Reading Is Now "Cool": A Study of English Teachers' Perspectives on E-Reading Devices as a Challenge and an Opportunity

• In Event: 60.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 60.083-5 - Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Roundtable 4: Technology as a Tool to Support Literacy

Abstract

That relationship between the reader and physical book is facing a test because of the introduction of ‘E-readers’, that is, devices which are specifically designed for reading books and which deliberately emulate the characteristics of books. The device best known globally is The Kindle [produced by Amazon] but there are an increasing number entering the market. This paper explores the e-reader phenomenon from the perspective of those who are arguably most likely to defend the book – teachers of English. It explores teachers’ perspectives on the use and value of e-readers, with particular reference to the teaching of English.

Authors

• Andrew C. Goodwyn, University of Reading

• Carol Fuller, The University of Reading