Reading Preferences of ESL Students: Electronic Texts vs. Printed

Abstract

The present study investigated the reading preferences of international students regarding their choices between electronic texts (e-texts) and printed texts (p-texts). The study also explored the influence of reading e-texts and p-texts on comprehending their contents, as well as the purpose of students using these electronic devices (e-devices). The data were collected using a questionnaire completed by non-native English speakers (36 males, 24 females) at a southwestern university in the United States. The findings indicated that the students preferred using p-texts over e-texts. Among these students, there was no gender difference in terms of reading preferences. Moreover, the results indicated a statistically significant difference between males and females regarding understanding the content in the printed format. The females understood the content better than the males when they read p-text. The findings also revealed that students preferred using electronic devices for personal uses rather than academic uses. Such personal uses were web browsing, listening to or watching media, and reading and writing emails. The study suggested several pedagogical implications for students and e-book developers and designers.