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.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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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.
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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.
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Listen to the Podcast
References
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
