My Gallatin first-year writing seminar conducted an experimental project last week in which we live-tweeted our in-class reading. The students of my seminar, “Thinking and Writing Through New Media,” were asked to read the novel “Oryx and Crake” and tweet their thoughts and literary observations as they read, using the hashtags #nyufyws. The project was inspired by prolific tweeter and author of “Oryx and Crake” Margaret Atwood. My fellow students and I were encouraged to tweet @MargaretAtwood if we had a direct question regarding the text.

I was challenged by the assignment at first. I am an obsessive reader and have long found myself torn between the two arguments regarding the merging of technology and books. I love the smell, feel and weight of a paper book and believe that, in an overly stimulating world, books can be an escape from the constant barrage of social media and electronic devices. However, when it comes to merging technology and books in regards to academic reading, I am a definite convert.

Assigned class reading can be difficult. Often, the text is not one you would have have chosen to read yourself. The temptation to use SparkNotes and spend your precious time watching Netflix instead can be compelling. The act of tweeting while reading meant that not only did I actually finish my reading, but also I managed to feel engaged and stimulated throughout the entire process. I know I am not alone in saying that Twitter is one of the ways I procrastinate from doing my work. However, by incorporating Twitter into my homework, I finished my work in a faster and more productive manner than I would have had I tried to sit down in Bobst Library and power through 10 chapters at once.

My newly purchased e-reader has also been extremely helpful with assigned reading. As much as I romanticize paperbacks, the reality of lugging three books around in my bag all day is not practical. Having a Kindle means I can cut away at my weekly reading anywhere, including the insanely long line at Starbucks in the morning.

Making the leap from paper book to e-book has been hard, but the innovations in reading technology are making electronic literature an increasingly enticing world. Embracing technology in my reading habits has not only meant that I actually finish my homework, but also made the act of academic reading a more enriching experience. As an added bonus, Margaret Atwood tweeted my class back, which was enough to make me more hopeful about the merging of literature and technology, especially in academia.

 A version of this article appeared in the Nov. 10 print edition. Email Scarlett Curtis at [email protected]