Increasing the Reading Levels of Grade 2 Learners through Assistive Technology Application Tools (ATAT)

In today’s digital world, reading skills are critical for learners, and the use of technology in education has become an important tool to enhance these skills. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Assistive Technology Application Tools (ATAT) in improving the reading skills of Grade 2 learners at Pilar Village Elementary School during the School Year 20222023. The study employed a total enumeration sampling method, with 67 participants, and used the Phil-IRI tools as pre-test and post-test measures. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to assess reading skill levels, while a paired ttest was used to evaluate the significant differences before and after the intervention. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in reading skills, with a mean difference of 17.83 in the post-test scores after the ATAT intervention. This indicates that the technology-assisted reading programs significantly enhanced both recognition and comprehension skills. These findings imply that the application of assistive technology has the potential not only to address immediate literacy challenges but also to foster long-term learning engagement. Moreover, this approach can bridge learning gaps by providing equitable access to interactive and tailored reading instruction, potentially levelling the playing field for learners with different abilities and learning paces. The results suggest that the early integration of technology in basic education could have broader implications for improving academic outcomes across other subjects as well. In conclusion, the use of interactive tools like ATAT positively influenced the reading abilities of the learners. The study demonstrates that integrating digital technologies into early-grade reading programs can be an effective approach to developing literacy skills in young students.