Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Advanced technology is widely available in Gulf countries. In 2013, 181 mobile
phones and 60 Internet users were registered for every 100 people in the area's
population [22]. Despite the prevalence of technology however, there is limited access
to reading materials for Arabic children. Particularly interactive e-books and apps in
Arabic language are very rare.
Recent research indicated that interactive digital topics provide children with
enjoyment through interactivity, which motivates them to continue reading [10].
Animation in interactive storybooks was also linked to improved information recall
[19]. However, as far as we know, there has not been any research on the
effectiveness of interactive reading applications to motivate Arabic children to read.
This paper compares and describes the experiences and opinions of Arabic children
who read as part of three interventions that we compared: (a) an interactive reading
application 'Trees of Tales', (b) a non-interactive e-book application 'Arabic Stories',
and (c) traditional print topics available in Omani Primary school libraries.
2
Reading for Pleasure
Research indicates that children, who enjoy reading, read more frequently and their
reading proficiency increases. Several benefits result from reading for pleasure
activities [6]. They include elevated levels of reading attainment, writing ability, text
comprehension, grammar, breadth of vocabulary, positive reading attitudes, greater
self-confidence, and pleasure reading in later life. The huge benefit of reading drives
governments and organisations to encourage their people to read more [6].
Independent reading for pleasure is the most important indicator of the future
career and social achievements of a child [11]. However, without motivation it is
difficult to engage even the brightest children in reading or any other learning
activities [15]. It was found that intrinsic motivation predicts an increase in the
amount of reading for pleasure more than extrinsic motivation [7], [23]. Interest and
challenge are the two main components of intrinsic reading motivation [9]. Therefore,
it is important to foster the interest and curiosity of children through providing a range
of reading topics that suits their ages and cultures.
3
Interactive E-books
E-book publishers and designers have attempted different approaches to use
interactivity in e-books to motivate and engage children as well as increase their
comprehension of the content [16]. Thus, research on how interactivity is used in e-
books and how it can be used in an engaging and effective manner is important.
Children need to be moved away from interactive e-books that merely entertain
towards e-books that educate, whilst they entertain.
Most of the interactivity that occurs in e-books exists to improve the engagement
of children with the application. Such applications are enjoyable and attractive for
children and motivate them to continue interacting with the application. Recent
evidence, however, suggests that children who read e-books with many interactive
