Reading preference and performance of K1 students for Chinese text presented on PDA interface

This study investigates the reading preference and performance of young learners for Chinese text presented in either a horizontal format or a vertical format on PDA screens. In assessing the reading performance, the reading speed is taken as the performance evaluation criterion. The thirty participants in the current investigation are K1 students studying in the first grade of an elementary school. The ANOVA results indicate that both the screen orientation and the document format exert a significant influence on the reading preference and reading performance of the young students. Specifically, it is found that a horizontal screen with a vertical text format is the preferred choice of the K1 students. This particular treatment of the screen and document factors results in the shortest reading time. The results of this study can be applied to develop PDA-based educational software which not only satisfies the reading preferences of young learners, but also enhances their reading performance. Key-Words:PDAs, Chinese, Children, Text, Reading, Interface