by Derek Morrison, 16 October 2009
As a follow on to my posting JISC eBooks and Google Generation podcasts (Auricle, 15 October 2009) I note that Contemporary Perspectives in E-Learning Research Themes, Methods and Impact on Practice (Grainne Conole and Martin Oliver – Eds) is now available, in the US at least, as an ebook (Kindle edition) for much the same price as the paperback version.
Contemporary Perspectives in E-Learning Research (2007)
While, undoubtedly still a “must read” for those with an interest in what technologies bring to learning and teaching, I note that the hardback version is an eye watering £89 which is unlikely to stimulate mass take-up of that format. I imagine the latter purchases are destined for the reserve collections in university libraries.
Because ebooks seem set to become important vehicles for such scholarly works the availablity of Contemporary Perspectives in E-Learning Research Themes, Methods and Impact on Practice as an ebook is to be welcomed. Ebooks, however, still have multiple stages of evolution to go through. Each of the current offerings have their own affordances and constraints. In the Kindles’ case its proprietary ebook format and the ability for Amazon central to delete purchased (or is that rented?) volumes are non trivial issues.
