Mp3 Audiobooks as the New Literature?
Reading is a skill that everyone must have in order to survive in today's world. Classrooms throughout the world teach children the basics of reading and help introduce the children to a world of literature designed to broaden their minds. But are mp3 audiobooks the way to proceed? Are these audio books for children really helping children learn or are they an unnecessary crutch that can later hurt the child?
Mp3 audiobooks are sets of literature recorded onto a digital medium and then downloaded onto an mp3 player. These audio books can range from popular fiction to "how to" guides. The convenience is undeniable. Adults often lead very busy lives and want to stay abreast of current literature but find themselves without the time to sit down and read a book cover to cover. Mp3 audio books bridge this gap quite well.
The issue at hand is whether or not it is acceptable for children and teenagers to rely on this medium. Granted it is a great alternative to the portable DVD player but does it actually have any benefits?
The answer is yes and no. Mp3 audiobooks have several plusses. The first is for children just learning to read. All children will find themselves, at one point or another, struggling with a particular word in a story. By following the words while the voice reads them aloud, the child can identify what a particular word or phrase is. It is very much akin to the stories parents read to their children at night. Parents are another version of mp3 audiobooks.
Too much of one thing, even mp3 audiobooks, is not good for anyone. Students have to learn to read and understand literature. Some things, while great to hear, lose their effectiveness if they are not read. Take for example some forms of poetry. A person reads them on a sound file but the listener misses the physical impact of seeing the words take shape in stanzas or shapes. So you wind up with a student who can recite a poem but cannot read it properly.
Anything in done in excess can be harmful. This includes utilizing mp3 audiobooks as the sole means of acquiring new literature. If used properly audio books for children can get the child interested in the realms of literature and reading. It can make learning a fun experience. The child can listen to the book and still knows the importance of reading for themselves. One great resource for products related to audio books in Germany is Abendmode.
|
