I know many people love their Kindles, lots are predicting the demise of paper book, and even more are saying the same about traditional newspapers and magazines.
I personally prefer holding the morning paper, an ink-and-paper book, and the feel of a magazine. From what I read and hear, in the future only fuddy duddies of my age (50) and above are going to feel that way.
So, in an entirely unscientific poll, I asked my eighteen-year-old daughter if she would mind asking her friends if they preferred to read off a screen, or off some ink-and-paper product.
She was unable to find a single person who preferred reading off a screen.
When school opens, I’m going to ask the same question to my students, and ask other teachers to do the same.
What have you found, and what do you think? Are my daughter’s friends atypical?
(listen to what Ms. Stewart’s students had to say to this question earlier this year)
I asked my 6th grade students about this last year and wrote a post based on their answers
http://discovery.caryacademy.org/meredith_stewart/2009/12/paper-v-the-screen
Meredith
Hi Larry, I loved this post and re-tweeted it. I see you talk about ESL teaching sites. I would love you to take a look at my newly completed site for teaching children to read: http://www.strivney-english.com/ It has an ESL version. I would love to hear what you think.
Thank you.
Hi Larry,
I just had this discussion with my principal as we are looking at what to do with all the books in the K-3 library. We are not ordering new books and the 4-8 library in our school is getting rid of many. Are books going by the wayside? Do we owe it to our younger students to continue library time? I think so as I remember the joy my children experienced going to the library to pick out any books they wanted. I much prefer books to reading on screen, but I am unsure as to how to predict the future.
I will definitely participate in this on the first day of school (Aug 25th) here in NC. I am very interested to see student responses. Glad to find your blog via a friend’s tweet!
I’ll ask my students, when school starts.
Personally I’m dyslexic and dysgraphic. I like reading on screens, especially my Kindle. The reason is simple – I can alter the text size, shape, and contrast to fit the lighting and my level of fatigue.
Just purchased the newest Kindle – obviously I don’t have it yet… Am interested in seeing if it effects my reading habits, teaching methods, etc.