I have always been an advocate of reading something, anything, daily. My first choice has always been a good book, followed closely by some well written news or opinion articles. However, much like the majority of individuals with internet access, I find myself being consumed more and more often by online reading materials. Yes, I do read the news online as well as some ebooks, but the online reading materials of which I speak are more along the lines of websites, blogs etc. This has raised a question which I often ask myself: Am I receiving the same benefits from online readings sources as I do from readings books?
The answer to that question is most likely several years, or perhaps decades, worth of research away. If I were to form a thesis, I would say that while both serve important purposes, only the reading of books can improve the traditional form of literacy that we have come to understand. In the meantime, I will now advocate a combined reading of print and online readings.
I often wonder when books may cease too exist and everything will be online. Definitely less expensive and for most more accessible. And years of carrying over burdened back packs - not such a bad change. We shall see! (But I still prefer a good paper novel over online books)
ReplyDeleteThe "traditional form of literacy that we have come to understand" has not outlived its usefulness or relevance for today's learners. But it must make room for those readers that found reading books dull, boring and a waste of time. I respect the tradition of reading books because it requires focus and discipline and those are skills that will always be needed by all readers.
ReplyDeleteThe "traditional form of literacy that we have come to understand" has not outlived its usefulness or relevance for today's learners. But it must make room for those readers that found reading books dull, boring and a waste of time. I respect the tradition of reading books because it requires focus and discipline and those are skills that will always be needed by all readers.
ReplyDeleteThe "traditional form of literacy that we have come to understand" has not outlived its usefulness or relevance for today's learners. But it must make room for those readers that found reading books dull, boring and a waste of time. I respect the tradition of reading books because it requires focus and discipline and those are skills that will always be needed by all readers.
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ReplyDeleteI don't think print books will ever stop being produced, I liken it to the vinyl resurgence going on right now. Everything comes full circle. For me, reading a novel electronically will never be better than flipping through the pages of a print edition in one of my favorite reading spots. Electronic versions have their place, for instance when traveling and one doesn't want to bring a bunch of hard copies; load up the tablet!
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