Advantages and Disadvantages of Reading Online

 

Are print books becoming obsolete? On this episode, Dr. Lilian Hill presents a comparison of the positives and negatives of reading online. You may be surprised that the positives outweigh the negatives. Listen to the episode and join in the online forum.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Convenience and Ease of Use Internet searching is efficient and provides instant access to a plethora of information. Portability—online reading is accessible anywhere with adequate internet access; the person can read wherever they are. There is no need to travel to a library or bookstores. Instead, online reading is accessible wherever internet access is available. Online reading is available on multiple devices and 24/7. One device can hold a multitude of sources. No physical storage space needed for print books; no need to carry around heavy textbooks. E-reading is environmentally friendly because there is no need to cut down trees to make paper. Can be more affordable. Augmented Reading Experience May increase the amount a person reads. Readings are multi-modal with integration of hyperlinks; hyperlinked information may reinforce understanding and retention. Augmented reading experience can be more stimulating due to access to embedded illustrations, videos, animations, audio, podcasts, and links to other sources. Reading experience may be more meaningful and productive. Supports cross-referencing different sources to verify sources. Information is easily updated. Supports Learning Interactive experience makes for more meaningful textbook experience. Online sources are easily searchable. E-readings can be easily annotated with built-in tools. Reader has instant access to dictionary and thesaurus functions. Audible pronunciation guides are available for unfamiliar words. Reading online supports scanning for specific information; this may increase a person’s reading speed. Reading online connects with many readers natural reading habits; it may feel more authentic and real world. “The use of hypertexts can increase the literacy participation of students by making reading authentic, and ensuring literacy skills they acquire are more meaningful and productive” (Jose, 2021, p. 896). Reading online supports collaboration because text can be shared with multiple people at the same time. Many colleges, universities, and employers are moving to e-reading, so it is important for students to develop online reading skills. Universal Design Reading experience is customizable with ability to change font size, color, and brightness. Students with disabilities can customize the view to suit their needs, and use software that provides text to speech, or read aloud, functions.

Changes in Reading Behaviors Getting used to reading online is an adjustment. Reading behavior may be fragmented. Reduced concentration and patience. Increased need to be discerning of quality of information. Less information retention. May lead to a shorter attention span and shifting focus. Reader who scans for specific information may overlook important words, phrases, or concepts. Some people prefer the feel and smell of print books. They may read online for information and read print books for pleasure. Reduction of deep reading skills including “connecting background knowledge to new information, making analogies, drawing inferences, examining truth value, passing over into the perspectives of others (expanding empathy and knowledge), and integrating everything into critical analysis” (Wolf, 2020, para. 5).   Reduced discipline in reading. Illegally downloaded material deprives content authors of credit and earnings. Technology Downsides Reading experience may not be as enjoyable. Distraction of pop-up ads with embedded videos or animations. Requires internet access and electricity. Devices need backup and frequent updating and/or replacement. Internet access may be limited for some people and locations. Reading extensively online can be hard on vision. Digital devices are prone to interruptions and cyber crime. Some electronic sources are still formatted like print books that require readers to scroll up and down.

Listen to the Podcast

  

Information Literacy Episode 9 Transcript

References

Halifax Public Library. (2020, April 20). 7 Benefits of E-Reading. Retrieved https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/7-benefits-of e-reading

Harman, M. (2022). Top 10 advantages of ebooks over printed books. Retrieved https://kitaboo.com/top-10-advantages-of-ebooks-over-printed-books/

Hooper, V., & Herath, C. (2014). Is Google making us stupid? The impact of the internet on reading behaviour. BLED 2014 Proceedings. Retrieved http://aisel.aisnet.org/bled2014/1/1

Jose, K. (2021). “Google and me together can read anything.” Online reading strategies to develop hypertext comprehension in ESL readers. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(2), 896-914; 2021

Manuel, J. (2020, May 22). Advantages and disadvantages of reading via e-book. Retrieved https://www.noypigeeks.com/featured/advantages-disadvantages-ebook/

Wolf, M. (2020, August 24). Screen-based online learning will change kids' brains. Are we ready for that? The Guardian. Retrieved https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/24/deep-literacy-technology-child-development-reading-skills

Algorithms for Automation and More

 

By Lilian H. Hill

We have been discussing the role of algorithms in computer programming and how they structure what we view online. Today, we are starting a series of postings about the role of algorithms in education, with emphasis on adult learning.

Algorithms are useful in automating many repetitive tasks in the education world. For example, plotting course schedules, scheduling classrooms, allocating resources, organizing campus policing, and running student success and retention initiatives are all tasks that can be made more efficient with automation. Workplace orientation and training programs are delivered using computer algorithms. 

Some colleges and universities are moving to using chatbots to answer standardized questions. When you make a call for information and you receive responses from an automated voice, that is a chatbot in action. Information queries online can also be mediated by algorithms. 

Learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas and Blackboard make use of algorithms to automate delivery of online courses and programs. They provide for efficient documentation of attendance, participation, submission of assignments, grading tests, and documentation and tracking of student achievement. 

When there are a finite number of responses to questions, for example in multiple-choice questions, surveys, and even personality assessments, algorithms are responsible for the instant responses you receive. You only have to wait for a grade when your written essay is graded by a human being. Some essays are even being graded by using algorithms capable of machine learning. Unfortunately, these assessments may assess students’ abilities to memorize facts, or use specific vocabulary the system is programmed to recognize, and not how well they are able to question and apply information.

References

Dans, E. (2020). Algorithms and education: Not so fast. Retrieved https://www.forbes.com/sites/enriquedoans/2020/09/04/algorithms-and-education-not-sofast/?sh=4835b63c446e.  Retrieved https://aquila.usm.edu/highereddoctoralprojects/2/

Robinson, C. (2020). Impressions of viability: How current enrollment management personnel and former students perceive the implementation of a chatbot focused on student financial communication. https://aquila.usm.edu/highereddoctoralprojects/2/

Rosen, D. (2019, June 4). The role of artificial intelligence in adult basic skills education. LINCS Community for Adult Educators. Retrieved https://community.lincs.ed.gov/group/21/discussion/role-artificial-intelligence-adult-basic-skills-education