Project Read AI is an artificial intelligence reading tutor. Launched in August 2023, this innovative tool was created by educators and AI experts from Stanford University. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, Project Read not only coaches teachers in the science of reading but also provides free personalized literacy tutoring for children. With its commitment to free and personalized reading tutoring, Project Read is a step towards closing the literacy gap, making literacy education more available for all.
How does this program implement literacy instruction? Here’s our Project Read AI review, provided by reading educators at phonics.org.
How to Use Project Read AI
Each aspect of the Project Read AI platform plays a strategic role in literacy tutoring. To understand how to use Project Read, let’s look at every component offered on its website.
Student and Educator Log-In
Signing up for Project Read is a relatively straightforward process for educators. Using a class code, students can log in, select their name, and get started with the AI tutor.
After the initial sign-up, logging in to the site requires an email link for every sign-in. Navigating to different parts of the site such as going to the AI tutor and then back to the dashboard requires an additional email link. The log-in process could be more streamlined to better accommodate busy educators.
Project Read Dashboard
The dashboard area is where educators can set up their digital classrooms, add students, assign specific work to practice, and review data on student practice in the app.
Educators can choose from four different scope and sequences to follow on the site. The scope and sequence options include:
- Project Read
- Guided Phonics and Beyond
- CKLA Skills
- UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute).
The teacher can also select exactly which place in the scope and sequence the child should begin practice. This can be done as a whole class or changes can be made to accommodate specific students and their ideal starting point.
Individual student data includes:
- The number of minutes a student spends studying
- The number of stories a student reads
- The number of objectives a student completes
Additionally, an email will be sent to the educator on which concepts and irregular words the student needs more practice with. This is incredibly valuable information to receive from a tutor.
This area of the site is easy to use and is a quick way to get specific feedback about each child.
AI Reading Tutor
Once a student logs in, they require a microphone/speaker to communicate with the AI Tutor.
The tutor sessions start with brief, direct instruction on the concept of focus. It introduces words and sentences, which the student is then asked to read out loud to the tutor. The AI tutor listens to the answers and either gives positive reinforcement or corrects mistakes.
If a child makes a mistake on a specific word, the AI tutor isolates the word and has the student practice their error correctly. The tutor notes errors the student makes and reintroduces them to encourage the practice of specific areas of difficulty. This kind of specificity and adaptability is an interesting and helpful feature of the tutor.
Who is Project Read AI For?
The approach in Project Read.AI is great for upper elementary, adolescent, and adult learners.
Often, upper elementary or adolescent students who struggle with learning to read can feel self-conscious and would not want their peers to see them play games that look like they are for small children. The interface and direction in the AI Tutor are neutral and universal. Students can easily get right into the nitty gritty of practicing word and sentence reading.
Limitations of Project Read
Students with speech articulation errors may have difficulty getting accurate input and feedback from the AI tutor.
This app also doesn’t focus on the comprehension aspect of learning to read. The AI Tutor focuses entirely on word reading (decoding) abilities and does not implement spelling or other necessary skills of literacy instruction.
Using Project Read in conjunction with direct teaching of literacy concepts with an educator is ideal. In this circumstance, having the technology to support individual student progress with specific feedback is a valuable concept.
Decodable Text Generator
The decodable stories generator is an interesting and fun aspect of the Project Read site. Teachers may choose from four teaching objectives (scope and sequences). You can also include custom words to create a text that has personal meaning to a student or classroom.
As a result, generated decodable texts use words that have been specifically taught from the chosen scope and sequence. It even includes an AI-generated picture to go along with the text.
The decodable texts can then be edited, saved on the site or as a PDF, or put right into the AI tutor to practice reading with a student. If there’s part of the story you don’t like, you can click the “Regenerate” button and the AI writes a new story that includes your requested changes.
It’s important to note that artificial intelligence has limits. Educators need to evaluate stories to ensure they make sense. You likely want to revise the stories to make sure they’re accurate, relevant to your class, and age-appropriate. Perhaps editing these stories with students could be an interesting teaching opportunity.
Ask Lola (Beta)
Another innovative section of the Project Read website is called ‘Lola’.
Lola is an AI-powered “instructional coach for the science of reading.” According to the website, Lola can answer questions about “lesson planning, assessment, and implementation of structured literacy in your classroom” and is prepared to generate responses to general inquiries about the science of reading.
As with all generative AI tools, you need to use discernment. The disclaimer on Project Read.AI is, “Always review AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness.” Therefore, be wary of the information provided. Answers should be backed up by further fact-checking when possible.
Pros and Cons of Project Read AI
Project Read AI is a promising tool for students learning to read. It offers a blend of innovative technology and educational features to address the need for accessible reading instruction. This platform not only equips teachers with tools to use in the classroom but also provides personalized, free tutoring for students.
Again, some logistical hurdles in the sign-in process are not ideal. There are limitations for people with speech concerns. Furthermore, reliance on artificial intelligence can only be taken so far. Educators should edit texts for accuracy and comprehension.
Despite these limitations, Project Read AI comes with valuable resources like its decodable story generator and the AI-powered instructional coach, Lola. Classrooms can use the AI tutor to explore individual feedback and tips on improving students’ word-reading skills.
The neutral, sleek user interface is perfect for upper elementary or adolescent students who are still developing literacy skills.
Want to learn more about literacy instruction for your classroom? Read more reviews from the team at phonics.org and discover which ones work best.
Project Read AI Rating
Quality of Literacy Instruction: 3 / 5
Usability: 3 / 5
Engagement: 3 / 5
