I have mixed feelings about audio-books and e-readers. They definitely are cool and handy with something for everyone. However, I had a lot of tech issues when I tried to download a book to my computer. The software and audio file downloaded just fine, but I couldn't get it to play well. I downloaded another book to try again, and couldn't get that one to go at all. A third book was downloaded for good measure, but that one wasn't an audio file (my bad), but I had fun reading it digitally in my internet browser. I LOVE the idea of Montana Library2Go, and I thought the site was very user-friendly and such a cool idea. Free downloads are the best. I would use this feature more to download books for free for myself. Since I don't have a smart phone or any other mobile device I wouldn't be one to buy the books/movies/media to have with me all the time, so free is good for me. Old-school books work just fine for me. No download tech issues there.
I think there are may benefits to having an E-reader or audio-book: such as traveling frequently, the handy small/compact size, vision impaired, or using it for students to motivate them. My eyes don't do so well after a while on digital/electronic screens, so that is part of my leaning towards a traditional book in my hands. But...my sister-in-law in making her way through the Game of Thrones series on her regular laptop computer...every night it plays on audio while she cooks dinner for her family (obviously the small kids aren't in the room while it is on). This idea REALLY appealed to me, because I have a MOUNTAIN of books I want to conquer but don't always find the time to "sit and read." So I am now thinking of looking into audio-books more...I like that idea of hearing a good story while getting other things done. Cool.
In the library, it would be fun to get an audio-book and having the students do a story board with it, or even act out a scene while the audio plays. Have students listen to the audio part one time together, then give them some time to come up with ideas on how to present their ideas and the audio can play a second time. Model for them a basic idea and then let them go. Students are always so creative and they love to share. As usual, I have a lot to think about with new options. Peace out!
2 comments:
I love the idea of playing the audio book for your students and having them create the scenes. How fun!
My first downloads from the library were far from seamless. But it is so convenient and I like being able to multitask.
thanks for sharing your ideas
Lots of good ideas there. Love the idea of listening and then creating based on what they heard. I think that could help students learn to listen actively. Lots of teachers have beginner readers listen to a book and follow along with the text version at the same time. I've heard success stories for new or not new, but struggling, readers.
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