Precursors of reading text comprehension from paper and screen in first graders: a longitudinal study

Abstract Research on text comprehension in relation to the reading medium (paper or screen) has mainly involved undergraduate high school students. To advance current knowledge effects of medium, this longitudinal study focused beginner readers, specifically, role precursors first graders’ narrative and expository linear texts from paper computer screen. Working memory inference skills as cognitive basic digital were measured at end preschool (T1); word reading, a control variable, grade (T2). Sixty-three children participated total. The graders read four texts, one expository, both screen, counterbalanced order. Results showed no main genre, but interactive effect these variables was significant. At T2, had higher scores after than descriptive paper. In addition, screen preferred post-test, all presented. As precursors, working predicted printed comprehension. contrast, only controlling for reading.