Epic! the online Reading library

Epic!

Introduction

In the age of virtual education due to a global pandemic, educators are needing to find new ways of educating students. One unique way that is out there for encouraging students to read is Epic!. Epic! is an interactive online database for elementary age books. Epics has thousands of unique books for children in grade 6 and below. Students are given full range to the library for their specific reading level. The books cover all major high interest topics in a range of styles and languages. Students are encouraged to choose books that interest them and will assist with furthering the literary education. The program also has extra feature that assist with reading the book to the student as well as a built-in dictionary. Students are in complete control of their learning.

Relevance

Students are motivated by things that spark their interest and that they can find relevant to their interest (Dieser & Dempsey, 2018). One of the most integral parts to engaging students is maintaining their interest. Epic! allows a unique way to maintain a student’s interest. Students have access to thousands of books on many different topics. Students are able to choose any book that they would like to read. This allows them to find their own way to engage themselves and still reach the goals set forth by the teacher. Students also have access to other media included into the books. The program also includes a built-in reader that allows the book to be read to the student to assist with learning and understanding. There is also a dictionary that students can use to research words they do not understand to get a clear definition. This assists in maintaining the relevance of the subject at hand.

Curiosity

Curiosity is a main motivator in students and most people. Curiosity allows students to find interest in a subject and gain a desire to continue learning (Arnone, 2003). Students will create questions and hopefully seek out answers on subjects that peak curiosity One main strategy recommended to peak curiosity is choices. By giving choices for students, they are given the opportunity to explore their specific interest and engage their curiosity (Arnone, 2003). Epic! does just this. Students are given access to thousands of books ranging in hundreds of topics. This allows students to take control of their own learning. Students are given the opportunity to choose a topic that interests them that they hopefully have questions about. They then explore the selection of books available in that topic to answer their questions and satisfy their curiosity. This increases student’s knowledge while still meeting the goals set forth by the teacher.

Technology

In the modern world information is at the touch of finger whether through a cell phone or through a laptop. Researched believe that one way to engage students is buy making learning accessible through technology (Carroll, 2018). Huge advances in technology has been made in the past few years. Computers have gotten smaller but more powerful. Cell phones have gone from devices with limited uses to miniature computers that can do everything imaginable. Students have more access to the world ever before. In this modern age education needs to grow an adapt to the resources at hand. Epic! is a full virtual learning resource available on any major device with an internet connection. Students are able to access the program anywhere whether it is in school or at home. This allows students to be motivated to continue learning even outside of the classroom.

References

Arnone, M. P. (2003). Using Instuctional Design Strategies to Foster Curiosity. New York: Office of Instructional Research and Improvement .

Carroll, M. e. (2018). An applied model of learner engagement and strategies for increasing learner engagement in the modern educational environment. Florida : Air Force Research Laboratory .

Dieser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2018). Trends and issues in Instructional Design and Technology . New York : Pearson .