Online Reading Comprehension: Challenges and Opportunities

In this paper, I will share some of the key things I have learned in my research about the challenges and opportunities encountered when reading for information on the Internet. After defining what I mean by online reading comprehension from a new literacies perspective and how it appears to be different than offline reading comprehension, I will highlight details about four of the biggest challenges for today’s learners. These include 1) understanding and becoming proficient with the new literacy skills and practices needed for online research; 2) developing a special kind of digital wisdom that focuses on learning how to learn with the Internet; 3) taking on new roles in a digital culture that expects learners to actively participate and contribute new knowledge as a member of their community; and 4) developing positive attitudes toward using the Internet for academic work. In the second part of the paper, I will share some examples of how skilled online readers can use the steps of online inquiry to think more deeply about things that interest them; develop a personal voice as they share ideas with others; and work collaboratively to build meaning and new digital products that enable them to make a difference in their world, or matter. Students often tell me how empowered they feel when the things they learn, create, and share with the Internet “matter ” to people in the real world outside of their classroom. You can explore the research and resources from this presentation in more depth a