Technology and Childrens Audio Books

The benefits of childrens audio books are well documented. They are a major tool employed by teachers and parents for the creation of independent learners. With new advances in technology it is important to understand what is available and how to use appropriate devices for audio books.

There are several types of devices used to play the recording. The oldest device still in use is the cassette tape. Tapes are inserted into a tape player and by manipulating controls children are able to listen to the audio book. Cassette tapes are widely available but do have a drawback. Not many new books are being recorded on cassette tapes. With other, more modern equipment available the use of cassette tapes is fading.

CD players and CDs have taken over the cassette market. All school classrooms and many homes have one or more CD players available. Children are familiar with technology and find it easy to use. A CD is purchased containing the recorded audio story. The CD is placed in the player and easy to use controls allow the youngest of readers to immediately listen to stories.

MP3 players have the capacity to play audio books. Most families have MP3 technology in their home and young children are frequently able to use the devices. The MP3 platform offers the quickest access to recorded books.
 
They can be downloaded from the internet to your player. MP3 ready audio books may also be purchased in traditional stores and borrowed from the library.

Many accessories are available to make the listening process even easier, adding to the benefits of audio books for children. Headphones attach to all three types of players and lessen distractions while the child is listening to the recording. Battery power is also an option for all three kinds of devices. Battery power makes the player portable so children can listen anytime and anywhere. Most importantly the equipment is affordable.
 
In many cases you probably already own appropriate equipment to get started.
The benefits of children’s audio books, especially the role they play in creating reading independence, are infinite. Through advances in technology audio books are now available to many families. The equipment is easy for young children to use and there are many books available in audio form. Adding audio books to your home library has the potential to greatly improve your child’s reading ability.