The New York Times recently published an article examining teens and the difference, if any, between reading printed books and online content. As writer Motoko Rich states, some point a finger of blame at the Internet in regards to declining and stagnated standardized reading scores. Rich succinctly profiles a few young adults and their reading habits, all the while bringing several interesting points to light. Below are a couple of bites for you to chew on. Agree? Disagree? Have an opinion not presented in the article? Share it with us by clicking on “Feedback”
- "Some Web evangelists say children should be evaluated for their proficiency on the Internet just as they are tested on their print reading comprehension. Starting next year, some countries will participate in new international assessments of digital literacy, but the United States, for now, will not."
- "Some traditionalists warn that digital reading is the intellectual equivalent of empty calories. Often, they argue, writers on the Internet employ a cryptic argot that vexes teachers and parents. Zigzagging through a cornucopia of words, pictures, video and sounds, they say, distracts more than strengthens readers. And many youths spend most of their time on the Internet playing games or sending instant messages, activities that involve minimal reading at best."
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