Reading on digital devices is becoming increasingly commonplace in classrooms, and it can be a challenging transition for students. As teachers, it’s essential to ensure that students learn to read effectively on digital devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways to help your students master reading on digital devices and access their digital textbooks with confidence.
Digital literacy is crucial for success in higher education and the workforce, as the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital content accessed through phones, tablets, and more.
Tips for Helping Students Read Using Digital Media
- Teach Them How to Navigate Digital Texts: Students need to learn how to navigate digital texts effectively. Teach them to use features like table of contents, search functions, and hyperlinks to find information easily.
- Encourage Active Reading: Motivate students to take notes, highlight text, and annotate while reading. Active engagement can improve comprehension and retention of the material.
- Practice Visualization: Encourage students to visualize what they read in their mind’s. This technique can enhance their understanding and memory of the information.
- Model Comprehension Strategies: Ensure that students read digital texts with the same strategies they use for physical books. Reinforce the use of strategies like predicting, questioning, and summarizing to enhance comprehension. Teach them to use highlighting, underlining, and note-taking to connect with and retain the material effectively.
- Provide Frequent Breaks: Reading on digital devices can be mentally taxing and cause eye strain. Offer regular breaks to prevent fatigue and allow students’ eyes to rest. Remind them to hold devices at an appropriate distance to reduce eye strain.
- Monitor Progress: Maintain students’ focus and understanding by checking for comprehension, conducting assessments, and providing feedback regularly. Monitoring their progress can help identify areas that need improvement.
Tips for Selecting Appropriate Digital Reading Materials
- Consider Student Needs: Select materials based on students’ reading levels, interests, and device compatibility. Look for interactive features like highlighting, audio support, and digital annotations to engage students and support comprehension.
- Utilize Libraries and Databases: Explore digital libraries and online databases for a wide variety of materials that align with different reading levels and subjects. Incorporate diverse texts and perspectives to offer a well-rounded reading experience.
- Ensure Accessibility: Choose materials that are easily navigable and accessible on the chosen digital device. Make sure all students can access and engage with the content effortlessly.
Supporting Struggling Readers with Technology-Assisted Interventions
One of the greatest benefits of digital reading is the ability to support struggling readers with technology-assisted interventions. Technology provides unique opportunities to personalize and scaffold learning experiences for students who may be struggling with reading. Here are a few ways to support struggling readers with digital technology:
- Text-to-Speech: Utilize text-to-speech options available on digital devices and platforms to read text aloud to struggling readers. This can aid those who have difficulty with word decoding or fluency.
- Interactive E-books: Engage struggling readers with Interactive e-books that include animations, sound effects, and interactive elements. These features can make the reading experience more immersive and enjoyable.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Leverage LMS platforms to assign reading materials, track student progress, provide feedback, assign comprehension quizzes, and monitor reading growth. Personalized learning experiences can support struggling readers effectively.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing technology-assisted interventions, students can improve their digital reading skills and become more confident and successful readers on digital devices. Digital literacy is a vital skill that empowers students to succeed in an increasingly digital world. As educators, it is our responsibility to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate this technological landscape with confidence.
Teia Hoover Baker is an educator, published author, and entrepreneur. She is an innovative, devoted educator whose career has been dedicated to coordinating programs that support struggling learners. Her passion is meeting students where they are and guiding them to excel. Her main focus is always what is best for children. Teia holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys being Lovie to her growing grandchildren.
