Digital technologies for reading fluency: Where are we and where could we go?

Reading fluency is a crucial component of reading and is necessary but not sufficient for reading comprehension. Since being able to comprehend texts has implications for learning in all subject areas, it is important to teach fluency well. The use of digital technologies for supporting reading fluency in the primary school classroom has considerable potential. However, as yet, most of the research conducted in this area has focussed on the use of technology for children who need interventions, rather than in general classroom (Tier 1) teaching. In addition, much of the research has focused on the use of specially designed educational programs as opposed to the innovative use of open-ended digital tools. In this presentation, the author will present an outline of the characteristics of research that has been conducted to date, drawing on a scoping review published in 2024, then she will provide suggestions for future practice and research, drawing on grey literature and social media.