Using e-books as reading material to enhance EFL learners’ strategy use and reading skills

Abstract EN

Students' usage of digital devices is rising as we move through the 21st century and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have become increasingly available.

while other conventional reading materials have been more extensively examined, less is known about the use of e-books as reading material for EFL (English as a foreign language) learners at the stage of literacy development and strategy use.

to meet this end, the researchers carried out a descriptive study using a students' online questionnaire and a semi-structured teachers' interview as the primary research tools.

twenty-seven (27) 3rd year EFL students and eight (8) teachers from mascara's university took part in the study.

the results show that teachers and students have positive beliefs about e-books use.

moreover, findings confirm that e-books have promising results in improving learners' strategy use and reading skills.

the accessibility, portability, different use modes, and facilitating reading strategies were among the main positive features.

on the other hand, screen exposure and preference to use printed books were among the main reasons that prevented students from using them.

in this regard, e-books use needs to be guided and monitored by teachers.