This video tutorial covers how to engage in a critical use of electronic readers. While there are some recommendations about how to perform technical tasks in this video, the tutorial is mostly about the issues that make electronic devices appropriate (or not) for reading textbooks. The video tutorial is paired with an interactive mind map and a document with an interactive table of contents. Both of these provide you the ability to directly access different parts of the video so (1) instructors can assign only parts of it, or (2) so it can be watched in a nonlinear fashion.
Type of Material:
Video tutorial
Recommended Uses:
It would be very useful for any faculty development in instructional technology, as well as for students who may be considering moving from a print textbook to a digital version.
Technical Requirements:
Internet connection and a web browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This informational resource focuses on educating users on the critical use of technology, to include reading on electronic devices. Users will learn why one should use or not use reading electronic devices
Target Student Population:
The target population consists of: College Lower Division, College Upper Division, High School, Graduate School, College General Ed, Professional.
This tutorial is probably geared more toward teachers and instructors, particularly faculty looking to include more instructional technology.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
At a bare minimum the user should be able to use a web browser.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The instructor doesn't concentrate entirely on the specific technologies (such as a Kindle device), but discusses many cogent issues, such as the relative "readability" of eReader technology. Font sizes, screen contrast, and annotation are all discussed. By concentrating on the general usability rather than specific technology means that the material won't date as quickly.
Concerns:
The amount of movement in the video is at times distracting
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is an effective resource for the educator, student or professional who is interested in learning more about the pros and cons of using electronic users
Concerns:
This should be given as mini tutorials to break up the information overload for potential students.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The video and associated text in the video are easy to view.
The tutorial includes a "mindmap" with the various concepts, which serves as a text-based outline of the concepts. Material is delivered in a clear, simple manner that would easy to understand by anyone with fairly minimal technical skills.
Concerns:
Having smaller clips of videos would better engage the viewer
Other Issues and Comments:
Excellent material, covers just about all aspects when considering the use of eReader type digital textbooks. Because the material isn't based entirely on a specific technology, it should be relevant and useful for a long period.
Consider using voice variety and mini tutorials to better engage the listener
Creative Commons:
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