Tap-n-Sing: Personal Computer Software to Foster and

Research shows that only 30% of 4th and 8th grade students are at a level deemed proficient in reading and literacy. Learning to read in the primary and early elementary grades is one of the most important developmental tasks needed to survive and flourish in our society. Muse Technologies proposes the use of an innovative interactive technology known as Tap-n-Sing to foster the development of early childhood reading skills in the school and home setting. Tap-n-Sing provides an interface with which young children can control the display of words that are synchronized with songs by simply tapping a finger on a computer keyboard. This new level of interactivity with computer-based literacy materials has great promise for engaging children in early reading skills and sustaining practice. Muse Technologies has outlined a comprehensive Phase I research plan to build new knowledge about the relationship of Tap-n-Sing interactivity with early childhood reading practices. The plan tests methods and instrumentation for scientifically testing and verifying the influence of Tap-n-Sing usage on early childhood reading ability. The planned work of both Phase I and Phase II substantially furthers the development of Tap-n-Sing as a commercially viable educational tool for parents and classroom teachers alike.