Reflect on eBooks

     According to South University (2013), the use of an eBook allows for a more enriching experience than plain text. It allows for teachers to expand their learning opportunities to students who may not have done as well using traditional materials such as paper textbooks. Technology will advance as the years pass so it is our jobs as teachers to get in front of the digital movement and include technology into your curriculum to avoid having to play catch-up when it is required.

     As we know and see, today's generation of children live in a digital world full of tablets, iPads, cellphones, and what nots and students are on these devices at home, at school, and on the bus. According to Miller (2013), recent findings from a Marzano Research Laboratory in Southern California elementary schools suggests that are professionally trained on using interactive technologies in the classroom has a positive influence on student engagement and achievement. Furthermore, with the incorporation of eBooks it fosters a learning environment and creates more interactive reading experiences for the students.
   
     Reading eBooks provide a great motivator for all students because they are able to practice reading on their own. It is especially great for students who struggle with reading because mot eBooks provide support such as text narration. When reading eBooks, student have to choose where to focus and explore different options. This can encourage students to "play," which is a "powerful motivator" (Brueck 2012).

     In my class I will be able to incorporate an eBook by providing my students with one that is instructional and informative. An idea is creating an eBook that has the performance skills and cues for different sports. For example, if my class is learning volleyball, I will have an eBook with instructions on how to perform a forearm pass and many other skills required to play volleyball. Since eBooks are very interactive and provide many aspects then a regular book, I will attach videos for students who are visual learners rather than verbal learners.

References:
Brueck, J. (22 May 2012). DOs and DON’Ts for eBooks in early learning & elementary. Raised Digital. http://www.brueckei.org/Raised-Digital/2012/05/22/dos-and-donts-for-ebooks-in-early-learning-elementary/.

Miller, H. (2013). The future of eBooks in the classroom: New technology will increase engagement measurability and allow you to reach students where they are. Overdrive, Inc. http://www.seenmagazine.us/articles/article-detail/articleid/3525/the-future-of-ebooks-in-the-classroom.aspx

South University. (2013). How students benefit from learning with eBooks. https://www.southuniversity.edu/WhoWeAre/Newsroom/Blog/How-Students-Benefit-from-Learning-with-Ebooks