Embracing the Digital Shift : An Empirical Analysis of Attitudes towards E-books among Pupils in Swedish Upper Secondary School

Abstract: As digital reading has become ubiquitous in society it is reasonable to expect it in schools. Digital reading has not been without its controversies though. Using a sociocultural perspective this thesis examines attitudes, perceptions, and access to digital books among Swedish upper secondary school pupils, focusing on e-books. Through a survey study involving 308 participants, the research addresses two key questions: what are the attitudes of upper secondary school pupils towards e-books in general and within the school context? And, to what extent do Swedish upper secondary schools provide access to e-books? Adopting a sociocultural perspective, the study emphasises the influence of cultural experiences on individuals.  Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data, gathering official statistics and employing cluster sampling. The survey results revealed diverse attitudes and practices towards digital reading among pupils, with a minority preferring e-books. Frequent readers exhibited lower interest in alternatives to printed books, and choice of reading device influences e-book reception. Despite a strong preference for traditional printed books rooted in cultural values, a majority supports e-book use in schools, acknowledging their practical benefits in education. However, access to e-books in schools remains limited, indicating a need for schools to address the challenges of digital reading. The thesis emphasises varying pupil attitudes towards e-books, influenced by sociocultural factors, and underscores the need for a nuanced approach to integrating digital reading in educational settings.