Technology to Aid Reading for Pleasure
There are many ways technology can make reading easier this page focuses on the benefits of:
e-Readers,
Audiobooks
Immersion reading
This video introduces the topics as well as explains why technology is so helpful for students who do not find reading & writing easy.
It is advised to view it BEFORE attending the webinar as it will prepare students for the
Kahoot Quiz.
e-Readers
An e-reader is a handheld device on which electronic versions of books, newspapers, magazines, etc can be read. For example, a Kindle Paper White.
The advantages of e-readers over tablets or computers is that children cannot play games on them. Therefore, if a child is sent to bed with an e-reader they won’t be tempted to play a game on it instead of reading.
eBooks have the further advantage of being able to read aloud using text-to-speech functionality. This is not as enjoyable as listening to a professional narrator but many prefer it to reading the text. Students find this particularly helpful when certain books are available as an eBook but not an audiobook.
Audio Books
An audiobook is a recording of a book read out loud by a professional narrator. They enable those who don’t find reading easy to get all the benefits of reading for pleasure without having to struggle with decoding.
Library
All libraries have a free audiobook and eBook lending service.
It’s a great way to find out what your child would like without wasting money. Different councils use different online services.
This video teaches you how to set up and use Libby. The Libray App. I use it all the time it is excellent.
If you don’t already use this service why not create an account this holiday and check out some audiobooks?
Audible
Audible is one of many subscription services for Audio Books
Free Audiobook with 30-Day Trial/Audible.co.uk
Immersion Reading
Immersion reading is when readers listen along to a book or text as they listen to it which can be a game changer for reluctant readers.
Kindle fire offers an in-built immersion reading feature for many books but it can be as simple as playing the audio book whilst your child reads.
Here’s a quick video to explain what immersion reading is.
Helpful functionality worth checking out
The Kahoot quiz on Tech to aid reading for pleasure will test knowledge of the functionality shown in these videos.
Kindle Devices
This video shows the dyslexia-friendly functionality of Kindles and Kindle Fire tablets. Worth watching even if you do not own one.
After watching the video, many parents decided to buy them as they are a great value.
<<<This video shows the difference between Immersion Reading and Text to Speech on a Kindle Fire tablet.
Kindle App on an iPad
eReader apps like Kindle can turn any tablet into an eReader.
This video shows the dyslexia-friendly functionality available on an iPad when using the Kindle App.
Ideal if you already own an iPad.
The problem with Gangsta Granny was fixed.
<<< This short video shows Immersion reading works great on an iPad.
It is possible also to get text-to-speech to work on an iPad.
Watch this video to find out how. >>>>
Kindle App on a Windows laptop/desktop
This video shows how to use the Kindle app on a non-tablet machine in such a say way that text-to-speech can read the book aloud.
A similar app exists for Apple machines.
Amazon Echo Device with Alexa
These devices can read Audible audio books, and help learner in many other ways.
This video shows how helpful they can be.