UTM industrial physics undergraduates' reading preferences between hypertext and printed texts

Abstract

A study on the reading preferences was carried out among third year undergraduates at UTM. This study aims to investigate learners’ reading preferences between hypertexts and printed texts, to identify the purposes of learners when selecting their preferred type of texts and to examine the problems when choosing both texts. The data from this study was obtained through questionnaire and interview. The findings showed that the respondents preferred hypertexts than printed texts. They believed hypertexts provide them comprehensive sources, space-saving and cost-saving. However, as for the printed texts they claimed that they faced problems when reading some of the texts that contained excessive words, undersize font size and missing pages. This study reveals the significance of choosing appropriate type of texts to build up good reading styles and enhance the effectiveness of reading. Further research in this area would be beneficial in improving learners’ reading habits.