Embracing Audiobooks as an Effective Educational Tool

Abstract

The advancement of technology is changing the field of education and expanding the methods of delivering information. Smartboards, computers, and tablets are just a few of the tools that have claimed a space in modern-day classrooms. While these advantageous devices are welcomed by most, one such resource that literature enthusiasts seem to be especially hesitant to embrace are audiobooks. Almost three-fourths of Americans surveyed reported that they had read a book in the past year, but less than one-fifth had listened to an audiobook. Despite the convenient aspects such as mobility, ease of access, and entertainment provided, traditional readers still fail to accept audiobooks as respectable ways to enjoy literature. The benefits to emergent readers are remarkable, including increases in fluency, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and confidence. If society continues to adopt an attitude of disdain towards narrated literature, students cannot experience the advantages that audiobooks have to offer.