Research suggest printed books remain the best way to develop literacy

Submitted by: The Two Sides Team October 14, 2013

With stories now accessible on a range of digital devices, Dr Shiel said US research found enhanced e-books elicited fewer reactions to content than print books, suggesting the enhanced e-book format was less effective than print or even unenhanced e-books at improving literacy. “Children who read enhanced e-books recalled significantly fewer narrative details,” said Dr Shiel. “This finding suggests that features of the enhanced e-book may have affected children's recall because attention is focused more on non-content issues than on story-related issues. He said the indication from the research is that print books are better for promoting shared reading that supports literacy development, while e-books and enhanced e-books in particular are more advantageous for engaging children and prompting physical interaction.

Download

Share this story