Students who have difficulty decoding (figuring out written words) and/or read at a very slow pace can get very frustrated reading. No one enjoys working at a skill that is extremely difficult for them. Not many of my students fit into this "category" of reader, but for those who do, I recommend using audiobooks. I am not talking about a voice-to-text application that allows an e-reader to mechanically read like a robot. I am talking about professionals who read dramatically, making the text come alive. Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets both allow the owner to purchase Audibles.com, as well as e-books. There is also an application called "Whispersync" that allows the reader to sync the audio and e-book, so that a reader can simply listen to the book, or simply read the book, but the Kindle device "knows" where the listener/reader has left off, and can find that spot for the listener/reader.
More and more of student textbooks are going to be online, and these texts have the capability of coordinating audio and visual reading to assist those students who have difficulties with reading speed and/or decoding text. This is not cheating! Students who have used combinations of audio and e-books often improve their reading stamina and their comprehension. This allows the student to learn more sophisticated critical thinking skills.
Just a note here -- I have no financial interest in suggesting a Kindle device or Audibles.com or "Whispersync"! If you know of additional programs that combine audiobooks and e-books, please let me know. Of course, libraries have audiobooks and students can also check out the physical book to read in synchronization, as well.
