Technology and Reading

Technology has come such a far way just in the past few years. New inventions and ideas make reading much more convenient and in my opinion, much more fun.
With items like the Nook, the Kindle and other electronic readers, millions of books of all genres and for all ages are readily available literally at our fingertips. I was never one to read so much just because of the sole fact that lugging around a book was obnoxious. I had lists upon lists of books I wanted to read but hated going to the library because they were usually checked out and I hated going to the bookstore because many times, I would use the gas and they wouldn't have the book i wanted anyways. Then, this past Christmas, I received a Nook as a gift. I was immediately thrilled and went book crazy immediately. Books on these extremely convenient readers are less expensive and very easy to read. You can change the font size, highlight, take notes, and change the brightness all with just the touch of a button. Recently, I even started getting textbooks on my electronic devices which is great so I don't have to lug around 50 pounds worth of books and break my back!
There is a a whole chapter in my class textbook dedicated specifically to talking about the online world of children's literature and I have to say, that I am excited about the advancements they are going to make with this in the very near future.
The Internet even offers sites that have read alouds that children can listen to as a change up from the voice of their parents and teachers. Interactive storybooks online get students involved with the books they are reading which helps them form connections and therefor have better comprehension.
The possibilities are never ending and this somewhat newfound technology is a great thing to incorporate into the classroom because it is something that students at all ages really respond too.