Emerging technology trial 2010 eBooks

• Marina Borrello
• Australian Flexible Learning Framework

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30 March 2011This trial adapted paper based resources into eBooks and tested various eReaders on a group of apprentice hairdressers.

Hair and beauty learning resources have traditionally been paper-based, providing the individual learner with a self directed and self-paced approach to learning. The learners in this context are apprentices working in widely distributed small to micro sized enterprises. Skill development occurs both on and off the job and seamless resources that support this model are highly sought after by industry as they can reduce the time apprentices spend in training off the job.

The emergence of a generation that is comfortable with technology requires innovative solutions that are supportive and inclusive of specific learning styles. Current resources are seen by learners as rather ‘dry’, uninteresting and physically cumbersome. Additionally there is a growing awareness among learners that continually disposing of paper-based resources as updates occur is not environmentally responsible.

In response, this trial explored how to convert and adapt print-based resources to a format that can be converted to a range of eBooks; and investigated the opportunities and challenges presented by a range of e-readers.