I recall putting a CD-ROM in a drive on a Macintosh for my son to read a book and watch his face light up with excitement but now a book online can be easily read to a class by a actor or character of the child's choice. Referring back to the CD-ROM, I recall the objects making sound on the page with a click of the mouse. This is essentially bringing the book to life. It can definitely make reading a fun and educational experience! This may be why children may prefer the computer over a hard cover book.
One good thing about reading online is that one need not even leave the house. Books are more easily attainable and sharing of views and opinions connect children and young adults which makes the sharing of ideas and feedback instantaneous. Perhaps, that is why immediate feedback is so imperative with those who surf the net. One might think of all the reading one is doing while surfing the internet for hours, but the article does question if it is really reading.
It states that reading books is "more cognitively enriching, without doubt, than the short little bits that you might get if you're into the 30-second digital mode," said Ken Pugh, a cognitive neuroscientist. (Mitoko, 2008)
This is a good point because engaging in a book, I feel, is more enriching than if one is just surfing the ne without any real purpose. The newer forms of digital literacy have people questioning if it is really reading. I personally, have to say that I do enjoy reading on the screen because, for one reason, I can manipulate the text. I think that I can agree that some children with disabilities have had more positive experiences reading on the web. They may find it easier for several reasons, one because like the article mentions ,they can choose what they want to read more easily and gain immediate feedback. This will, in turn, encourage them to read. Part of literacy is that we encourage and develop an interest for reading and I think that is the most important.
Motoko, Rich, (2008, July 27). The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1
You made a great point with digital literacy being more interactive, especially for young readers. Although I do not believe that digital literacy is the only way kids should be reading it is great that in the age of the Internet that there are so many ways to engage in reading. I believe that kids that grow up reading books online where sounds are made, and different voices are talking,all while the child controls what is happening with a mouse will eventually lead to a young adult who will be a more diverse reader and better learner for it.
ReplyDeleteIs reading online really reading? I would say yes because it depends what it is. Getting kids engaged with reading online is a way to increase our literacy rate. During Independent Reading, my students are set up on NEWS ELA where they choose an article to read, answer questions, and write a summary. I found that they are more engaged with reading on a laptop than having the actual book or article. They even have the ability to highlight and take notes on the computer. As teachers in order to keep students motivated and increase student learning, we have to incorporate new technologies in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that reading online is really reading. I like the idea of the newspaper for independent reading.
DeleteI agree with digital literacy and incorporating new technologies in the classroom to keep students engaged and motivated in reading. The interactive elements such as imagery, short animation and or voice-over, while reading is so powerful to keep their attention. And their development of comprehension of literacy is changing with the digital age. Yet at the same time I agree with Jay there needs to be balance with digital and traditional literacy. Holding a book in your hands reading is a different kind of experience as to holding a digital tablet or reader.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I think both holding a book is a great experience too.
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