The use of e-books in the classroom and for students’ independent learning has proven to be an effective tool, especially in engaging struggling readers in the reading process. Indeed, one of the most significant features of e-books’ contribution to engagement is the motivation to read, which is achieved through the novelty of a gadget, the availability of reading materials, and the ease of use. Moreover, the motivation is increased using customization of the reading experience by changing font size or color, page orientation, background, and other features of e-readers.
The second feature that contributes to the engagement of struggling readers is the diversity of content perception opportunities. Indeed, since e-books are flexible regarding access to information, which might be presented as audio or enhanced visual formats, struggling readers find them encouraging. Finally, the availability of books through e-readers with only a few clicks engages students and helps them build a more substantial interest in reading.
Since these features allow students to be independent, motivated and encouraged to read in ways that fit their needs and preferences, they contribute to developing confidence in students’ reading abilities.