20th Century Korean Literature

20^th Century Korean Literature contains 50 Korean texts (49 shorts stories and one novella) that were translated into English. From the app’s main page, users must select the text they wish to read. Next, the text loads and users can first read about the author before engaging the main text. When reading the text, users must swipe sideways to turn pages. They can also hold their finger to the text to copy, highlight, or make notes about the text. For all three options, users can move the field that selects the text, so it includes the entire section of text that interests them. If users tap the “copy” button, the app will store the text in the iPad’s memory, so it can be pasted elsewhere. If users tap the “highlight” button, the app will add a purple background behind the text. If users tap the “note” button, users will be able to type commentary about the selected text. After making the note, users will have to turn back to the page where they added the note to access it by tapping it.

Please Note: This app contains additional tools; however, the functionality of their design is limited.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students self-select a story from this app and then read it individually or with a partner. Students can then summarize the story and compose a brief paragraph about the story’s essential meaning. Additionally, students can illustrate one or more key points from the story and compose a paragraph that explains why they selected those points.
2. Teachers can have their entire class read the two same stories in this app. Next, the students can decide which story they enjoyed more. Students can then meet with the other students who picked the same story, and the students can discuss both why they enjoyed the story they selected and why they did not enjoy the other story. Finally, teachers can facilitate a classroom discussion between the two groups regarding their preference for each story. During the conversation, teachers can require students to use text-based evidence to support their claims about the stories.
3. After reading both Korean stories and stories from other cultures, teachers can ask students to identify a universal theme found across the stories. Students can then make a multimedia presentation where they explain the theme and then demonstrate how it is part of each story.
4. After becoming familiar with style of the stories in this app, teachers can have students research the Korean culture and explain any connections they found in the stories and in their research. As a writing or presentation prompt, students can respond to: How is the Korean culture reflected in these stories?
5. While reading a text, teachers can require students to highlight 5-10 words or phrases they consider to be “most important.” Students can then write a short rationale that explains the importance of these words and phrases.

Screenshots