a Voice Thread web-based publishing project? The second question: What aspects of the technology used during the Voice Thread project will students perceive as positively impacting their reading motivation? Findings indicated that through participation in the web-based publishing projects student reading motivation increased. Additionally common themes were established and highlighted as a result of student responses according to the specific aspects of technology that helped increase their motivation.