This paper explores the integration of computing and multimodal technologies into personal reading practices to enhance student engagement and knowledge assimilation in higher education. In response to a documented decline in voluntary academic reading, we investigated how technology-enhanced reading environments can re-engage students through interactive and personalized experiences. Central to this research is SmartRead, a proposed multimodal eReading platform that incorporates gamification, adaptive content delivery, and real-time feedback mechanisms. Drawing on empirical data collected from students at a higher education institution, we examined how features such as progress tracking, motivational rewards, and interactive comprehension aids influence reading behavior, engagement levels, and information retention. Results indicate that such multimodal interventions can significantly improve learner outcomes and user satisfaction. This paper contributes actionable insights into the design of innovative, accessible, and pedagogically sound digital reading tools and proposes a framework for future eReading technologies that align with multimodal interaction principles.
Pelumi et al. (2025) studied this question.