After reading the texts "The Battle to Define the Future of the Book in the Digital World" by Clifford Lynch and "Books for All: Accessible Curriculum Materials for Pupils with Additional Support Needs" from The Scottish Government website, I have learned a lot about digital texts and their importance in our day in age.
Lynch explains how e-books (digital texts) are the new development in how we read books. With this new advancement, one can choose from a variety of books displayed online. One can carry this e-book, such as a Kindle, in the palm of his hand, wherever he may go, for this device if very transportable. Students may be drawn to e-books because of how much material can be placed in this device, and the light weight of the e-book. Also, a student who would like to take notes on a book may do so in an e-book easily. Even newspapers, such as the Wall-Street Journal or New York Times can be read on an e-book. Now, one may say "Will electronic books replace paper books or newspapers?" This is a question that no one can answer, however, with our technological advances, many paper products, such as books, are now being converted to a more accessible way for people to view them. Maybe e-books will promote more people to read!
In the article from The Scottish Government website, it explains how digital texts can be incorporated in daily school curriculum. The benefits that go along with having an electronic book not only can improve learning of children who have disabilities, but also children who do not. In this article, its explains how some students dislike reading a paper textbook in front of them, however, if the textbook were electronic, that would heighten some of the childrens' motivation to learn and read a book. The staff at these schools discuss how they find this technology to be very practical, beneficial, and cheap to use.
Digital texts may work for some students, and it may not work for others. However, if electronic books can improve the learning of some children, then why not let teachers incorporate this technology in their own classroom?
