A 10-week study examined whether the use of computers could be more effective than basal readers for improving reading comprehension at the primary level. Subjects, 12 students from the second grade, were divided into two groups, 6 in the experimental group using computers only and 6 in the control group using basal readers only. Both groups used the H.B.J. Basal Reading Program's workbook. The students were given pre-and posttests using the Gates-McGinitie Reading Test, vocabulary and comprehension sub-tests, H.B.J. Reading Program's unit tests, and five selections on the computer using materials developed by Janet Goldman and released by Hartley Courseware. Results suggested that the use of computer-assisted instruction may be more effective than basal readers for improving reading comprehension at the primary level. (Four data charts are included.) (RAE)