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In:Learning to Read in a Digital World
Edited by Mirit Barzillai, Jenny Thomson, Sascha Schroeder and Paul van den Broek
[Studies in Written Language and Literacy 17] 2018
► pp. 1–30

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Chapter 1
Reading and digital media

European perspectives

 | University of Wroclaw
 | University of Amsterdam
Published online: 9 August 2018
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/swll.17.01des
Abstract
The on-going discussion between parents, educators, politicians and academics on the consequences of screen reading as compared to reading from paper is filled with controversy. This chapter aims at providing a factual context for these debates. We first focus on early studies concerning children’s use of media. We then summarise available data on children’s digital media use and media preferences based on national and cross-national surveys conducted in Europe since 2010, including reading in a family context. We also look at evidence related to digital reading in public and school libraries. We conclude by discussing limitations in the available methodologies and possible new approaches to be taken to enhance our understanding of the ways in which reading is changing.
Article outline
  • 1.Reading and digital media: Utopian and dystopian perspectives
  • 2.Reading in the lives of European children and young adults
    • 2.1Early theory and research on media use and reading
    • 2.2Research on new media and reading
    • 2.3The EU Kids Online project
    • 2.4Insights from national studies
  • 3.Home literacy: Reading and media socialisation in the family
    • 3.1Parental guidance
    • 3.2Parents’ views on reading in digital environments
  • 4.Libraries
  • 5.Outlook
  • Notes
  • References
References (94)
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