Using Technology to Improve the Effectiveness of Teaching Literature 

The main concern when using technology-based teaching methods to teach literature is that they should help students to reach their learning objectives. Educators should never just use technology because they think it’s what they should do. They should be able to justify why they use a specific technology for a certain purpose. Combining technology with teaching literature can help to expand horizons, make learning interactive, build critical thinking skills, and much more. 

Making use of computers, the internet and multimedia technology

The use of computers and the internet provides both literature teachers and students with direct access to many resources. They can use libraries, archives, authors’ websites and more. This can enrich the teaching and learning experience. With access to a multitude of diverse sources of information, students can search for their own information. This helps to increase their engagement and makes learning more active. 

Teachers can use multimedia technology in teaching literature to present information in many different ways. They can use text, audio, video and animation. By using multiple formats, they can present information in a way that’s easier to absorb. This can help students to learn in ways that suit their learning styles best. They no longer have to be passive learners. 

Accessing an open database of essay examples

Students in college face tough time writing and editing papers. They can access an open database of “Just Mercy” essays on Samplius. This is one of the books they often have to write about in classes when getting an education in literature. There are also many other essay examples that can help them with their research and term papers. If they can’t find an essay to inspire them, they can ask an expert writer for help with writing an essay. 

Establishing an internet forum

Educators may find it helpful to set up a forum in which students can discuss books that are required reading for a literature course. Students can post questions, and once a teacher provides an answer, it’s available for all their peers to see. This helps to save time and the effort of repeating an answer to the same question. 

It’s important to ensure that students are protected when using an online forum. Educators should make sure that it is only accessible to the class and not to outsiders. It may be better for students to use nicknames rather than their real names. To make sure only the educator and students can post comments, they will all have to register accounts with the website hosting the forum. 

Enhancing traditional reading experiences

One of the technologies to improve teaching is the use of electronic books or ebooks. There are various online reading platforms and programs that allow educators more flexibility in how they can deliver content. For example, they may be able to embed annotations and comments into the text of an ebook. 

Some benefits of ebooks are the search function and the use of automatic bookmarks. It’s possible to browse page by page with the touch of a key. Creating page notes and printing excerpts is easy. A student has the opportunity to store a number of books on a personal computer for easy access. 

There are tens of thousands of free ebooks available online today. This can encourage students who don’t have the funds to buy traditional books. These can be costly, and having access to free ebooks can encourage literacy. 

Connecting to a wider audience

Students put so much hard work into writing essays and sometimes only one person reads them. Being able to post their writing on the internet gives them a way to connect to a wider audience and feel that their work is of value. Starting a class blog can be one way to allow them to do this. 

An associate professor of English, Nancy Comorau, encouraged her students to write a reading guide in a particular area of interest. Apart from having to write for a broad array of online readers, they also had to learn more about web design and layout to complete the project. She found that they were proud of what they had created and enjoyed talking about the choices they had made. 

To sum it up

When we look at how technology has changed the education field, it is hard to ignore its benefits. Using it for the teaching of literature has made it more interactive, engaging and dynamic. Its use in schools and universities is increasing as educators master using the various tools available to them. 

Students can use technology to make learning easier and more engaging for them. Becoming proficient in its use also prepares them for their future careers. One of the main challenges for educators is to focus on learning objectives rather than on the technology itself. Not using technology for the right purpose can hinder rather than facilitate learning.