A comparison of print and e-book texts with 4th grade students to evaluate comprehension and motivation

The purpose of this study was to determine how the text delivery format affects student comprehension. Students’ reading comprehension was assessed on reading of digital and print texts. In addition, students’ attitudes toward reading were assessed and compared according to text formats. Participants met in one of three leveled guided reading groups to read a common novel. The participants read the novel using either a print text or an electronic text. The researcher observed students for comprehension and fluency during group reading, looked at student comprehension graphic organizers, and interviewed the students before and after completing the reading. Results showed that the format did not affect participant comprehension. The results also showed that students who read the e-book were excited about reading the book in the e-book format. Students who didn’t use the e-book were interested in using it in the future