Today we are talking to Gina McClain who is a Director of a very large children’s ministry.

I asked her about ebooks and online reading and here is what she had to say.

NIL: Do you think teachers could use [ebooks] them or could have a place in schools or education?

Gina: I don’t see why not. but i think they’ll apply more to older kids than younger. there is just something about a child’s tactile nature. they need something tangible and an online resource won’t offer that.

however, kids already read books then take online quizzes on them. (i.e. Accelerated Reader program) So, we know it works in some capacity

NIL: I did not know that!! That is very cool! In that program do kids excel and retain the information well?

Gina: well, it’s assumed that if they pass the AR test (70% or higher) then their comprehension of the material indicates retention. If they do not meet the 70% passing grade then it’s assumed retention was not adequate and they don’t receive credit for the book

As a parent of 3 children and a leader to over 10k kids each week Gina has a great insight to what educates and inspires kids to learn. I was very surprised to hear that kids are reading books and then testing on them in school online. What a great tool to enhance learning as well as reading. It is true that reading books and online learning go hand-in-hand.

Thank you Gina!