I have mixed feelings about digital texts. While studying to be a future special education teacher, I have become more accustom to the idea of using digital books in the classroom. Personally, I dislike reading books and articles on a computer screen. I believe that I learn better, and more efficiently when I read off of paper or out of a book. It is easier for me to comprehend the material when highlighting and taking notes in the margins as I read. Although this is my preference, I currently have two classes that are paperless this semester. I am getting used to the idea of a paperless classroom, but print most articles to read. The idea of digital books for use in special education classrooms is amazing. Although some may find it to be a poor choice, I believe the resources provided that the resources provided through digital texts immensely help a child’s learning process. If a child is below grade level in reading because he or she has difficulty in processing the text, the e-books are able to read to that student. Also, e-books are usually read on up-to-date technology, which are usually small devices such as an iPAD or kindle. If a student does not know the definition to a word, or wants to make sure they understand the text, they can simply click the screen and the definition will appear.
Personally, I believe that I do better when reading off of paper or out of a book. But, on the other hand, I do not want to disregard the capabilities of a digital book and what it has to offer to students, especially those that struggling with reading. I believe that nowadays, technology is being used more and more in the classroom. I know that these e-books are a great resource for children to use in the classroom, and also at home. I am going to encourage my future students to use anything they can to gain more knowledge in the subject area I am teaching. With the up-to-date technology, especially digital books, our students can strive for excellence in reading. They can also take assessments at their own pace. Understandably, some may argue that students are able to have more time on tests they take on paper, but with an e-book, students can re-read the story as many times as they want, go to parts of the story they may not understand (without having a teacher to flip through the book for them), and then answer the appropriate question. I believe that e-books will be helpful in the future. I just have to get used to using them myself!
