Connect the dots

I write this post with a mix of emotions running though me. I have just hit the ‘submit’ button for my first assignment in ETL401. It is the first essay that I have written in 9 years.

I’m thrilled that I have completed the essay.

I’m nervous about what the reader/marker will think.

I’m doubting myself, questioning if I actually covered the topic succinctly.

I’m proud that I achieved what a few weeks ago seemed like an absolutely daunting task.

My writing skills are still very rusty, but just from the process of composing this essay I feel like a little bit of grease has been added to my writing gears. After all, the only way to become a better writer is to just write!

 

Out of curiosity, I created a word cloud of my essay to see what key words stood out. Can you guess the topic of my essay from the scramble of words below?

If you oh-so accurately guessed: an analysis of eBooks vs. printed books and how a teacher librarian finds a balance between these two modalities, then you are correct. 😉 Below are some of the key ideas that I found most intriguing in the battle between eBooks and print books:

• The generation that are currently attending school have a predominant preference for print texts over eBooks, which is surprising given how adaptive to new technology they are perceived to be (Rutherford et al., 2018, p.321).
• Studies have found that reading information in print leads to better comprehension compared to eBooks. When we use our digital devices in day-to-day life, we tend to skim and look for key words. When we use these same devices for reading eBooks, our brain instinctively applies the same skill of skimming when reading (Barron, 2017b, p. 18).
• The customisable features of eBooks (such as font size, font type, background colours, read-aloud features) make them the perfect tool to break down barriers for students who have learning difficulties or disabilities (Baker, 2017, p. 8).

For a teacher librarian, it is their objective to find a balance between both eBooks and print books in order to cater for all students and develop the critical skills they need to be learners in the 21st century.

 

While researching this topic I could not help but reflect upon my own use of print and eBooks when it came to studying. I found it ironic that I was printing out eJournal articles on the topic of comprehension being better in print so that I, too, could better comprehend the research about this topic. I find it easier to understand what I am reading if I can hold, highlight, write notes in the borders and cross-reference with other printed copies.

 

Even though my preferred modality of text is print, I do have an appreciation for eBooks. eBooks give me the flexibility to study anywhere at any time. I am fortunate enough to currently be a stay-at-home mum to my one-year-old, and the only times that I can study are when she is sleeping. Unfortunately, libraries are not open at 10pm at night and I doubt they would let me peruse the library in my pyjamas. But with eBooks I can do just that! eBooks have given me the ability to further my education without being limited by my location or time constraints. And for that I am thankful and grateful.

 

References:

Baker, E. (2017). Where have all the ‘real’ books gone?. Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years, 22(3), 8-9.

 

Baron, N. S. (2017b). Reading in a digital age. Phi Delta Kappan, 99(2), 15-20.

 

Rutherford, L., Singleton, A., Derr, L. A., & Merga, M. K. (2018). Do digital devices enhance teenagers’ recreational reading engagement? Issues for library policy from a recent study in two Australian states. Public Library Quarterly, 37(3), 318-340.