Integrating Ebook Readings into Class Through the Course Management System: A Pilot Study
17 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2012 Last revised: 16 Feb 2012
Date Written: 2012
Abstract
Even as the cost of course materials soar for students, use of materials placed on reserve in the library by faculty members steadily decreases. Faculty members and librarians struggle to make content available to students in an affordable and accessible manner. Ebooks pose a potential solution to connect students to required course readings, particularly when used in conjunction with a course management system. In a pilot program in the spring semester of 2011, a faculty member and librarian collaborated to select books for a security studies senior seminar in both print and electronic formats and carefully studied the process. Print books were placed on reserve in the library. Ebooks were linked through the course management system. To evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot, usage of both types of materials was tracked and compared. Students were also surveyed about their experiences using both the print and electronic books to complete assigned readings. This paper will report on the experience of using ebooks for the required class readings in place of print reserves, including the use statistics and survey results.
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