Journal # 9

Lamb, A. (2011). Reading redefined for a transmedia universe. Learning and Leading With Technology, 39(3), 12-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november-2011.aspx

Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe

Summary: In her article, “Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe,” Annette Lamb writes about the emerging of digital reading and the changes it caused within the last years. During the early 90’s interactive storybooks were first introduced on CD-ROMs, and twenty years the introduction of apps for iPhones and iPads had renewed interactive storybooks. In current times, children beyond elementary grades to prekindergarden benefit from the interactive storybook’s support.  Some of the benefits include options to hear words pronounced aloud, and facilitation for a better learning for special need students and English learners.  Children do not longer need referenced books since now they can obtain information in their mobile apps, and take note bookmarking.  Thought trasmedia storytelling students engage more into reading since it includes games, activities, and media such as audio, and videos.  Educators are incorporating these new  reading environments into their curriculum since it enhances students’ learning experience.

Question 1: How digital reading benefits students? Digital reading is a new form of reading that helps students to engage more into reading and learning. The students may chose from different devices that have different functions that help beginning readers because interactive storybooks include options for defining words, activities and games.  Personally, I have witnessed how teachers include e-books and trasmedia storytelling into their teaching curriculum, and students learn are more eager to learn using these technological devices. Indeed, the options to hear words, learning games, labels on illustrations, and regain support had changed and are replacing reference books. As teachers we have to find methods to be creative and help students to find reading more interested into reading.

Question 2: What are some of the disadvantages of digital readers? Distraction is one of the disadvantages of digital reading. Some features such as bells and whistlers can cause readers to lose focus while reading. In addition, links within e-books take readers to other websites; however, educators’ responsibility is to educate students to make correct usage of electronic readers in order to have a better comprehension.