This blog is directed towards INFM 208 students at Grant MacEwan College Information Management and Library Technology Program. Discussion postings can be posted under the "Comments" link directly below each discussion question. Please make sure to include your name at the end of your posting, or it will post as "anonymous". I hope you enjoy this format, the content, and the lively discussions that will hopefully ensue! Thank you for your participation in this fascinating topic!
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Library Service offered an electronic book summer reading club in 2005. Children are able to access books (for children up to age 10) online for free, but must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on their computer to download the book.
posted by N James at 7:50 PM
14 Comments:
I think that as more and more technology becomes available, e-books will be part of the non-traditional text forms that kids are more familiar with but adults may not be as comfortable with. Love of reading does not only stem from books. It could be a comic, a newspaper, magazine, website, email, etc. including e-books. Arlene
Arlene,
I think what you say is very true. Reading text online is just another format for reading - like audio books. It is a different sensory experience, but the absorption of the text is probably the same as if it were in print.
Norene.
I like the idea that PEI is encouraging reading during the summer break and encouraging reading on the computer rather than just games. The kids are going to be on computers anyhow. This seems to be a good channeling of an activity that is already moving ahead.
The 15 minutes a day is also good advice for parents and summer care-givers. It can make such a difference in september to have children who have read throughout the summer.
We usually do a big reading contest over the Christmas break as it ends up beings from around Dec 23 to Jan 8 or 10. It has been a couple of summers since we did a summer contest but we are planning to do one in 2007.
Muriel
Initially, I thought ebooks would be a great resource for kids who might not have access to books all the time because of economics or proximity to a library, but then I wondered whether they would have access to a computer?
Shannon
Heh Shannon,
I just figured out how to get my name at the beginning of a comment!
Click on "other" and then type name in "name" box and then click on "publish"
Great to keep on learning! I had tried the blogger but didn't want to go there but was curious as to how the others had their names in the bold font!!
Muriel
HI Muriel,
I didn't know that either! That's a great tip. Actually, making a blog is very easy. The only thing I can't figure out (if it's possible) is how to move around my postings. For example, I had to type in my entries in reverse order, so - entered in the last topic on Neopets first, all the way up to my introduction last. Perhaps Jilliane knows? (this is a real aside and nothing to do with the topic - but at least we're all learning something!)
Norene.
I believe such programs as the PEI summer reading program would determine the haves from the have nots. This worries me. We deal with many students who do not have and have never had a book to read freely in their homes and now we are encouraging students to read books online when the students who don't have books also don't have a computer. We need to encourage reading for all. Equity is extremely important. We as educators need to be role models of reading paper copies. Encouraging reading online is an excellent option to gaming online.
Karen,
Very good comment. I would hope that the library equally promotes the summer reading with REAL books for those children who do not have access to a computer. I was thinking that summer is the time to NOT be on the computer, even to read. Kids are easily distracted, and reading a book online for 10 minutes could easily lead to checking out another website, getting onto Neopets, and MSNing. I find it hard to believe that a child could engage as fully in reading a book online as they could reading that same book outside in the sun, or before bed at night. Maybe that's an idealistic image, but that is speaking from my personal experience as a parent as well.
Norene.
Hi NOrene: I agree with Karen and Shannon that ebooks are great for kids with computer access, but it tends to separate children socioeconomically. I just finished a course on international distance education and that is one of the main issues in DE worldwide and including right here within Canada. WE like to think all students have the resources they need, but those without the resources just get further and further behind as we expect more and more technology to be available. It is an increasing gap that we should try to minimize not enhance.
I would like to think that what the PEI minister was promoting was the fact of reading and that would mean coming into the library to read a book whether online or from a shelf, which anyone can do.
All kids are familiar with computers from having access in schools even though not all kids have access to a computer at home.
RoseAnn
Sounds to me like the Education minister in PEI is just endorsing the idea of using whatever technology is playing a role in people's lives to further their education - just like Noreen is using this blog (one of the newer ways of communicating) as a tool to foster learning - an alternative to class discussion or small group work for our '208' class. :)
I don't think children up to age 10 need to be attracted to reading with new technology. Children in this age group have just learned to read and are trying to master this skill. This might work better with older children who are busier and need a "cool" factor.
Judy
I think it positive that children are being encourage to read over the summer. This helps them use what they have learned in the school term and build on it.
I think it is also exciting that they are bring computers into the reading program. As children read these e-books they are also learning how to use a computer mouse,and key board ect...
Heidi Reed
Hi Noreen,
I like the idea that PEI is offering a "unique summer reading program"; however, I would hope that the program would still be offered to children who prefer to read actual books and to children who do not have access to a computer. It would be a shame to exclude these children especially since libraries and schools promote reading.
I would tend to agree with a few comments that reading is reading no matter what the format is. Getting kids to read these days can be extremely difficult and if a format can be found to engage them as readers, then let's use it.
This type of program may also appeal to families that travel extensively and don't actually have access to a library. The internet is everywhere. It may cause problems if you have more children than computers though.
Chantal
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