What Types of E-Books Are Best for Young Readers?

Shawn Pomatto

IL

(2014). What types of e-books are best for young readers? Mind/Shift. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.kqed.org%2Fmindshift%2F2014%2F04%2Fwhat-types-of-e-books-are-best-for-young-readers%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Bkqed%252FnHAK%2B%2528MindShift%2529&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWfgHhNEP9azeiANaiWLNHKzYUIg

This article examines students reading comprehension in a comparison between e-books and traditional books.  The study showed reading comprehension was actually much higher in those students who read from traditional books.  Reasons for this difference are attributed to e-books many features which in turn distract kids from the meaning of the text.  Students who read e-books showed more interest in examining the devices interactive visual features.  Although these finding are from a preliminary study of a small sample, the findings are indeed alarming.  Whereas certain options of multimedia features actually enhance reading comprehension, the distractions from the e-books appear to be interfering with students comprehension of the text main ideas.  Another concern is that e-book apps do not abide by the same stringent review process as children's books do.  Therefore, apps do not necessarily have to meet reading comprehension qualifications.

In conclusion, we cannot lose site of the fact that reading from actual books is still a necessary component of learning.  A book is void from unnecessary distractions that technology offers.  Books allow the reader to involve themselves 100% into the story.  Whereas e-book apps appear to have multiple features for readers, in reality, these features do little to nothing in the means of reading comprehension.  One of the more damaging features for student reading comprehension is the e-book app that has the 'read to me' option.  This feature dismisses reading altogether.  We must be aware that traditional reading sources focus on one main goal, bringing the reader into the story.  On the other hand, technology and multiple features of e-books focus on their main goal, which is to sell apps and make money.  E-books are not in the educational field to nurture student growth and learning.  E-book companies are interested in profitability and selling a product to make a profit.  Education is not their priority, sales are.