University of Leicester

Duckling Project

This is a case study of integrating SONY PRS-505 E-book readers into two Masters’ distance learning programmes in Occupational Psychology at the University of Leicester.

The main aim of the trial was twofold: to add flexibility and mobility to student learning and reduce costs in printed materials for students. E-book readers, preloaded with module materials and podcasts were given to eleven Psychology students in November 2009.  We found that the devices increased the flexibility and mobility of student learning, helped them to save resources and costs on printing, enabled them to do more reading of course materials during the day, and changed study strategies for some students.