Reading and learning from screen

Electronic texts are playing an increasing role in education in general and in language courses in particular. Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) tasks utilizing authentic texts on the Web require extensive screen reading. The flexible nature of electronic text encourages customization, which is important for effective screen reading and learning. For users to read comfortably and effectively, attention must be paid to the way electronic text is presented. Presentation includes factors related to the screen (e.g., contrast), to the reader (e.g., familiarity with the medium) and to the text layout (e.g., number of lines per screen). Navigation method (e.g., scrolling or paging) may also affect reading and learning from screen. Two studies conducted by the authors show that not everyone performs well with the same presentation mode and that preferences also vary. Designers of user-centered CALL materials should, therefore, allow for choice of presentation mode.