Arab Educational Information Network

This study aims at identifying the effectiveness of electronic software in developing the skills of reading speed and comprehension among fourth grade female students. The study used the experimental method, and the researcher prepared a list of reading speed skills, which included (4) main skills, divided into 17 sub-skills, and a list of reading comprehension skills which included (3) main skills, divided into 15 sub-skills. The researcher also designed an observation card for reading speed skills, and a test for reading comprehension skills. The researcher selected Haifa Primary School in Khan Younis in a deliberate manner because of the acceptance of the school principal to implement the experiment. Two random groups were selected to apply the experiment to the fourth grade female students. The number of female students was 70 randomly divided into two groups: the first control group consisted of 35 female student while the second experimental group consisted of (35) students. There were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group, and the mean scores of the experimental groups’ students in the reading skill observation card, and the post-test of the comprehension skills. The electronic program also had a great impact on the development of reading speed and comprehension skills. The findings of the study also showed that the electronic software is highly effective. The study recommended the importance of employing technology in teaching all skills of Arabic language. It is also important to include excitement and suspense in the presentation of lessons, as well as paying good attention to the continuous evaluation of students’ performance so that male and female teachers can discover shortcomings of students and find a remedy. (Author's abstract)