Prof. ZHU Xinhua, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies

Online Reading: Competence and Assessment. 19th Shen Yuan Forum. College of International Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China, 25 October 2024.

Abstract
Online reading pertains to the practice of perusing diverse digital texts on electronic devices through the Internet. These texts encompass e-books, online articles, blogs, news websites, academic papers, among others, while electronic devices range from computers and tablets to smartphones and e-readers. Online reading represents a critical component of contemporary literacy and is increasingly integrated into international reading assessments. Nonetheless, within the realm of Chinese reading evaluations, several foundational issues warrant in-depth exploration. The focal points of this presentation include: (1) a comparative analysis of online reading versus traditional paper-based reading, (2) the incorporation of online reading aspects in reading assessments, (3) the distinct competencies (strategic abilities) essential for proficient online reading, (4) guidelines for formulating questions tailored to online reading contexts, and (5) areas necessitating further research.