Books VS E-Books and Audio Books

Books vs E-books and audio books





Lately, with all the new technology in America, there has been some debate on whether reading E-books or listening to audiobooks has the same educational qualities as reading an actual paper book. In my view, there are benefits to all of these options.


Books, actual paper books, have proven their worth in many ways. In addition to being the most tried-and-true way of reading, many would agree that seeing the words on a page in front of you allows you to soak in more information than you would by just listening to them or by seeing them on a screen.


The downside to books is that they take up a lot of storage space, and that you must give your full attention to them; reading the print with your eyes, and holding the book with your hand limits your multitasking skills. While it is inconvenient and difficult to multitask with a paper book, I must say that by my own experience it can be done. I have pulled off reading while riding a bicycle.


Audiobooks are very controversial. Though convenient in that you can listen to a story while doing another task, they make it easier for your attention to wander. However, I find that I have more fun with a task when listening to a book as well, and while I may not retain as much information as I would with a paper book, I still absorb most of it. You should not listen to audio instead of reading actual books, but I find it very fun to listen to a story while doing tasks that require little concentration; for example knitting, doing the dishes, and putting away laundry.


Actually having to devote your full attention to something maximizes how much information is taken in; if you have your whole mind engaged then of course you will remember more. On the other side of things though, you see that with a simple and fun story, a story that you do not have to devote much attention to, you can enjoy a story while doing another thing.


The question about E-books is if there is any difference between them and paper books. One opinion is that reading on a device with other things on it can be distracting; the other view is that it is beneficial for its’ storage space and compact size of the device. Honestly, I think it goes both ways. Reading on a multipurpose device is distracting because of the appeal of the games also on the device, and the electronic light can be glaring and annoying.


However, on a kindle made specifically for reading, you get the benefits of reading electronically without the down sides. Reading kindles have special lighting to get rid of the glare, and you can change font sizes to fit your liking. They have only books, getting rid of the distracting aspect. Also, you can fit many different books into one small kindle. Even the lighting adjusts so you can read in dark rooms, or at night without using a lamp. This is one of my family’s favorite reading options.


My overall conclusion is that all these methods of reading are wonderful, though different in some aspects. I enjoy using each in different scenarios. What is your opinion? Please tell me!