Online Extensive Reading Resources ER SIG 2012 Dr. Rob Waring

Learner profiles are changing, too We are not the same as our parents, just like our children are not like us. Many: are digital natives – those ‘born digital’ (vs. ‘digital immigrants’) live more online than in playgrounds tend to multi-task more than we did and are better at visual- reasoning have shorter attention spans feel a need to break down the space between the real world and the digital world are in constant communication with others

Some terms: E-pub = often refers to a digital reading format – the most common type MOBI = (mobipocket eBook file) a format used by Kindle’s reader E-books = electronic books i.e. those sold for digital readers such as Kindle, Kobo, iPad, Galaxy, Nook etc. E-readers = reading devices

Why eRead? Instantaneous downloads – 24 hrs. a day No trees are killed (but millions of pixels are) Multi-skill – audio and reading (visual) Enhanced value items and features (illustrations, graphic helpers, interactive resources, video, instant translations, audio, embedded games and learning environments etc. etc.) Save space and easy to carry Can back them up Searchable, and have bookmarks, highlights Some apps are social – leaving messages for other readers Cheaper – fewer shipping and other costs – no wastage Font sizes can be changed for those with poor eyesight Modifiable – books are static. New editions can be made in seconds Potential for individualized adaptive learning – apps adapt to user feedback

Why not eRead? Books are organic and recyclable High entry price. E-pubs are cheaper but devices cost Tech worries – battery, theft, updates, Hard to implement class-wide: 1. Not all students have the same devices (or any of them) 2. Hard to assess individual gains, achievement We already read too many screens – eye strain, screens are low resolution – bad for the eyes Huge increase in poor eyesight in Asia in the last 5 years (90% of school leavers are myopic – 20% in the UK) – reading from screens? Some evidence readers read more slowly from screens

What’s out there? 1. Reading resources for teachersfor students 2. Reading materials pre-published materials original materials reading apps 3. Reading assessment resources Moodereader

Online ER Resources The go-to website for all things ER Extensive Reading Foundation Extensivereading.net SSS group

ER Materials AppsEigoTown Oxford Bookworms Online Siteswww.beeoasis.com

Oxford’s Bookworms on iOS

Includes listenings

Short texts Preview mode for non- paying users User ratings Can add comments beeOasis.com

genglish.com

ng.org/ ESL Reading. Org

Online ER assessment crowd-sourced quizzes for published graded readers Free Adaptive test – changes for each users Basic Learner Management System Can be integrated with other Moodle modules or standalone

moodlereader.org

Thanks for your time