Reading Books On Cell Phones. Can It Boost Literacy Levels?
Came across this article on Computer World about the rise in popularity of books on cell phones in Japan. Given the long commute times one can relate to it. As the article explains these books are mostly for entertainment … we are not talking classical literature here.
I have seen some efforts which have taken this idea further and applied cell phones to promote literacy efforts in developing countries.  If this sound far-fetched just consider the Blackberry craze. Till recently I did not think that reading heavy volumes of email on a phone is feasible but after using Blackberry for a while I have been convinced otherwise.
I am looking for a few good studies on whether mobile phones in low literacy countries to boost interest in reading. If you know any person or community which used cell phone to increase its literacy level, please share with readers.
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I figure only a literate person would even attempt to read a book on a cellphone - it’s hard enough reading messages on a phone let alone long texts.
The ‘average’ phone is pretty low res - perhaps in a few years with bigger screens and better software - like Urdu ebook readers - it might be easier/possible.
Agreed. With the right software/hardware, a gadget can be very effective in encouraging and attracting kids (and adults) to learn. But this won’t happen unless there is some focus and dedication. My perception is that most of the time in rural areas a phone is used more for entertainment than anything else.
I agreed with the statement that by reading the books on the cell phones can impact on the knowledge and awareness about device the people use on daily basis for their communication.Mosltly,it is observe in our society ,the miss use of this communication device whether it has very techworthy so to me it would be a good step to make our people aware for the right use
Personally I have read whole books on my cell phone. Novels mostly, while I’m traveling. Its also handy for quickly looking up info online.
But I have to agree with KO. The kind of phones people mostly have in Pakistan are not very good for learning. Resolutions are low, batteries don’t last long with the back light on, GPRS connections are flaky. (I have long suspected that these networks earn more from connect charges than bandwidth charges.)
Besides, most people I know never used there phones for learning. And the interface tends to be limited and restricting anyway.
Its a very good thing to read books on cell phones as they are portable and you can travel with hundred of books of library in your pocket. However no one has attempted to make an urdu software which can be used on cell phones which is very bad. I think a software should be made otherwise a person like me who loves books has to learn language and make a software himself. But I pray who ever does it does it quickly. Many books are there in urdu literature but we have to work hard to expand it. And obviously we have to learn our own language in order to write books in it. Good novels and fiction is lacking in this literature. Books are expensive. If such a software is developed then on the net free books can be made available. For instance I have recently downloaded a pdf book of Tafseer ibne Tehreef for free. Where as it costs in thousands. So we can do the same with other books.