Journal #9

Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe

Lamb, Annette. "Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe." Learning and Leading with Technology. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november-2011.asp&xgt;.

     Annette Lamb’s article Reading Redefined for a Transmedia Universe, is about the various ways technologies that have changed the act of reading. Within the article, Lamb talks about five electronic reading environments that enhance the act of reading.

      The first is e-books, which are enhanced books that can be read on the computer, iPad, iPhone and other multimedia devices. Within the text there can be images, weblinks and embedded media that relate to the text. These resources can supplement the content of a novel while being portable enough so that the reader can read anywhere. Interactive storybooks are another medium available. It is helpful for beginning readers as the text can be highlighted and read aloud. The built in dictionary can also define any word that is highlighted by the reader. Reference databases are another way to read. They provide access to records of information, subjects or helpful tools. Some examples include an app that is for exploring the night sky and an app that has travel information that includes clickable maps. Hypertext and interactive fiction mimic the ‘choose your own adventure’ books that were popular in the 1980s. The fifth technology is transmedia storytelling, which involves resources like documents, maps and clues that are connected to the story. In addition to discussing how these five technologies have changed the way we read, Lamb also discusses problems with the new way of reading. She said that youth may be challenging the difference between fact and fiction. Since interactive storytelling is usually fiction, how does one determine what is real and what is imaginary? Though there are some problems, there are mostly advantages to these new ways of reading. I think the technologies enhance the reading experience for young people. It seems like young people respond positively to technology and old classic novels could be made interesting again.

Question: How could I use this technology in my classroom effectively?

First, I would make sure everyone in my classroom has access to computers, iPads etc. before I would assign reading. I would make use of the technology for science and other subjects as well. It would have to be utilized through an organized curriculum so that the students could be focused on the assignment.