Computing & Information Services
Amazon Kindle DX Pilot Project Overview
Project Purpose and Scope
In conjunction with six other colleges and universities, Reed is exploring the use of electronic book (e-book) technology. During fall semester 2009, approximately forty students in three upper division courses are using the Kindle DX to read texts and other materials for their courses. The goals of the project are to:
- assess the overall prospects of e-book technology for curricular use
- identify specific impacts (both positive and negative) of e-book technology on teaching and learning activities
- identify features of the Kindle DX whose modification (or addition) would improve its usability for curricular purposes
Potential long-term benefits of e-book technology we hope to explore include: (a) the ability for students to have immediate, searchable access to all their course materials in one, lightweight device; (b) a reduction in the total cost of course materials; (c) a reduction in the use of paper; (d) opportunities for faculty and students to share electronic comments on course materials; and (e) integration of e-book technology with other curricular tools such as Moodle (Reed's open source learning management system).
Courses in the Pilot
- English 301: Junior Seminar in English –– Irony, Allegory, Epic, Novel
- French 451: Special Topics in French Literature –– The History of Truth and Authenticity from Montaigne to Sartre
- Political Science 422: Nuclear Politics –– The origins and effects of the spread of nuclear weapons
Participation and Benefits
- Participation in the pilot project is entirely voluntary. Students who do not wish to participate in the project are able to obtain course materials from the College Bookstore as usual.
- Project participants each receive a Kindle DX. Participants who complete the course, provide required feedback and abide by the terms of the project are allowed to keep the Kindle DX at the conclusion of the pilot project.
Feedback and Assessment
Project participants are providing feedback via online surveys, face-to-face interviews, and ad hoc email comments. Faculty, IT staff, and others involved in the project will review the feedback and prepare a summary report of findings to Reed's Computing Policy Committee (CPC) and others at Reed. Some data (with personal identifiable information deleted) will be shared with the Campus Computing Project for aggregation with data from the other six project sites and subsequent analysis.
Contacts at Reed
|
Dr. Martin Ringle |
Dr. Trina Marmarelli |
Reed College Kindle Participation Press Release
Other Institutions Participating in the Kindle Pilot