Using the Nook eReader with struggling and reluctant readers

1. Using the Nook eReader with struggling and reluctant readers Oak View Middle School

2. Rationale for project -reading attitude • Reading attitude is part of the development of lifelong reading skills • Success of reading instruction is affected by the reader’s attitude • Research evidence has linked reading attitude with student ability • Poor readers have a more negative view of reading than better readers. • “Reading attitudes and instructional methodology: how might achievement become affected?” Reading Improvement. Article date: June 22, 2006. Author: Roberts, Michael S. and Janell D. Wilson.

3. Data used to evaluate program • Student surveys • Adapted use of the ERAS (Elementary Reading Attitude Survey) • http://www.professorgarfield.org/parents_teachers/printables/pdfs/reading/readingsurvey.pdf • General survey of student Nook use (how many books, how often read, books tried, requests) Teacher feedback • Teacher survey/ feedback form • Teachers respond to student academic, emotional, and behavioral response to Nook use.

4. Nook features Pluses • Size of a trade paperback • E ink technology • Easy to download new books • Purchase 1 book, loads on 6 Nooks • Adjust size of text • Cost has gone down. Negatives • Not in color • More concerned as a take home device

5. Student overview • Students surveyed using the Nook : • From Special Ed, ESL, Reading strategy classes, ILA class • 7 boys, 1 girl • Examples of books read: Among the Hidden, Lawn boy, Dude, where’s my spaceship?, Magic Tree house books, Hunger games, I’d tell you I love you but then I’d have to kill you, Lightning thief. • Did Independent reading – 20-25 min/day • Felt comfortable with the Nook

6. Student responses • How do you feel reading the Nook in School? • 2-like very much, 3-like, 3-ok • Feel about reading during school? • 1- like, 6-ok, 1 dislike • Feel about trying new books out on the Nook? • Liked-5, didn’t try any- 3 • Feel reading is easier with the Nook? • Easier – 3, The same - 5

7. Student response cont. • Tried out other features on the Nook? • Yes- 6, no-2 • Other books you’d like to see? • Suggested 2 or more- 3, 1 book- 3, no ideas- 2 • How do you feel about the Nook? • Like very much- 5, like - 3

8. Teacher response • Positive Nook features : • Lower level readers not intimidated • Motivation greater using electronic device • Fewer pages per book • Multiple books available, ‘at students fingertips’. • Student response • For the user – ‘overwhelmingly good’, ‘proud to use it’ • For others – Ok to bring in their own reader, most want to try it.

9. Teacher, cont. • eReaders for all? • ESL and Sped said yes –Students would like the option of many books w/ varying difficulties • 6th and 7th said no, but as an option. ‘Students like the experience of going to the library regularly to see what’s new.’ • Personal experience • No one had an eReader, all tried it out. • ‘Surprised to realize that I liked it’, ‘As an option it’s good.’

10. Questions • Did the Nook change the ‘emotional response’ to reading, especially if it’s negative? • Didthe Nook motivate students to continue reading/ try new books? • Will the ‘cool’ factor in reading continue as others have the devices? • Will students read more if their attitude to reading changes?

11. Summary • Nook provides an option for struggling readers • Nook needs a variety of leveled books for these readers • All readers were comfortable (liked) using the Nook • Nook seemed to improve their attitude toward reading in school • Nook readers tried out books they may not normally