ALT Learning Technologist of the year : Team award 2009 European foundation for quality in e-learning Unique Award winner Ming Nie, Gabi Witthaus, Kelly Barklamb and Alejandro Armellini E-book readers and work-based learners

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: PodcastingWimba Voice BoardSony E-book readersSecond Life

Increase curriculum flexibility Accommodate demands of mobile learners Maximise limited study time Increase access to essential readings Cost-saving Photo by Irish Typepad on Flickr Purposes of using e-book readers

28 Sony PRS-505 e-book readers, pre-loaded with course materials and podcasts, given to 17 TESOL and 11 OP students InstrumentsTESOLOPTotal Blackboard Survey Cognitive mapping Interviews 9312 Causal map The pilot and research

Course material conversion

Flexibility and mobility Small, compact size Readability Easy on the eyes Access from a single device without internet PortabilityCapacity Long battery life Continue reading, Bookmark Photo by Kzeng on Flickr Photo by Yummy Pancake on Flickr

Maximise study time I am using the e-reader to access the unit materials everyday Photo by Ton Zijlstra on Flickr Photo by Ed Yourdon on Flickr I find that the reader has become an integral part of my day in particular situations 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. I do a lot of readings during transit and waiting periods from my e- book reader

Causal map: –Saving costs in printing Cost-saving for students

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. Change in study strategies

Co-existence with other devices I use my laptop and books for conducting research because cross-referencing is speedy and intuitive. 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. My reading habits are highly situational Photo by Games Accessories on Flickr

Lack of note-taking, annotation Delay in page turning Need for bigger touch screen Need for wireless connectivity Sony PRS-600: Annotation, highlight Amazon Kindle: Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity £109 for a Kindle£150 for a Sony PRS-505 Users have access to free 500,000 Google eBooks Limited access to textbooks as eBooks Publishers make more books as eBooks 2009NOW E-book reader in transition

Support for mobile learners Easier access, better learning? Additional functions, better learning? Greener? Photo by Katsuyuki Namba on Flickr Conclusions and further research