Areas for future research

Research which would employ mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) and which would study in detail specific features of digital books (eg interactivity, audio features, personalisation) is needed.

Some researchers work together with app designers and schools to produce empirically- and practice-based storybooks. For example, the Our Story app was developed in collaboration with teachers and is freely available as a tool for teachers who wish to create their own digital books. See here: http://www.open.ac.uk/creet/main/projects/our-story

More collaborative research between schools and universities, especially in relation to the design and use of children’s digital books is needed.

If you are interested in taking part in research concerning children’s digital books or be part of a national network of teachers and researchers interested in this topic, you can join the Special Interest Group “Children’s digital books and literacy apps”, convened by United Kingdom Literacy Association: http://www.ukla.org/.