This paper describes two computer-based learning environments, Rappin' Reader and Say Say Oh Playmate, that use the prior knowledge African-American children bring to classrooms as scaffolds for early literacy instruction. The study reports the results of using Rappin' Reader and Say Say Oh Playmate with low-SES African-American first-through fourth-grade students attending after-school tutoring/mentoring programs. This study seeks to investigate the benefits of using culturally responsive reading material and a computer-based learning environment in literacy instruction.
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