Chapter five explored many different e-book resources. Some
of the resources were read alouds (stories read out loud while showing motion
pictures of the illustrations), some were books online available for reading on
your own, and some were online magazines. E-books allow readers to view
hyperlinked resources and videos to help further explain information, highlight
important text, and get definitions for unfamiliar words.
This chapter was very relevant to myself because, believe it
or not, I just got my first e-textbook this semester and it was for this class.
It blew my mind as soon as I began this course that my first e-textbook was for
this class, which focuses on technology and even has a whole chapter on
e-books! I was very wary of getting an e-textbook and had always ignored the
offers that were constantly given to me when I would go to rent my textbooks
each semester, but I finally went for it. I was nervous as to how it would go,
but luckily, I chose the right class to try it out in. For myself highlighting
is the best way for me to understand and interact with the text. I have never
been able to highlight throughout my college experience because I rent my textbooks.
My absolute favorite part about this e-textbook is that it allows me to
highlight, in many different colors, making it easier to go back for
information and helping me understand important points. Something as simple as
this really transformed my reading experience, so I can only imagine how it can
change the reading experiences of students with all of the many different
features that e-books today have. This class, and this chapter in particular,
has opened my eyes so much to the positive uses of all of these online
resources. A few months ago, I would not have thought to use e-books in my
classroom and introduce them to students. Today, I am excited to explore new
ways to incorporate them into my future classroom!