E-422: Blog 4

Reading Redefined For A Transmedia Universe

          This was an informative article regarding the way in which reading and books have changed over the years—from the very definitions and the physical characteristics. For many decades, even centuries, reading involved printed word and images on books of bound paper. Now however, as we advance further into a world dominated by technology, reading is being redefined. Lamb suggests that books can now be defined as, “a published collection of related pages or screens” and reading can now be defined as, “the process of constructing meaning from symbols”. Lamb presents five electronic reading types: e-books, interactive storybooks, hypertext and interactive fiction, reference databases, and transmedia storytelling. Lamb describes how each of these new reading environments work along with some of their pros and cons. Pros may include: cues to important events, audio that helps struggling readers, and the potential to promote comprehension. Cons include the potential to become over-reliant on digital features or distracted by the “eye candy” of images and videos encompassed within the reading. There is also the fear that it may become more difficult for children, as well as adults, to decipher whether information is non-fiction, fiction, or even fake—as there are many websites available and not all present information accurately. Ultimately, Lamb points out that “one-third of young people in the study stated that they would read more books for fun if they had access to e-books”. 

          I found this article intriguing because I am of the “old fashioned” sort who would rather physically hold a paper book in my hand and have that connection. I have always loved books—the feel of them, the stories and information contained within, the trips to the library or bookstores to find new books, trading books with friends. I worry that too much technology may begin to create younger generations who lose in-person social interaction skills. When I read something in a book that I didn’t understand, whether a word or concept, I would ask an adult or a friend for help or their opinion. With digital books, children omit the assistance of another person and instead gain assistance from the technology itself. I agree that having these technologies at our disposal can present many advantages, but I caution becoming too reliant on them.

          I feel this article is a good representation of ISTE NETS for students, especially indicator 3: Research and Information Fluency. In this indicator, “students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.” I think the use of digital technology for reading, pleasure or research based, is a clear example of NETS-S 3.

Lamb, A. (2011). Reading Redefined For A Transmedia Universe. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(3), 12-17. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201111/?pg=14&pm=2&u1=friend#pg14