Electronic Storybooks: A Constructivist Approach to Improving Reading Motivation in Grade 1 Students

This study stemmed from a concern of the perceived decline in students’ reading motivation after the early years of schooling. This research investigated the effectiveness of online eBooks on eight grade 1 students’ reading motivation. Eight students were given ten 25-minute sessions with the software programs over 15 weeks. Qualitative data were collected from students, teachers, and parents through questionnaires, interviews, observations and field notes. The results suggest the promise of online reading software programs in supporting early readers who have reading, motivation, and/or behavioural difficulties. 

Keywords: digital reading, early literacy, reading motivation, online, eBooks, constructivism.