Scholastic iRead
© 2013 Scholastic, Inc.
iRead, or iREAD: Digital Foundational Reading Program for Grades K-2 by Scholastic is an expensive, comprehensive computer managed instruction reading system for the early elementary level. It mixes individualized instruction with cloud-based record keeping, and support materials that include Smart board lessons and printed books (540 as of June 2014). It is not multi-touch and there are no signs of iPad or other tablet implementation. It looks as if it were programmed in flash. Requires an Internet connection. Scholastic Literacy solutions are sold on a perpetual basis, which is why it can be a huge investment for a school district. Once you have student and teacher time invested in the system, you have to pay for continued access. If you stop paying, your server is turned off, along with student records. iRead is sold as a site license, but the average per student cost for a perpetual license is $98 (includes teacher materials and training) and cloud based record keeping. It looks like the activities are very well designed, but they talk about integrated software integration, which seems like a silly idea.
$98, Windows, Mac OSX, Internet Site
Teaches: reading, phonics, decoding