INF 533 Assessment 1.

Digital Literature = An exciting engagement tool.

My feelings were echoed by Sadokierski (2013) in the article ‘What is a book in the digital age?’ Although I have used, and enjoy reading with, audio and e-books there is an inherent enjoyment for me in reading a physical book and I admit there is no greater time wasting pursuit than being drawn into a traditional bookshop, where hours may pass before I leave, new reading adventures tucked securely under my arm.

The benefits of digital literature obviously outweigh the negatives within our learning environments, especially with the changing demographics of students and how they access knowledge and learn in the 21st Century. I attest to the benefits of audio and e-books in education and have been a strong advocate for the use of audio and ebooks within my current school library, especially for students with low literacy levels or from an English as an additional language background – with studies showing an improvement in reading comprehension and enjoyment when audiobooks are accessed by struggling readers. (Wagar, 2016, p.38 & Lamb, 2011, p.3). Further benefits are evident through the accessibility of digital literature with students being able to borrow textbooks online at any time – allowing them to access relevant and current information for their studies which can be easily updated, as well as providing additional feature rich content such as on-line quizzes, hyperlinks and note taking facilities. (Hill, 2017). I am conscience of the ‘digital divide’ especially within many schools which have students from low socio-economic backgrounds. I am looking forward to learning how we as educators can assist students to be literate digital natives and provide avenues for students to be able to access digital literature through our school libraries. As well as assisting students, through instruction and dedicated lesson time, on accessing and using digital literature and providing students with the necessary tools and resources they require to succeed in a digital rich landscape.

I do however feel that my knowledge of digital literature is limited to the use of audio and ebooks and that is why I am a wee bit excited to be completing this unit. I am hoping this unit will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my understanding and utilisation of digital literature avenues. I had not heard of the term transmedia storytelling  before reading the Lamb (2011, p.4) article, the article has piqued my interest with the possibilities available for not only students but also teachers in their lesson creation and the utlisation of digital literature within their classrooms. I am looking forward to not only upskilling myself but to also embed my learning from this unit within our school library and curriculum for the benefit of our whole school community.

References.

Hill, C. (2017). The (Surprising) Benefits of e-Textbooks: A Study. Retrived from https://www.academicbriefing.com/scholarship/surprising-benefits-e-textbooks/

Lamb, A. (2011). Reading redefined for a transmedia universe. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(3), 12-17. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=67371172&site=ehost-live

Sadokierski, Z. (2013, November 12). What is a book in the digital age? [Web log post]. Retrived from http://theconversation.com/what-is-a-book-in-the-digital-age-19071

Wagar, C. (2016). The Impact of Audiobooks on Reading Comprehension and Enjoyment. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1382.0409