DIGITAL WIZARD: THE MAGIC OF ONLINE READING APPLICATIONS IN BOOSTING READING COMPETENCE

Education

This quasi-experimental study investigates the effectiveness of online reading applications, namely ReadTheory, Epic!, and Kahoot!, in enhancing the reading competence of Grade 10 students at Gabi National High School, Compostela, Davao de Oro. Sixty students identified at the frustration level in reading served as respondents and were divided equally into an experimental group of 30, which received a 10-session digital reading intervention, and a control group of 30, which underwent traditional instruction. Pre-test and post-test results measured changes in reading comprehension. Findings revealed that while both groups showed improvement, the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in reading competence, successfully transitioning from frustration to instructional level. The integration of online platforms not only improved comprehension but also enhanced learner motivation and engagement. These results highlight the pedagogical value of digital applications in addressing literacy gaps in low-resource settings and emphasize the importance of strategically incorporating digital tools into reading programs, coupled with teacher training and equitable access to technology.

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