HCC Kindle PilotA Chancellor’s Innovation Grant 2009-2010

About the project

Through the Chancellor’s Innovation Grant a pilot program was offered through Houston Community College Southwest allowing students to revolutionize their classroom experience and save money by using Apple’s newest innovation, the iPad. The program allowed a select group of students the use of an iPad for the semester to download a copy of their textbook and lectures– completely for free.

Project Goals:Determine whether current eBooks and eBook readers would work well pedagogically in a college classroom

Determine whether current eBooks and eBook readers would stand up to student use (and abuse)

Determine whether eBooks and eBook readers are cost effective and reduce student textbook costs

Estimated cost savings (from the grant narrative)

The Project

Project web page and LMS: http://swc2.hccs.edu/kindle

Beginning of Project – Pre-survey

Environmental Scan Indentify the student’s ability to use technology Indentify the student’s availability of technology at home Indentify the student’s attitude towards e-Readers The survey was taken the first two weeks of class

Pre-survey – Environmental Scan

Indentify the student’s ability to use technology

Indentify the student’s availability of technology at home

Indentify the student’s attitude towards e-readers

The survey was taken the first two weeks of class

Some interesting results from pre-survey

Interesting results - continued

The Kindle

The Kindles – Fall, Spring, Summer

9.7 inchesStarted out at $599 and now it is $379Includes free 3G networkNon-glare screenHolds up to 3500 books, articlesPDF readerRead to me – text to voiceLarge selection of books from AmazonLower cost for books – free book samples

Popular Kindles now

6 inch - $1893G + Wi-Fi – best choice if you do not have an Internet connection. This kindle uses the3G network or Wi-Fi and can be used in over 100 countries.

6 inch - $139Wi-fi – best choice if you have a accessto a wireless internet network or Wi-fihotspot.

Apple iPad

$499Not just a readerApps – thousandsMailPhotosVideos - YoutubeGamesiPodiTunesCalendarNotes – keyboardMapsiWork

Results from Study

Latest Study Results 8/8/2010

1. What did you like best about the eBook pilot? (Rank the items in terms of importance)

2. What did you like best about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES

Text ResponseThat it has Wifi connection.It was easy to use.Wifi.Having many books at once with only a small amount of space used.Size od DevicesI really liked the battery life and the fact that I was able to use it for other classes as well; storing powerpoints in PDF formats.it is light to carry aroundI liked not having to carry around a book.Didn’t really use itget to use the kindleit has the function which is dictionary; it helps and speeds the reading since we dont need to check out the dictionary physically.The fact that I could take it with me everywherehaving many books inside a little thing without having to carry much weight

2. What did you like best about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

CostThe ebook was portable, which was easy to manage when I'm on the move.it is portableits technological aspectWhat I like best is that it is very portable and easy to carry around. I do not have to carry text books that are very heavy and sometime I feel pain in my shoulder. As you know I am very delicate. It is cool for me and easy to read.Convenience.Easy to download items.free stuffno cost to studenteasy to useI think it is useful for subjects different than chemestry. I think it is good for Englis literatur, psicology, sociology,etc , but not for science areas.new and different experience

2. What did you like best about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

Free readingsHonestly, I just opened the pack, never used it.I cant say because I did not get the chance to use it.Portability and the fact the kindle reads to you.easy to download articles and it was also easier to have info already there.Not having to tote around a heavy textbook that would eventually not be worth an monetary value.I liked the portability because sometimes you dont want to tote around a bulky laptop. i like that it fits right in our book bag . Another thing is that i like how it was simple to import information onto your kindle.The ebook was easy to read and I didnt have to carry around a heavy textbook.I like it because we did not have to get a book.The portability was the key to alot since I must carry a variety of items for different classes/events when riding the bus.I like the learning tools and the features.the device was small and portable.

2. What did you like best about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

Did not have to pay for the English 1301 bookI like it. Save money.reliabilityThe size of the device.going paperless and we did not have to purchase the books.That it is paperless and lightweight.The fact that one can upload music into itIt does not hurt my eyes.What I like best about the eBook pilot is that it saved me some money that I would have used to buy textbook for my class.Easy to read and navigateIt is cost efficientEasy to read you don't get tired to red even if is long story with many passagesWhat I like most about the eBook pilot is the fact that it is easy to manage. There are no difficult tasks to go through. All you have to do is power it on and read stories. It's Great!It was easy to read

3. What did you like least about the eBook pilot? (Rank the items in terms of importance)

Note: the Kindle uses a proprietary format, AZW. The open standard format is epub

4. What did you like least about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES (Please write in your response below)

Text ResponseI rather spend more money on the book carrying it around because I can flip to pages faster and I can highlight faster.Buttons are positioned wrongtoo slow to usethis question is worded oddly, what did I like the least most? The portion in parenthesis should say "1" being the least. I forsee this question providing inconsistent results.It is a little bit slow, but it doesn't really affect the use much.Wifi or 3G connectivityIt could have had a color display and also the page turning was slow. Wi-fi connection was slow too.sometimes it takes a while to load files that i want to readI like being able to access books, and paper is faster. You don't have to wait to turn the page, also pages are easier to highlight on and find the items highlighted.the kindle is very slowvery complicatedthe small keyssupport of files types is really bad.

4. What did you like least about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

The standby time - the text wasn't consistent as far as being dark enough.it sometimes messing up or glitchingThe learning curve for using it.Writing notes. counting the paragraphThe ebook takes a little long to load some pages with large files.that is very convenientits difficulty in uploading any document with different fileIts unexpectedness.The only thing I can think of is that it makes me to be extra careful because I am using the school’s kindle. I do not have money to pay to the school if it is lost.Ability to access content speedily from previous pages.That the files couldn't be used on a computer w/o downloading the Kindle applicationtiny keys

4. What did you like least about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

sucky interfaceit worked for meI did not like that it is in black and white.wierd files didn't always load rightonly could read texts on Kindle w/o the appYou should rethink about this, as it's quite expensive :-(it was a little hard to get a hang off at the beginningthe small buttons for typing.. but I could live with them being that way..I wish it was in color. it would make it a whole lot more iteresting. black and white just screams boring.There was no backlight for readingNothing reallyThe response time of the pages when clicking to the next page. It takes a few seconds, sometimes a little longer. It can be irritating when trying to meet certain deadlines.The price of the eContent is too high for me.it was very slow.learning the pilotsometimes no battery

4. What did you like least about the eBook pilot? OTHER RESPONSES -continued

Can't record lecturesThe Wifi or 3G connectivity.we could read many other books and novels.Remembering to charge the eBook.Its charge does not last for long time.It was initially difficult for me to use.No page numbersthe battery do not survive for longFast speed you don`t have to wit searching materials.NAIt was a strain on the eyes to read.

5. What should the institution do differently regarding eBook environment?

(Please write in your responses)

Text ResponseThe eBook should be optional, not a requirement. Students should be able to choose from either buying the book or the kindle when they would like to buy it.Let people use itIt will be hard to change much, but the standardization of the format would be the most helpful. Cheap books are great, and the occasional typo aren't a big deal, but trying to find something by location number or turn pages quickly is very challenging with the current setup. I think that in it's current state the ebook is more challenging than a regular text, but the idea is amazing. Within a few generations I see ereaders making great textbooks for classroom settingsHave more textbooks available! Maybe a way to purchase the kindle at a lower price? Maybe used ones?Make the page changing more efficient and faster to flip to next page.It should definitely offer ebooks as another option to students. Also offer all course's books in ebook format.nothing muchbiggerUse touch screen technologymake it less complicated to download booksget ipads

5. What should the institution do differently regarding eBook environment? - continued

should support more about the ebook enviornment, put it in more suitable classes, and benefit more studentsbeing able to write side notes, edit some thingsMake students aware before class begins about using the technologyIt was good to use the kindle but it needs a lot of things missing. It is not there yet.The institution should provide a quiet environment for users of the eBook who would want to work in peace.Let students know in advance that the eBook will be used.To me, I think nothing.N/AIt should be able to read the books out loud to the readersGive students advance notice about using Kindles in a class. I was surprised by it in mine.nothingmore publicity beforehandoffer more classes using eBooksThey should offer a free book or a cheaper option for the pilot class. The price of the e book is not very different from the regular books.

5. What should the institution do differently regarding eBook environment? - continued

get more of them -- maybe try other eBook readers?more Readers in more classesInstitution always take their own decision.I think the school should continue to use text books.Add a back light to the kindle in efforts to lighten up the text for the readers eyes for on the go reading.an instruction class on how to operate itTry to incorporate colors while still using the low lighting.Make the switch from textbooks to ebooksKeep the kindle because it gives you options and informationThere is no real need for improvement from what I have experienced; but I'm not fully technologically literate so I am hardly one to hold judgement of this.They should not do anything different. Keep using the eBook.they should allow it more often.just work off the hcc onlinepaperless

5. What should the institution do differently regarding eBook environment? - continued

provide devices that can store sound filesStart assigning in all English classes.the instituion should allow ipads instead of kindle.Everyone should have excess to one.Every student should be awarded one.maybe they should develop its keyboard.Nothingkeep on educating individual on the use of electronic as some people do not have much experience on itmake available to different coursesNAChange the lighting

6. How was the implementation of the eBook Kindle DX initiative in the class?

8. What features should eReaders have immediately? (rank in order of importance with 1 being the most)

# Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Responses

1 a printing tool? 12 12 10 5 10 7 3 4 3 9 752 a note taking tool? 21 22 9 9 6 7 0 0 1 0 753 ability to transfer files between

devises?15 16 16 10 4 10 2 0 1 1 75

4 an effective and easy web browser?

11 11 22 10 13 1 5 0 1 1 75

5 a instant messenger tool? 2 1 2 13 19 11 10 5 4 8 756 an email tool? 3 3 5 5 16 23 12 4 0 4 757 Battery life of 24hrs 1 0 0 6 2 7 21 19 9 10 758 Battery life of 48hrs 1 1 5 1 0 2 6 28 25 6 759 Battery life of 1 week 0 5 2 4 1 3 7 10 27 16 7510 Battery life of 2 weeks 9 4 4 12 4 4 9 5 4 20 75

Total 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 -

9. What other features should eReaders have? Text ResponseSome kind of built in light? Not necessarily a back light, but maybe a light that can be "flipped" out to the screen.Printing Toolgames for entertainment when i have spare timesoundeffective and easy web browserediting things inside, side notesA favorites option, you could save important pages in the kindle so you won't need to browse the web to look for it.should be able to make note while the narrator still talking.

Also to highlight's line , would be better to do it while the narrator is talking."Printing", "internet access".not taking tool "volume"Better note taking. The annotation feature was awkward, as was the keyboard.nothing I can think of anythingcolor

9. What other features should eReaders have? - continued

It has to be inexpensive regardless of software and the device and should be colourful too."back light for screen"none other than the ones listed above? maybe a gps system like in phonescant think of anything at the momentmost are covered in the choses above, but the ebook could have more memoryTimeQuicker response times to wanted requests of the device.Ability to write on it, and to erase, Bluetooth.all are listed above.internetA printing tool.Faster internetEmailing, chat between users, and 2 week battery life.It should be touch screen like the ipadWindows Media Player, Reading Words documentsbe used for other subjectTouch screen! Louder speakers!

10. What are you willing to pay for an eBook?

# Answer Response %1 35-40 dollars 40 49%2 45-50 dollars 12 15%3 55-60 dollars 4 5%4 65-70 dollars 3 4%5 75-80 dollars 3 4%6 85-90 dollars 1 1%7 95-100 dollars 7 9%8 105-110 dollars 6 7%9 115-120 dollars 4 5%10 125+ dollars 2 2%

Total 82 100%

13. What are you willing to pay for an eReader device?

# Answer Response %1 125-175 dollars 60 73%2 175-225 dollars 8 10%3 225-275 dollars 5 6%4 275-325 dollars 7 9%5 325-375 dollars 1 1%6 375-425 dollars 0 0%7 425-475 dollars 0 0%8 475-525 dollars 0 0%9 525+ dollars 1 1%

Total 82 100%

14. Which do you prefer?

# Answer Response %1 Just an eReader device 25 30%2 Combination eReader

device and computer57 70%

Total 82 100%

15. Rank your "display" preferences in order of importance with 1 being the most important

15. Rank your "display" preferences in order of importance with 1 being the most? (drag to the desired p...

# Answer 1 2 3 4 5 Responses1 eInk (like the

Kindle)17 20 25 7 3 72

2 LCD screen small (like a smartphone)

8 14 14 26 10 72

3 LCD screen large (like a small laptop computer)

22 23 12 11 4 72

4 Black and white 2 0 10 19 41 725 Color 23 15 11 9 14 72

Total 72 72 72 72 72 -

22. I am currently enrolled in _____ course

Cali Lewis from MEVIO's GeekBrief TV

The Instructors for the Pilot

• Laurel Lacroix - English• Stephen Dessens-

Chemistry • Paul Garcia - Biology• Susan Goll – English and

Philosophy

What strategies did you use in your course to take advantage of the Kindle?What innovations in pedagogy did you develop to take advantage of the Kindle?What hardware problems did you experience, if any?What software problems did you experience, if any?What kinds of student problems did you have and what were the solutions?What kind of document and document conversion problems did you have, if any?Was training adequate? If not, can you suggest improvements?Once the pilot is over, would you consider using the Kindle in your classes? What is your overall impression of ebooks in the classroom?Did the Kindle and ebooks provide any advantage to your teaching and to your students? What was you overall assessment of ebooks and the Kindle in the classroom this semester?

Some Questions for the Instructor(s)

Kindle Classroom Policy

Spring 2010 - Comparison

In Spring 2010, the project was extended to evaluate eBook student learning (a course using eBooks) compared to traditional textbook student learning (the same course number using printed textbooks).

Class Comparison Results – Spring 2010

http://www.apple.com/

http://www.entourageedge.com/

The Instructor(s) – Part III

Updates and the Future?

http://southwest.hccs.edu/southwest/hcc-and-ipad-the-future-of-the-classroom