Connect the dots

Within the introductory module of ETL533 Literature in Digital Environments, my preconceptions of digital literature have already been challenged. Prior to the commencement of this unit, I would have classed eBooks or PDF books as a part of digital literature, but as explained by Giovanna Di Rosario in her TEDx Talk, Pixelated Words: Literature Facing the Digital World (TEDx Talks, 2018), it pertains to literary works that are created for and on digital devices. From the examples shown within the video, it is clear that digital literature is not just replacing paper for a screen. It involves a level of interactivity and manipulation from the user.

The starter list of various digital narratives was all very new to me. However, there was one stand out that I have used extensively during my time as a classroom teacher. Don’t let the Pigeon Run this App! (Disney, 2017) was a staple in my teacher toolkit. Mo Willem’s had already perfected the art of creating physical books where readers could interact with the main protagonist, the persistent Pigeon, as he tries to persuade the reader that they should let him do un-pigeon-like things, such as drive a bus, stay up late, or get a puppy. Don’t let the Pigeon Run this App! (2017) takes it to the next level, allowing children (and adults, alike!) to create their own Pigeon story using the same story structure as the series of books. It always had a magical ability to engage the whole class, with students eager to create their own version of the Pigeon stories and share them with their classmates. Students would challenge themselves to come up with funny responses to the prompts given by the Bus Driver to make their classmates laugh.

I have had other experiences with combining digital technology and literature, but at this early stage of my learning I am unsure if this would be classed as digital literature. As a junior primary teacher for my whole career, apps such as Reading Eggs (3P Learning, n.d.) have been an integral part of the reading programs of both schools that I been a part of. I have also utilised the coding app Scratch Jr (DevTech Research Group & Scratch Foundation, n.d.) for students to create their own mini stories. I will reassess where these apps fit within the digital literature landscape once I have developed a better understanding of what digital literature is.

Reflecting upon my limited experience of digital literature, I can see how it could be a powerful tool to engage students in the reading process; particularly those who are reluctant, find reading difficult due to a disability, or English not being their first language. I am really keen to learn more about this aspect of teacher librarianship and how I can adapt my future library to take advantage of the vast array of digital literacy platforms.

 

References:

3P Learning. (n.d.). Reading Eggs. https://readingeggs.com.au/

Disney. (2017). Don’t Let The Pigeon Run This App!.  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dont-let-pigeon-run-this-app/id459749670

DevTech Research Group & Scratch Foundation. (n.d.) Scratch Jr. https://www.scratchjr.org/

TEDx Talks. (2018, July). Are pixels the future of literature ? | Giovanna Di Rosario | TEDxUCLouvain [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CAaoWcknvM