Digital Reading and Comprehension Experiences: A Focus on New Narratives and User Experience

Authors

  • Sahaya Restina James Research Scholar, Department of English & Foreign Languages, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Vallam, Tamil Nadu, India; Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22161/jhed.7.5.4

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of digital formats on reader comprehension within modern literature, specifically focusing on the influence of multimedia components and non-linear narrative structures. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes a corpus of digital texts, including interactive fiction and enhanced e-books, to examine how hypertextual linkages, embedded media, and interactive elements affect reader interpretation. Cognitive functions, such as critical thinking, information processing, and attention span, are explored in relation to reader agency in navigating non-linear narratives and constructing meaning. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their subjective experiences and comprehension processes. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, alongside a quantitative analysis of reader interaction data from the digital texts, provides a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive and experiential dimensions of digital reading. This research aims to delineate the potential advantages and challenges of digital reading, offering evidence-based recommendations for educators and designers to optimize the creation and utilization of digital texts for effective instruction.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Antonielli, A. (2023). Digital Hyperworks: A Few Irish e-Lit Examples. Studi Irlandesi. A Journal of Irish Studies, 13. https://doi.org/10.36253/sijis-2239-3978-14627

García, J. (2023). Augmented reality and edible element-based interactive reading system and method. US Patent App. 18/140,579.

Garzon, E., & Castaneda-Pena, H. (2015). Applying the Reader-Response Theory to Literary Texts in EFL-Pre-Service Teachers’ Initial Education. English Language Teaching, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n8p187

Gubbins, M. (2012). Digital Revolution: Active Audiences and Fragmented Consumption. In Digital Disruption: Cinema Moves On-Line.

Huei-Chun, C. (2022). Digital Narrative Production in the Era of Media Convergence: Taking Campus Media as an Example. Mass Communication Research, 2022(150). https://doi.org/10.30386/MCR.202201.0001

Kesler, T. (2011). Expanding Pre-Service Teachers’ Conceptions of Texts, Readers, and Response Through Multimodal Response. Language and Literacy, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.20360/g2001v

Klopper, A., & Nel, C. (2010). Development and integration of multimedia teaching and learning support material (LTSM) to support reading skills [Die ontwikkeling van ’n DBS-reeks ter ondersteuning van leesvaardighede]. Tydskrif Vir Geesteswetenskappe, 50(4).

Lebedeva, M. Y., Veselovskaya, T. S., & Kupreshchenko, O. F. (2020). Features of perception and understanding of digital texts: interdisciplinary view. Perspektivy Nauki i Obrazovania, 46(4). https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2020.4.5

Mart, C. T. (2019). Reader-response theory and literature discussions: A springboard for exploring literary texts. New Educational Review, 56(2). https://doi.org/10.15804/tner.19.56.2.06

Reza Ahmadi, M., Nizam Ismail, H., & Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah, M. (2013). The importance of metacognitive reading strategy awareness in reading comprehension. English Language Teaching, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n10p235

Sanchez-Lopez, I., Perez-Rodriguez, A., & Fandos-Igado, M. (2020). The explosion of digital storytelling. Creator’s perspective and creative processes on new narrative forms. Heliyon, 6(9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04809

Strand, R., Saltelli, A., Giampietro, M., Rommetveit, K., & Funtowicz, S. (2018). New narratives for innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.194

Swaffar, J. K. (1986). Reading and Cultural Literacy. Source: The Journal of General Education, 38(2).

Yang, J. A., & Grabe, M. E. (2011). Knowledge acquisition gaps: A comparison of print versus online news sources. New Media and Society, 13(8). https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444811401708

Yohannes, A., Chen, H. L., & Chang, C. C. (2023). Effect of an interactive e-book on middle school students’ mathematics reading and spatial ability. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10225-0

Branch, J. (2012, December 20). Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/projects/2012/snow-fall/index.html

Holmes, J., & Henley, J. (2013, May 26). Firestorm: The story of the bushfire at Dunalley. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/interactive/2013/may/26/firestorm-bushfire-dunalley-holmes-family

Simons, P., & Shoebridge, M. (2011). Welcome to Pine Point. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/interactive/welcome_to_pine_point/

Downloads

Published

2025-10-08

How to Cite

James, S. R. (2025). Digital Reading and Comprehension Experiences: A Focus on New Narratives and User Experience. International Journal of Humanities and Education Development (IJHED), 7(5), 22-27. https://doi.org/10.22161/jhed.7.5.4