Journal 9: Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe

"Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe" by Annette Lamb 


Lamb, A. (2011). Reading redefined for a transmedia universe. Learning and Leading With Technology, 39(3), 12-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november-2011.aspx

Summary: This article begins by explaining the impact digital technology has on the shift of our business, education and social lives. Everything seems to be more readily accessible. Particularly, this article focuses on how digital age technology has changed reading. According to the article, "reading is the process of constructing meaning from symbols". Reading does not have to only consist of words; it can also contain pictures. The authors describe five electronic reading environments. These include e-books, interactive storybooks, reference databases, hypertext and interactive fiction, and trans media storytelling. Each of these electronic reading environments makes it easy to access through a computer, smartphone, or laptop. They offer many selections of books, journals, articles, and even reading-related printable worksheets and games. There are different opinions stated on the helpfulness of technology-based reading for learning, but personally, I find it great that such electronic reading technology is allowing students to not carry around 20 pounds of books all day during school. I am using coursesmart to access my digital textbook for one of my classes, and I find it so helpful because I can type in words or phrases in the search bar to easily find what I'm looking for in the text. I have only had a great experience with this digital reading tool, and I hope that most people find it as helpful.

Question 1: Most digital reading environments require a fee, whether it is a membership fee or the price of the text. Can I access necessary digital texts for free?

The choices are very limited, but there are indeed digital texts that are accessible online at no cost.

Question 2: How can students access the digital texts at an affordable price to them (especially for low income students)?

Digital texts are typically less expensive than buying the hardcopy, because it is usually being rented for about a semester. However, students can share an account and split the costs for the textbook if taking the same class.