Page 84 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

Unit Print Reading and Online

4 Reading

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the unit, the learner will be able to:
f familiarise themselves with print and online reading
f obtain details on some of the major browsers for gathering electronic
resources
f define links and hypertexts
f acquire details on online resources for literary reading

Prerequisites

Picture a coffee shop. A student flips through a well-worn paperback, occasionally jot-
ting notes in the margin. Nearby, a businessman scrolls through news articles on his tablet,
his finger swiping rapidly across the screen. At another table, an elderly woman adjusts her
reading glasses, peering at an e-reader filled with her favourite novels.

This scene encapsulates the evolving landscape of reading in modern India, where tra-
ditional print and digital formats coexist and compete for readers’ attention. The advent
of digital technology has transformed how we access and interact with text, offering new
possibilities and challenges for readers of all ages.
For many Indians, particularly those learning English, this digital revolution presents
both opportunities and obstacles. Online platforms provide unprecedented access to a
wealth of English-language texts, from classic literature to contemporary blogs. Digital
tools like built-in dictionaries and text-to-speech features can aid comprehension. However,
the sheer volume of available content can be overwhelming, and the distractions inherent
in digital devices can hinder deep reading and retention.
Moreover, in a country with varying levels of digital literacy and internet access, the
shift towards online reading raises questions of equity and accessibility. While urban cen-
tres buzz with Wi-Fi hotspots and smartphone users, many rural areas still rely heavily on
print materials.

Keywords

Print Reading, Online Reading, Link, Hyperlink, Online literary reading

78 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication