One of the three technologies we are using as part of the DUCKLING project  is e-book readers (the other two are Second Life and Podcasts). The BDRA team have done a brilliant job of converting our module material into a format that enables it to be clearly presented on the e-book readers. The Occupational Psychology team are currently in the process of testing these readers before they are sent out to students.

The students involved will be 15 volunteers from our April 2009 cohort, including students on the Occupational Psychology course and the Psychology of Work course. The following announcement has been placed on Blackboard, and has been emailed to the students' preferred email addresses:

Volunteer Announcement on Blackboard for Aptil 2009 Cohort:

FREE E-Book Readers Available to 15 Students in the April 2009 Cohort!

Register your interest NOW

We are delighted to inform you that students from the April 2009 cohort have been selected for a pilot study in the use of e-readers as a learning aid. This study is part of the DUCKLING research project, which is focused on enhancing the delivery of distance education for students at the University of Leicester.

This is a one-off opportunity exclusively available to students within your cohort. The Course Team have 15 e-book readers available to students. These will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis, so we encourage those of you who would like to be involved to respond to this email as soon as possible!

What is an e-reader?

E-readers are electronic devices which can be loaded with reading material of various kinds, and used instead of books or printed readings. The e-reader we will be using for this project is the Sony PRS 505. The device has an excellent screen, which is much easier on the eye than a computer screen, as it uses a novel technology called e-ink rather than the usual, backlit computer technology we are used to on our computers.

What are the benefits of the e-reader?

• The ability for you to store and access all your module materials on a small device that is easily transportable, making it possible for you to take reading materials with you when you travel or when you are away from your home or office.
• The e-reader can store 350 books, or approximately 600 documents.

How will it work?

• The first set of module content and materials will be pre-loaded on to these devices.
• The e-readers will be delivered to you via courier.
• Subsequent materials can be easily added to your e-reader.
• All relevant information on how to add materials to your devices will be made available on Blackboard.
• All materials will also remain available on Blackboard.
• Support and advice in the use of the e-readers will also be available to you.

What will this require of you?

All we ask is that you will be willing to discuss your thoughts and provide feedback on the e-readers at various stages. This will involve taking part in short interviews and/or questionnaires to tell us what you think about the e-readers.

What do you get out of this?

As well as the benefits in using the e-reader throughout your time on the course, the Sony PRS 505 e-reader will be yours to keep at the end of the project.

If you would like to be involved in the study, please send a message directly to me (kb179@le.ac.uk).

Students who are involved will receive more detailed information once the e-readers are assigned. In the meantime, if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr Kelly Barklamb