SELECTING AN E-(TEXT)BOOK: EVALUATION CRITERIA Cover Image

SELECTING AN E-(TEXT)BOOK: EVALUATION CRITERIA
SELECTING AN E-(TEXT)BOOK: EVALUATION CRITERIA

Author(s): Mariusz Marczak
Subject(s): Foreign languages learning
Published by: IATEFL Poland Computer Special Interest Group and The University of Nicosia
Keywords: e-book; e-textbook; evaluation

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to propose a repository of pre-use evaluation criteria for language teachers who wish to introduce e-books or e-textbooks to their own teaching practices. By selectively using a set of such criteria, they will be able to evaluate to what extent a given e-book/e-textbook lends itself to utilisation within their own teaching context. The paper briefly reviews the potential advantages of technology-enhanced language teaching. Then, it presents a range of manners in which e-books have been defined, outlines their most essential features, and demonstrates exemplary classifications of e-book types. The evaluation criteria proposed are informed by an analysis of three independent studies into the guidelines for e-book and e-textbook design, as well as the types and features of e-books presented within the paper. The outcome is a list of evaluation criteria pertaining to three aspects of an e-book: (i) layout and design; (ii) content and functionalities; and (iii) the reading device, file format and distribution.

  • Issue Year: 13/2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 29-41
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English