Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Print Books vs. E-Books

I recently read an article from the New York Times that talked about a study that found that even though many children wouldn’t want to give up traditional print books, they would be more likely to read for fun if they could do it on a digital device such as a Kindle or a computer (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/29/books/29kids.html). This got me thinking about reading on digital devices.

I have never used a Kindle, computer, or something similar to read a book, and I’m not sure that I would like it. To be honest, I don’t really like to even read shorter article on a computer. I much prefer to print out an article if I have to read it. I like to have the actual book in my hands, and to be able to physically turn the pages. I don’t think that I would like staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time in order to read a book. I think that it would give me a headache.

I am curious to see what other people think. Have you ever read a book on a digital device? And what did you think of it? Do you prefer reading on things like the Kindle, or do you prefer to have books in print?

5 comments:

  1. I actually tried reading a book on the computer not too long ago and after about three chapters decided I'd rather have the book. My husband bought me a Kindle for our anniversary (which I'm not supposed to know about because it's not until the 13th) so I'm eager to give it a whirl to see if I like it. I think that just the fact that I can have so many books at my finger tips will be reason enough for me to like it. The cost is right and I think the screen is a bit different from the computer so I'm hoping it wont hurt my eyes. As far as kids using the Kindle, I think they would but just so they could have a cool gadget to show off to their friends, but hey! whatever works to get them to read, right? The only problem that I can see is that it is just another thing which may cause an educational inequality between the classes. Lower income children may not be able to afford these gadgets with e-books and would not be able to have this experience to see if it would improve their want to read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would much rather have print in front of me. Something I can hold and feel. It just makes it more of a book reading experience. I agree with what you say about reading on a screen. It's tough, it strains you eyes to the point where you have to take a break. And believe me, I've used computers and televisions way beyond necessary. I work in an office where I am staring at a computer screen all day doing my work and trust me it does a number on your eyes. But to look and read something on paper, especially soft tan book paper, is another story. Its calming, relaxing, and you barely feel any strain on your eyes (depending on the lighting you chose). It is the same principle as newspapers. I did an ad campaign for a local newspaper who wanted to gain more readership. Everyone I worked with thought the print newspaper has become outdated. As become obsolete because of the internet where you can easily go to CNN.com and find exactly what your looking for easier than stepping outside to pick up your newspaper from the bushes. But when it came down to it there were loads of readers who felt that they wanted something physical to hold on to while they read the newspaper. They wanted to feel and hear the paper as you shook it get a better view, smell the scent of the recently printed articles on the rough pages they were printed on, etc. All in all, it is about an all around sensory experience. Readers want to experience as much of their five senses as possible while reading the newspaper or book. Not just see it and strain to read it on a screen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Though, if you are looking for an easily adapted electronic experience. I think kindles and eBooks are not the route to take because there are iPad tablets out there that allow you to search, browse, purchase, read and flip through books right on your tablet. On these tablets you can get electronic books that have tan "book" color pages that don't strain your eyes too heavily. I know what your saying, kindles do the same. Not to the extent that an iPad does. You can search for a book, read a review on it, read the book, then write a review on it all while your on that one machine, while sitting comfortably on your favorite chair. While, the sensory experience is enjoyable, we are adapting to a faster paced more technological world and no matter how much you enjoy reading from paper, lets face it, in order to save the environment from cutting down trees to produce paper, plus with the possibilities that the iPad presents, paper will become obsolete in the not so distant future.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think that these other electronic devices are definitely a good resource for readers of any age. Specifically for kids it could be a good thing to stimulate extra reading inside and outside of school. Children these days are exposed to so much technology at a young age and they are more used to it than any other generation. Some children might feel more comfortable and relaxed reading from something like a kindle. I know personally that I do not enjoy these types of media and I still prefer turning the pages of a book. But I think that this type of reading should be pursued if it is shown to spur children to read more than they would with a normal book. Judging by our conversations in class though, I doubt there are many districts we will be teaching in that will have this type of technology. This then comes back to what parents can afford to buy these for their kids and it creates social inequalities.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I also have never read from e book. Like you,I don't think I would enjoy it that much. However, I do see how things like the kindle or nook can be more appealing than a traditional book. I'm sure they can be more appealing to people of any age, but with children having so much experience with technology in today's world they are more apt to be appealed to an e book. Without a doubt these e books are becoming more and more popular. My cousin just got a Kindle and loves it. There are positives to these devices and I do plan on trying it out someday to see how they are.

    ReplyDelete