The Effectiveness of a Digital Textbook as a Supporting Tool on Japanese Dyslexic EFL Learners
Abstract: This paper investigates how Japanese dyslexic English-as-a-Foreign Language (EFL) learners use a digital textbook as a learning support tool. Recently various types of learning support tools and applications for dyslexic learners have been developed and improved for students with special needs. With the spread of ICT tools in school, the use of digital textbook has been drawing a lot of attention. This study observes the use of a digital textbook as a supporting tool on Japanese dyslexic EFL learners. The longitudinal one-sample experimental study was conducted with the multimedia DAISY textbook. The participant used the highlighting function and the model reading. Observations and interviews clarified that the use of these functions were effective to compensate reading difficulty. However, it was shown that there are still challenges in the usability and operability of the functions equipped with the digital textbook. Lastly, this paper provides future implications for the effectiveness and possibility of the future digital textbooks.