1. Fall 2012 Fall 2013 Emma Gibson, Chair Affordable Learning Initiative
eText Pilots
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Emma Gibson, Chair
Affordable Learning Initiative

2. Phase I - Fall 2012 Pilot
Cal Poly Pomona participated in eText pilot offered by Internet2 and Educause
$20,000 for up to 20 sections or 800 students
13 faculty volunteers, 14 courses, 15 sections, total of 658 students
Colleges: Science, Business, Engineering, Hospitality Management, Letters Arts & Social Sciences

3. Phase I - Fall 2012 Pilot
eBooks were free to participating students, since the campus paid for the pilot
McGraw Hill books only, with book delivery via “CourseLoad,” integrated with Blackboard
Retail value of books provided: $106,909.70
Based on bookstore’s estimates of book costs and course enrollment

4. Phase I – Student Survey Results
328 (of 658 enrolled) students participated in the survey
Overall – positive to neutral vs negative to neutral
Largest factor for students is cost. Regarding an etext course with a less expensive but mandatory book fee:
36% WOULD opt in
21% would NOT opt in
41% would MAYBE opt in

5. Phase I – Faculty Focus Group
11 (of 13) faculty provided feedback
Most had mixed feelings about the etext.
Positive about etext for access
Neutral about effects of etext on student learning and interaction with students
Negative about etext’s temporary nature
Most thought etext was easy to use although most used only basic functions
Most would use again, with the largest factor being cost to students

6. Phase II – Fall 2013 eText Pilot
Campus pilot with Biology department
Delivery via “CourseSmart” integrated with Blackboard
Dept. commitment to participate for at least one year
One lower div and one middle div course with multiple sections
Provide more training on the use of etext features
Encourage the use of rich etext features (highlighting, searching, real time analytics, etc…)
Secure cost savings for students
Same/similar evaluation methods as Fall 2012 pilot

7. Phase II – Fall 2013 eText Pilot Goals
Provide lower cost learning materials in support of the Affordable Learning Initiative
Provide a feature-rich, portable, readily accessible textbook and learning materials
Support the campus green initiative
Provide analytics in support of student learning
Develop a sustainable model to deliver eText beyond Fall 2013