Exploring students’ barriers in reading digital books: A case study of English education students at IAIN Palopo

Dewi  Furwana; Caroline  Teresa Linse; Nur  Andriani; Nurul  Mifta

doi:10.21070/jees.v10i1.1927

(1) * Dewi Furwana Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia
Indonesia
(2) Caroline Teresa Linse Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
(3) Nur Andriani Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia
Indonesia
(4) Nurul Mifta Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia
Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/jees.v10i1.1927

Abstract

Technological advancements have transformed education, including the use of digital books as learning media. Despite their potential, many students still encounter obstacles in accessing and utilizing digital books effectively. This study investigates the barriers faced by students of the English Language Education Study Program at IAIN Palopo in reading digital books. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through unstructured interviews with 12 students from the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training. The data were analyzed through three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results reveal seven primary barriers: (1) limited device storage and low battery life hinder access to digital books (Device Access); (2) unstable internet connections in students' local areas affect accessibility (Internet Connectivity); (3) prolonged screen time leads to eye strain (Eyestrain); (4) students experience dizziness and fatigue after extended reading sessions (Reading Fatigue); (5) distractions from social media notifications reduce focus (Concentration and Retention); (6) unattractive digital book formats discourage engagement (Format Issues); and (7) some students cannot access certain materials due to financial constraints (Socioeconomic Barriers). These findings highlight the need for more accessible and student-friendly digital reading solutions.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Technological and infrastructural limitations such as insufficient device storage, battery
issues, and unstable internet are major obstacles impeding students’ access to digital books.
Physiological and cognitive barriers, including digital eye strain, reading fatigue, and
distractions from mobile notifications, significantly reduce reading comprehension and
retention.
Socioeconomic factors and format-related discomfort, such as unaffordable e-books and
poor digital design, further hinder equitable and effective engagement with digital learning
resources.

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Author Biographies

Dewi Furwana, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia

Dewi Furwana is an English lecturer at English Education Study Program of Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo since 2015. She teaches Listening comprehension and research Method. She completed her undergraduate degree at Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar in 2008 and her master degree at Universitas Negeri Makassar in 2012 focusing on English Education Studies. She has published a journal articles in
International Journal like FOSTER, IJAE, IDEAS, ELSYA and some articles in national journals focusing on the TEFL.

Caroline Teresa Linse, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom

Caroline Teresa Linse is a senior lecturer at Queen’s University, Belfast. She teaches graduate-level courses in the doctoral and master’s programs in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She has 25 years of experience in publishing and she is a co-author of five course cook series’ for children and teenagers, the most successful being the acclaimed programme ‘Doodle Town’, a four-level course pre- schoolers. She has taught children and worked with teachers in many different corners of the globe, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, the US and Asia. She is also a member of the IATEFL Young Leaner Special Interest Group. Her publications on these topics can be found in Scopus.

Nur Andriani, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia

Nur Andriani is affiliated with Institut Agama Islam Negeri, focuses on English language education, especially Reading Comprehension and Digital Media. Currently she is in the final phase of her studies toward earning a Bachelor's degree in English Education.

Nurul Mifta, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palopo, Indonesia

Nurul Mifta has just completed her master’s degree at the Postgraduate Program of Univeristas Negeri Makassar. She specializes in Language Teaching, especially Speaking.

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