Transforming Learning for Children with "DYS" Disorders
Literature has always been a reflection of society and a means for people to share universal emotions and stories. With the rise of e-books, access to these cultural treasures has become more immediate and convenient. E-books allow for the instant downloading of a multitude of titles, wherever one is and at any time. This ease of access is complemented by a generally lower cost compared to printed books, making reading more affordable. Moreover, e-books are environmentally friendly, contributing to the reduction of paper use and the resources associated with printing and transporting traditional books.
Understanding "DYS" Disorders
“DYS” disorders are a category of cognitive impairments that do not affect general intelligence but specifically disrupt the acquisition of certain skills. These include:
- Dyslexia: impacts reading, difficulty in deciphering sounds and recognising written words.
- Dyspraxia: issues with coordination and movement planning.
- Dyscalculia: difficulties in understanding mathematical concepts and manipulating numbers.
- Dysgraphia: affects handwriting, making it illegible or painful.
- Dysphasia: disruptions in the ability to use and understand spoken language.
In Europe, between 5 and 12% of children are diagnosed with specific language disorders such as dyslexia, requiring tailored pedagogical approaches for their education.
The Focus on Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects children’s reading abilities. Children with dyslexia struggle to perceive and accurately analyse the sounds that make up words, which also leads to difficulties in recognising written words. Consequently, this affects their text comprehension. There are three types of dyslexia:
- Phonological dyslexia: difficulty in decoding words.
- Surface dyslexia: difficulty in recognising a word as a whole.
- Mixed dyslexia: a combination of the previous two types.
Approximately 20% of primary school children experience reading difficulties, and 5% of them are affected by dyslexic disorders.
E-Books: A Tailored Solution for Children with "DYS" Disorders
- Customization of Reading
E-books offer unprecedented flexibility to adjust the reading experience to individual needs. Parents and educators can modify font size, line spacing, background colours, and contrast, thereby creating an optimized reading environment that minimizes distractions and aids concentration.
- Interactivity and Engagement
E-books enhance the reading experience through their interactive features. They can include animations that clarify difficult concepts, games that reinforce learning, and quizzes to assess understanding. These interactive elements transform reading into a dynamic activity that keeps children’s interest and encourages active learning.
- Audio and Visual Supports
Some e-books offer audio options, allowing children who struggle with reading to follow along with the text read aloud. This method can help improve understanding and pronunciation. Additionally, the inclusion of visual aids such as videos or infographics helps explain complex concepts intuitively.
The Educational Impact of E-Books on Children with DYS
- Adapting to Each Child’s Pace
E-books allow for individualised progression, tailored to each child’s pace, which is often crucial for children with learning disorders. Parents can adjust the speed of narration and repeat specific sections to enhance comprehension.
- Reinforcing Basic Skills
Through integrated exercises, children can practice specific skills within context, enhancing their understanding and memory. This is particularly beneficial for mathematical and linguistic skills, where repetition and practice are essential.
The ABIBooks project exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to meet the needs of all children, regardless of their individual challenges. By providing a flexible and interactive learning platform, ABIBooks not only supports children with “DYS” disorders but also enriches the educational experience for all young learners. This initiative paves the way towards a future where education is truly tailored to each individual, enabling every child to maximise their potential in an engaging and supportive environment.
Bibliography
Delahaie, M. (2004). L’évolution du langage chez l’enfant: De la difficulté au trouble. https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/07.plaquet_inpes-2.pdf
Équipe Naître et grandir. La dyslexie: les signes à surveiller en bas âge. (2020, April). https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/3-5-ans/langage/bg-naitre-grandir-dyslexie/
Free Photo | Curious child with a laptop. (2016, 2 May). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/curious-child-with-laptop_858494.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=5&uuid=687e5b68-fc29-4e84-a750-4a0ee4cf8eaa
Free Vector | Audiobook concept illustration. (2021, 11 August). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/audiobook-concept-illustration_17056960.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=16&uuid=7d6d5b3d-3390-416e-9d2f-e5dc11948bf3