The past few years have seen a proliferation of microcomputers and a reduction in their cost. Many children have microcomputers in their homes and have learned their use in playing games and solving problems. Among these programs are those designed to improve reading skills, many of which are somewhat poorly conceived and prepared, often being merely workbook pages transferred to the computer for presentation. Nevertheless, the computer can be used to improve or aid in reading instruction by offering a multimodal means of involving children in the learning process or by making possible the individualization of instruction. Other advantages of the computer are its ability to give immediate feedback to students and to encourage student creativity. Most students respond positively to using a computer as a learning device, but not all students profit from this experience. Among the limitations associated with microcomputers are the following: (1) different computers and programs require different procedures and are not compatible from one computer to another; (2) good programs are scarce and teachers are inexperienced in using the computer; (3) the computer keyboard limits eye-hand coordination; (4) the computer screen causes considerable eye strain and may also lessen the attention span of the child; and (5) many software programs lack clear goals and objectives. (HOD)