Download E-book readers

E-book readers and work-based learners
Ming Nie, Gabi Witthaus, Kelly Barklamb and
Alejandro Armellini
www.le.ac.uk/beyonddistance
www.le.ac.uk/mediazoo
ALT Learning Technologist of
the year : Team award 2009
European foundation for quality in
e-learning Unique Award winner
DUCKLING: Delivering University Curriculum:
Knowledge, Learning and INnovation Gains
• 3 distance programmes in 2 disciplines:
– One MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, Education
– Two MSc in Occupational Psychology, Psychology
• 4 technologies:
Podcasting
Wimba Voice Board
Sony E-book readers
Second Life
Purposes of using e-book readers
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Increase curriculum flexibility
Accommodate demands of mobile learners
Maximise limited study time
Increase access to essential readings
Cost-saving
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The pilot and research
28 Sony PRS-505 e-book readers, pre-loaded with course materials
and podcasts, given to 17 TESOL and 11 OP students
Instruments
TESOL
OP
Total
Blackboard Survey
17
11
28
Cognitive mapping
Interviews
9
3
12
Causal map
Course material conversion
Flexibility and mobility
Small, compact size
Continue reading, Bookmark
Portability
Capacity
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Access from a single
device without internet
Readability
Easy on the eyes
Long battery life
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Maximise study time
I am using the e-reader to access
the unit materials everyday
I find that the reader has become an
integral part of my day in particular
situations
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I do a lot of readings during transit
and waiting periods from my ebook reader
I've also gotten into the habit of carrying
my reader with me everywhere, and if
I'm in a situation where I'm waiting for
20 minutes I will automatically open
the reader.
Photo by Ton Zijlstra on Flickr
Cost-saving for students
• Causal map:
– Saving costs in printing
Change in study strategies
Changing strategy
in keeping notes
The e-book reader changed my way to keep notes and made my
study more effective. Before, I used my laptop to write a lot of
notes because I feel I will forget the whole thing if I don’t take
them down. But taking notes is time-consuming and not that
effective because I never really use the notes. With the e-book
reader, it’s not very inconvenient to go back to the material on the
e-reader, and I can remember where the material was and go back
to the module on the e-reader and look through it. As a result of
that, I didn’t take a lot of notes and I don’t think that it [not
taking notes] makes a difference to my study.
Changing strategy
for reading and
approaches to
assignments
The e-book reader has changed my approach to how I do
assignments to some extent. Previously, I started my assignments
after I’ve done all the readings from print. I now start from the
assignment and then read the material. I’m being more selective
now in what I’m reading, and it’s saving me time in a way.
Before I just tried to read everything, I worked a lot harder
before but I didn’t really get the grades.
Co-existence with other devices
I use my laptop and books for conducting
research because cross-referencing is
speedy and intuitive.
My reading habits are
highly situational
I still print out materials when I want to
make notes.
I don’t use my e-book reader on public
transport or when travelling because
those environments are too noisy to read.
I prefer to use my e-book reader at
home when I have a quiet time.
I use my iPhone if I want a quick check
of the materials.
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E-book reader in transition
2009
£150 for a Sony PRS-505
Lack of note-taking, annotation
Delay in page turning
Need for bigger touch screen
NOW
£109 for a Kindle
Sony PRS-600: Annotation, highlight
Amazon Kindle: Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity
Users have access to free
500,000 Google eBooks
Need for wireless connectivity
Publishers make more books as eBooks
Limited access to textbooks as eBooks
Conclusions and further research
• Support for mobile learners
• Easier access, better learning?
• Additional functions, better learning?
• Greener?
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