testing ebook free download

1.      download testing book file information

1. 1. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials ICS 660: Human Factors Professor Bellaver Center for Information and Communication Sciences Lauren Edwards Adam Harrington Chin-Gi Hong Ravi Koyyalamudi Taek Hee Lee -1-

1. 2. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Table of Contents -2-

1. 3. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Introduction In previous years, The Center for Information and Communication Sciences, in conjunction with the Human Factors Institute and ICS 660: Human Factors, has participated in several eBook-related research projects. However, this semester has provided a very specific shift in focus. Previous research indicates that students of all ages posses the ability to utilize the ebook device. The project must now focus on the rejuvenation of the ebook device as a legitimate alternative to traditional paper-based texts, specifically in an educational environment. Division of Labor In the Spring Semester of 2005, Professor Bellaver’s section of ICS 660 offered three separate ebook-related projects: a “new content” team, a dictionary testing team, and an international ebook team. Overall objectives for each component of the overall project were initially defined as follows: New Content Filling a void in previously conducted research, this team was to acquire math and reading content for testing. This entailed developing relationships through the solicitation of material from publishers, conversion of the content into a digital format, and then the application of it to the ebook reading device. An additional objective was be to integrate multiple choice questions into the content, a method which to this point had remained previously unexplored. -3-

1. 4. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Dictionary Testing A previous study (Huffer Phase II – See Appendix B) conducted by CICS tested the ability for a student to retain information delivered in a digital format. The material was presented in the form of a dictionary, and data was collected through the issuance of a take-home test and a follow-up post test conducted at Huffer. This team recreated the research previously conducted to validate those findings. International eBook Exploration The core objective for the international team was to create a working relationship with Hiebook, the creator of a Korean device, and Sony, creator the Librie, a Japanese reader. Other secondary objectives included discovering other devices on the market and pursing the acquirement of these for further testing. Evolution of Project Objectives New Content Through the progression of the semester, project requirements and objectives began to evolve. The “new content” team had the initial expectation of conducting testing at Huffer Memorial Children’s Center, however, successfully testing the learnability of children with regards to the eBook in a lesson-based setting would prove to be difficult. Currently, our research site (Huffer Memorial) does not proactively administer a prescribed lesson plan, therefore testing on a specific subject (basic addition, for example) would not be possible to validate, as the status of the child’s knowledge is not known. Upon an initial analysis of the project requirements for the New Content team, it became increasingly evident that corporation beyond that of the Huffer Memorial Children’s Center would be required. -4-

1. 5. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials International eBook Exploration The International eBook team originally aimed to establish a relationship with Hiebook, a Korean manufacturer of ebook devices. Benefiting the inclusion of Korean speakers on the team, the group was able to directly call Korea, only to find that the company had shifted away from the Hiebook device, as the market did not support the continuation of production. Sony had suffered from the same issue, and both had seemingly gravitated away from their respective devices. At this point, both teams were forced to reevaluate their individual situations and regroup. The new content team would proceed in new conversion practices; attempt to create a working relationship with the Muncie Community Schools, and research previous ebook studies. The international The Provision of Valid Statistics As the overriding goal of ebook research, the ultimate objective is to prove that these digital media delivery devices add significant value to a learning environment. However, successfully proving this requires cooperation with learning institutes. The electronic content must be delivered in a precise manner in complete concert with the prescribed lesson plan. On March 28th, 2005, the Muncie Community Schools Board of Directors met to analyze and discuss our IRB proposal. This is a step in the right direction, though it is important to note the high level of bureaucratic obstacles which may arise through the collaboration with state-sponsored learning institutions. Other possibilities are available, however. Ball State University possesses a working relationship with the Burris School, and has enjoyed a history of collaboration -5-

1. 6. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials with Ball State University, specifically with the Teachers College. Another, more difficult possibility, would include the implementation of digital learning devices in lesson plans of home-schooled children. As home-schooled children are inherently educationally-isolated, several separate tests would have to be conducted, with the actual content varying by subject. The compilation of several home-schooled subjects’ proficiency reports would conclude the validity and value of digital readers in the educational environment. Overview of Content Conversion Standard File Format for Reading Devices: OEB (Open eBook) format At present, most of eBook devices and programs rely on competing, mutually incompatible file formats or "standards" including .rb (the Gemstar format), .lit (Microsoft), and .PDF (Adobe). This creates a challenge both for ePublishers (as they must convert their content to multiple formats) and for their customers (they must purchase content for one device or program can't be read on any others). For better or worse, it is currently unlikely that any single format will become dominant in the near future. Many companies in the eBook arena, however, are participating in an effort to develop a cross-platform standard called the Open eBook (OEB) format, which will enable publishers to digitize their content just once, and then convert it to any OEB- compliant format for final delivery. PC-based eBook Software While any electronic document could be considered an "eBook," true eBook software is optimized for reading rather than developing content, and most eBook software attempts in some way to simulate the experience of reading a paper book. At -6-

1. 7. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials first, our team used Gemstar’s converting software, a program which is required in order to change .html, .doc, .PDF, and jpeg files to the dedicated file format of the eBook reading devices. Ball State University already had purchased a campus license of Gemstar’s converting program, the Gemstar eBook Publisher, and it contains several crucial features which proved critical for the research conducted in this project. Key Features of Gemstar eBook Publisher The Gemstar eBook Publisher is the content conversion and publishing tool for creating professionally formatted content. This GUI-based tool runs under Windows and MacOS and provides the capability to import, manage and preview content before packaging it for viewing on an eBook device. The Gemstar eBook Publisher allows you to create unencrypted personal content that can be moved directly from your PC/Mac computer to your eBook's SmartMedia or Compact Flash memory card, however, it is important that you upgrade your eBook firmware to version 3.3 for this to work correctly. Creating personal content with the Gemstar eBook Publisher allows you to easily transfer user-created content from your PC/Mac computer to a REB 1200, GEB 1150, GEB 2150, and GEB 2200. This additional method of supporting personal content will continue to function even if Gemstar eBook Group Ltd. shuts down the eBook server systems and Online Bookshelves.1 Process for Conversion Using the Gemstar eBook Publisher is a rather intense and time-consuming process. There are several necessary steps which must be taken in order to successfully translate material into an eBook-ready form, and the following is an overview of these procedures. 1 GemstareBook.com (2005), website; http://www.gemstar-ebook.com/ebcontent/supt/pubtools.asp -7-

1. 8. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials 1. Selection of Content: Though a rather simplistic part of the process, the content selected will determine which future conversion steps are necessary. Material which contains images requires additional labor to successfully convert the content (for the purpose of this project, graphic-intensive content was selected in order to increase the appeal to children). 2. Image Scanning: When scanning books which include images, set the resolution with 200 dpi (dot per inch). At first, I didn’t catch the resolution limitation of REB 1100 (RCA’s eBook reader), so it took much more time than normal text. Scanning these images with more than 300 dpi will result in the REB 1100 displaying the converted content with reduced performance. 3. Editing images with Adobe Photoshop: This program was necessary for editing our contents including images. Every scanned image should be 495 by 600 pixels and converted to the jpeg format. 4. Creating HTML with Macromedia Dreamweaver: After finishing above all steps, place the converted text and jpeg images into the HTML appropriately. 5. Place all HTML pages into the Gemstar eBook Publisher: This is an easy process, but contains a few tricks. If the resolution of each HTML pages including text and images was not matching correctly, there could be breaking on the link that was merged with image. An Alternative: The GEB Librarian “In the wake of Gemstar's announcement that they are withdrawing from the eBook market, the GEB eBook Librarian was created to allow users of the Gemstar eBook device (including the REB1100, REB1200, GEB1150 and GEB2150 models) to create (from DOC, RTF, HTML, RB and TXT files) and download personal content (in -8-

1. 9. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials native .IMP and .RB file format) to their eBook devices directly from their PCs for managing their own personal content.” Key Features of GEB eBook Librarian: • Creating content for REB 1100 &1200, GEB 1150 & 2150 eBook device • Creating eBook’s from .RB, .DOC, .RTF, HTML, .TXT source files • Connecting and transferring eBook’s to your device using USB (1150 devices) or Ethernet (1200/2150 devices) 2 The GEB eBook Librarian is very convenient to use, but contains a few intricacies which must be acknowledged. The following is a detailed explanation of the processes used when creating digital eBook-ready content with this software. Figures 1 and 2 show the setup steps for initializing new content for an eBook. I can choose my default folder for bookshelves and export directory. And I can change the model of eBook device. After finishing set-up step, the source file and device type again as Figure 3 and Figure 4 show below. It takes very short time for each HTML page. Figure 5 is the image of successful result. Figure 6, however, indicates the result of a converting failure. The reason of failure is the resolution and HTML page size. When you make jpeg image file and HTML page, you have to match the resolution with each type of eBook device individually. If you miss this point, you have to spend more time than you expected. 2 Breeno.org (2005), website: http://www.breeno.org/eBook/ -9-

1. 10. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials <Figure 1> <Figure 2> <Figure 3> - 10 -

1. 11. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials <Figure 4> <Figure 5> <Figure 6> Content Conversion Conclusion - 11 -

1. 12. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Literature Review Background Precursors to the electronic method of information dissemination include the oral tradition, pictographs, and the written word. The traditional “textbook” has been around for many generations. However, with the advent of the Information Age, a newer and more sophisticated method has emerged—the electronic book (eBook). According to a recent study, the criteria that currently define an eBook consist of (Anderson-Inman & Horney, 1999): 1. An electronic book must have electronic text, which must be presented to the reader visually. 2. The software must adopt the metaphor of a book in some significant way. 3. The software has to have a focus or an organizing theme. 4. When media other than text are available, they are primarily used to support or enhance the text. In addition to merely classifying the eBook device, literature has also addressed the issue of best practices. Schumm and Stickler (1991) assert that adapting textbooks without the use of computer technology for specific audiences has shown positive results through: 1. Reading text aloud to students; 2. Using related pictures, recordings, or video; 3. Constructing abridged versions of the text; 4. Providing students with outlines or summaries; 5. Using a multilevel approach; - 12 -

1. 13. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials 6. Introducing key vocabulary in a pre-reading situation; 7. Summarizing textbook information; 8. Reducing the length of assignments; 9. Slowing the pace of the instruction; and 10. Teaching students to take notes and record key concepts and terms. The article Reading, Writing, and Publishing Digital Text suggests that several of these strategies for enhancing reading skills could be implemented successfully with today's eBooks and electronic readers. Some examples of these best practices that are transportable to the digital format include the following: 1. Digitized text to speech. Text can be translated into a computer-generated voice by almost any computer system currently available. 2. Pictures, recordings, or video. These types of media are well established on the Web and are easily incorporated into HTML, PDF, and other file formats for electronic books. 3. Abridged material. This can be done by including chapter outlines, summaries, graphic organizers, or study guides. This can include alternate media as well as text rewritten at different reading levels. 4. Key vocabulary. Different text styles can indicate new vocabulary and at the same time provide a hypertext link to reference materials or a text-to-speech pronunciation of the word. 5. Content organization and modification of pace. Font size and pagination can organize content into more readable units. 6. Study skills. Electronic note taking, underlining, and bookmarking can provide students with options and encourage using the functions for studying. - 13 -

1. 14. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials The following sections will review specific research and studies that have been conducted in relation to the eBook, as well as provide a look at future considerations for this technology. Research Electronic Textbooks: A Pilot Study of Student E-Reading Habits (Source: Dr. Eric J. Simon (2001). According to Dr. Eric J. Simon, (Assistant Professor of Biology, Fordham College at Lincoln Center), all of the necessary elements are in place to widespread electronic books as an educational tool: inexpensive but highly functional portable reading devices, an increasing number of available book titles, and a technologically literate student population hungry for new media. In order to better design the e-reading education for college students, Dr. Simon conducted a pilot study to test which e-book features students used and valued. Design of the study: It was conducted at Fordham College (midtown Manhattan) during the academic year 99/00. The participants’ population spanned a wide range of age and background. All the volunteers were involved in Dr. Simon’s Biology course. The devices used in the test were the Rocket eBook, loaned by NuvoMedia, Inc. All of the assigned reading for the course was written Dr. Simon and converted into e- book format using software provided by the manufacturer. During the school-year semesters, students downloaded a reading chapter every week through their PCs via a supplied dock. The feedback was provided to Dr. Simon through surveys filled out by the participants at the end of each semester. - 14 -

1. 15. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Use of features: The main concern for educators when they are confronted to an eBook is whether or not it can easily reproduce the common functions associated with printed books: • Glossary lookup (65%) • Bookmarking (55%) • Highlighting (50%) • Annotations (40%) The percentage indicates the amount of students who actually used those functionalities. It is worth noting that those numbers are close to a survey conducted in 1998 by Dr. Stanley Wearden. Perceived satisfaction and value: Globally the students involved in the test were very satisfied with the use of eBook. It is noticeable that 84% of them are willing to pay $200 to purchase the eBook model they used during the test. Development of the eBook as an educational tool is not slowed down by the student’s lake of interest, but by the “chicken-and-egg” paradox. Publishers are hesitant to introduce more titles until eBooks are widely used, but widespread use is unlikely until more titles are available. - 15 -

1. 16. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials Percentage Responding Question Yes Would you recommend using an e-book in college 100 courses to a friend? Do you wish other courses offered an e-book option? 95 Would an e-book option ever affect your selection of 58 a course? (i.e. would you ever be more inclined to take a particular section if it offered an e-book option.) If you knew that every one of 4 courses that you 84 were taking next semester had the option of an e- book, would you be willing to spend $200, in addition to any textbook costs, to purchase one? Conclusions: The student volunteers who used an e-book for a semester in Dr. Simon’s introductory science course were clearly pleased with the experience and wanted more. In order for e-books to gain widespread acceptance as an educational tool, they must reproduce the many easy-to-use features of a printed book, which is the case for Rocket eBook for instance. Moreover, E-books offer several features of considerable value to college students, such as the ability to store large amounts of material, high- - 16 -

1. 17. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials quality screens with backlighting for reading in many situations, and a lightweight and easy-to-use design. Electronic Textbook Pilot a Success for Florida Public Schools (Source: Pearson Education (March 12, 2003). Retrieved March 1st, 2005 from Website:  This article relates the overwhelming success encountered by an interactive electronic textbook pilot program launched by Pearson Prentice Hall in five Florida public schools for grades seven, nine, and eleven. Pearson Prentice Hall is the middle and high school division of Pearson Education, the global leader in integrated educational publishing. About Pearson Education: Educating 100 millions people worldwide, Pearson Education provides quality content, assessment tools, and educational services in all available media, covering education for all levels from birth through college and beyond. Pearson Education is part of Pearson, the international media company. Pearson Education is also the global leader in online learning (e-learning) with nearly 2,000 textbook companion Web sites. About PH SuccessNet: PH SuccessNet is the single entrance gate for teacher and student to access all of Pearson Prentice Hall's online resources . It also hosts a robust Teacher Center where teachers can manage classes (calendar, on-line lessons, class info, and messaging board to communicate with students). The Miami-Dade County Public Schools released a report to emphasize the success encountered by the half-semester writing and grammar pilot program featured - 17 -

1. 18. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials iText launched by Pearson Prentice Hall. The report distinguished three major improvements brought by the pilot program: • Higher assignment completion rates were accomplished • Transition between electronic textbooks and applications like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, and internet searches was seamless and intuitive. • Students remained focused for longer periods of time • Globally students were more engaged and involved in curriculum content The iText is currently available for middle school writing and grammar, and science; high school biology; and high school writing and grammar. eBook Usability Study: Huffer Memorial Children’s Center, Phase I (Source: Gaylor, G., Ramey, M., & Rissman, C. (2004). eBook usability study: Huffer Memorial Children’s Center.) This research consisted of an eBook usability study conducted by graduate students in the Center of Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University. The study examined fifteen students, who were interviewed in a one on one environment at Huffer. After a period of usage with the eBooks, the participants were asked a series of 20 questions ranging from Likert Scale (1-5 scale) based questions to demonstration based questions. Results: The study found that 6 year old children enjoyed using the eBook much more than that of the 7, 8, and 9 year olds. The study also found that there was a positive relationship between the students and the technology: 9 of 15 rated the eBooks either 4 or 5 of a possible 5. Another factor that was examined was ease of use. Again, 9 of 15 - 18 -

1. 19. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials participants rated this category a 4 or 5 indicating that the eBook was relatively easy to use. Concerns: The study found that easy features, such as drawing, was used a lot, but more important educational features, such as highlighting and the dictionary, were not used often and rated more difficult. Conclusions: Findings showed that students who used the eBook with the in- class text loaded on it scored just as well on tests and quizzes as students who used a bound book to read and study from. From the result, Phase II (presented below) was formulated in order to further the research in this area. Future Considerations Many question whether the future for the eBook even exists. In the September- October, 2003 issue of the Futurist, David J. Staley declared that it in fact does exist, but that there will be many kinds of books and e-books. Staley (2003) referred to the 1991 book by Jay David Bolter, Writing Space; The Computer, Hypertext and the History of Writing. The idea and ideal of `the book,' he predicted, “will change; print will no longer define the organization and presentation of knowledge as it has done for five centuries.” Bolter admits that this transformation could possibly take decades to unfold, just as it did following the invention of the printing press that at first only intended to duplicate hand written manuscripts. Rossman (2002) predicts that we probably only dimly see the possibilities of what Bolter called “a network of verbal ideas,” with a map or maps to use in navigating them, movies and graphics, Web connections to vast encyclopedic databases, and instant access to original sources, the latest research or whatever. Rossman (2002) sets forth the idea that “learners need to be able to exercise choice at every moment of reading; choices - 19 -

1. 20. The eBook: Current Testing and Future Potentials related to their current interests, needs or assignments.” One important aspect of Rossman’s view of the future of the eBook is that it “can be more flexible for adapting to different cultures and instructional situations.” Taking this into account, material will no longer have to be “watered down to the least common denominator,” as is often the case with printed books that are limited by lack of space (Bolter 1991). Strategic Research Direction Regarding eBooks Security concerns ElcomSoft Co. Ltd. makes specific allegations about flaws it says exist in Adobe's eBook Library. These flaws make it possible for someone to "implement something like 'Denial-of-service' attack for the library" so that no books would be available to others. Adobe is working on security right continuously: “Security is an ongoing effort. We are committed to strengthening the security of our products by using sophisticated, industry- standard levels of software encryption and working with the software community, including 'White Hat' security experts, to incorporate features to advance the quality of our products.3” Hardware development E Ink has announced the development of world's thinnest active-matrix displays and recently demonstrated the technology at the Society for Information Display Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, in Boston, Massachusetts. The prototypes are around 90% thinner than typical LCD screens but, because built on steel foil, are less fragile than typical LCD screens built on glass.

Read More