Amy Marnell's Article Summary

Title: Study suggests eBooks can spark interest in reading

Authour: Laura Devaney

Publisher: eSchools News online

Date: September 1, 2007


Summary of article:

This article talked about a study that was done on 50 third and fourth grade students that used ebooks for reading purposes. The research was trying to prove that the students' use of eBooks would motivate them to read. After the students completed a survey, 17 students expressed a solid interest toward reading. Fifteen students said they liked reading on the handheld devices better than reading hardcover books and most of the students found it fun and interesting.


The teacher said that the students' interest in reading increased when the books they read were available on the handheld devices. Some students asked if they could use them for math. The teacher also reported that if the students were not motivated to read, the handhelds provided lots of motivation, but for the students that struggled with reading, the ebooks didn't make a difference.



The research was conducted by a team of grad students that is funded by grants from AT&T and Campus Compact and the research will continue to see how valuable these devices are to students. The research proved that the use of ebooks is fun and will hold the interest of students.



I think the use of handhelds can improve student learning in all subject areas. If something can hold the interest of a child to become more motivated to read, then that same child and others can be motivated by school as a whole. I remember watching a video in Stan's class on how a math teacher used handhelds with the students and the students were really engaged and excited about school. It seemed like these devices can save a lot of time because students can take tests on them and teachers can even differientiate their instruction much easier.



I would be really interested in using such devices with my 6th graders because I think they would think learning is so much more meaningful and fun. My school is using a Reading 180 program this year and a Read About program which comes with software. This software can tract a student's progress. I am excited to hear more about these programs at my school and hope that technology will continue to grow in my district.