Why are digital books important for children's learning?

The evidence from the research cited in this MESHGuide indicates that digital books can support children’s traditional literacy and language outcomes, as well as new literacy skills. New literacy skills encompass ‘the particular affordances and limitations of technology for enhancing early literacy’ (Miller & Warschauer, 2014, p.284).

• High-quality e-books can promote children’s vocabulary, story comprehension and word reading.
• When using digital books as part of an existing curriculum, digital books can promote children’s reading levels. This includes using digital books in guided reading sessions or poetry sessions.
• Using digital books in the classroom can support children’s ability to navigate digital resources more generally, for example interactive websites.
• The use of e-books can support children’s 21st century skills such as collaboration (online and offline), flexible thinking and critical thinking skills.  
• Integrating photos and voice recordings with print and drawings can provide new opportunities for learning and teaching in early years