Effectiveness of e-books for EFL Reading comprehension in 8th-grade students at the Abdón Calderón school in Milagro

Abstract

This literature review investigates the effectiveness of e-books in enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading comprehension. Drawing on key learning theories, the research examines how interactive e-books support vocabulary building, reading strategies, and engagement. Studies reveal the advantages of thoughtfully designed e-books over print texts in improving lexical knowledge, strategy use, motivation, and overall comprehension in EFL students of different ages. Built-in scaffolds facilitate language development while multimedia components increase participation. Despite the need for further research, findings suggest purposeful e-book integration can enrich traditional reading instruction. E-books’ unique affordances foster interactive reading experiences, aligning with constructivist and multimodal learning principles. By leveraging e-books’ potential as engaging supplements, educators can promote active reading and strengthen multiple dimensions of EFL reading comprehension.