Ebook readers are a handy piece of technology that can be used in
the classroom, or anywhere at all, to enhance the reading experience. Ereaders are similar to tablets in their web
browsing capability, but they are uniquely designed with the enjoyment of reading
in mind. Because of this, most have a special screen, called e-ink, that mimics
paper in a way that a backlit LCD screen cannot. In his article, The Best Ebook Readers for
2021, Sacha Segan (2021) explains that this advantageous feature means ereaders
are easily read in full sunlight, they are easier on one’s eyes, and they retain
a longer battery life than tablets. Additionally, averaging approximately 6
inches, these small wonders can easily store over 1,000 books (Segan, 2021)!
Evaluating ereaders
through the lens of the R.A.T. technology enabled learning model, developed by Dr.
Joan E. Hughes (n.d.) in 1998, spotlights the benefit of ereaders over
traditional books particularly in the student learning processes dimension. The
acronym, R.A.T. stands for replacement, amplification, and transformation.
Replacement is the most basic use of technology in learning because it serves as a different means to deliver the same instructional content without necessarily enhancing the learning process (Hughes, n.d.). Ereaders certainly do serve as a replacement for physical books, but they bring far more to the table than fancy substitution. Ereaders check the box for amplification as well. They amplify the learning process by enabling readers to interact with text more efficiently. Readers can highlight text digitally, take notes and record metacognitive processes on digital ‘sticky notes,’ and gain instantaneous access to definitions of unknown words. Additionally, when an audio counterpart to the text exists, ereaders serve as a sort of reading partner which is a very advantageous feature for struggling readers and English language learners in improving fluency and comprehension (Beers, 1998). Font size can also be adjusted to provide a large print resource for students with visual impairments (Veroniiiica, n.d.).
Finally, when
analyzing ereaders using the R.A.T model, one finds that they possess transformative
qualities as well. Hughes (n.d.) explains
that technology is considered transformative when, it changes instruction and
learning in ways not possible before. Ereaders enable users to literally carry
thousands of books in one hand or a back pocket. This ease of access along with
the other learning tools ereaders afford affirm their high-ranking value as an
educational tool in classrooms.
Teachers
interested in exploring best practices regarding the use of ereaders in their
classroom may enjoy this
article which lists 10 tips to consider before, during and after
implementation. For further support, specific ways ereaders can be used in the
classroom and links to even more related articles can be found here.
Finally, what is an ereader without
ebooks? To begin building a digital library, explore this list of sixteen
sites where one can download kids’ ebooks for free!
References
Beers,
G. K. (1998). Listen while you read: Struggling readers & audiobooks. School
Library Journal, 44(4), 30–35.
Segan, S. (2021, July 8).
The best ebook readers for 2021. PC Magazine. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ereaders
Veroniiica. (n.d.).
Ereaders and low vision. Veronica With Four Eyes. https://veroniiiica.com/2017/07/26/ereaders-and-low-vision/
Thank you so much for sharing! I must admit, when I was reviewing this week's materials, and considering what to write for my own blog, I sort of dismissed ereaders. I was thinking of them as older technology, and only really viewed them as a replacement. However, you really made me think of them differently, especially by pointing out the adaptive features, such as larger print for students with visual impairments, oral readings for ESOL or struggling readers, and the ability to highlight or take notes all in one place. I also love that your addition resources help teachers learn more about how to implement ereaders into their classrooms, and even where to find free books to begin their digital collection!
ReplyDelete-Carolyn Duncan
Thank you, Carolyn! I'm so glad that you found the information helpful!
Delete-DeAnna
I absolutely LOVE e-readers, and I wish all the students had my school had one instead of laptops! I had no idea how fantastic an e-reader could be before I bought a kindle during the pandemic. Now I almost prefer it to physical books simply because I have unlimited access to any book I want in my hand. But there are fantastic features that will help students with reading in all classes because they can click on words for definitions, make highlights and notes, and in some cases have the text read aloud. I have downloaded textbooks before as well, which I think is an excellent replacement for giant physical textbooks! It just seems like it would be an especially helpful tool to improve student reading comprehension as well as provide students with more books than the library can physically hold!
ReplyDeleteYes, Hannah! We are of the same mind regarding ereaders. They are pretty awesome and often overlooked because of their relative simplicity in today's technology-rich world! I do love a good paper backed book but, for struggling, reluctant, ESL, or disabled students, ereaders can be a valuable resource.
Delete-DeAnna