StepsWeb

StepsWeb is a web-based literacy software programme for learners of all ages from 6 years to adult. It covers all key aspects of literacy and language development and covers the processing skills involved in literacy as well as the ‘knowledge’ aspects. StepsWeb provides a structured, cumulative approach to literacy, which encompasses and develops the five key elements often referred to as the Five Big Ideas in Beginning Reading (USA National Reading Pane, 2000). These are: phonological awareness, phonic knowledge, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. StepsWeb is a well-designed computer programme which can reinforce many of the core foundation skills and knowledge. It is intended to be supplemented with ‘real book’ reading, discussion, direct instruction and opportunities for the learner’s own ideas to be expressed (both verbally and in written form). As such, supporting resources such as workbooks are also available. StepsWeb provides a considerable amount of additional reinforcement which learners need to develop true automaticity. This is done in a structured and cumulative fashion, but still in a way which provides variety and enjoyment.