To the Editor:
I thoroughly enjoyed Michael L. Miles and Bruce S. Cooper’s recent Commentary “Reimagining the Textbook” (Nov. 11, 2009), and I agree with many of their ideas on the educational uses of electronic reading devices. In the work that I do, with students with reading disabilities, moving to a digital reading platform is essential. The Kindle in particular offers text-to-speech capabilities that can really level the playing field for such students.
As text-to-speech technologies improve, e-readers will be a great way to deliver content to students who struggle with reading. I applaud the use of this technology, and am encouraged by the idea that, as these devices garner attention and move into the mainstream of society, they will be found a spot in our schools to give more students access to books than otherwise would have been possible. Thank you for publishing this timely essay.
Brian S. Friedlander
Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Special Education
College of Saint Elizabeth
Morristown, N.J.