eReaders in the ECISD

As some of you may know, eBook readers were requested during the latest round of MiniGrants. To facilitate uniform adoption of devices that align to Technology and Purchasing Dept guidelines, the EC Technology Operations team solicited feedback and reviewed various ebook reader solutions. 

EC Technology Operations staff also worked collaboratively with Ms. Walker, Ms. Burns in Purchasing, district/campus librarians and technology coordinators to develop a process for acquiring ebook readers and ebook content. This is important in light of OverDrive access to content that will be available later this school year.

This process--along with recommendations, etc.--can be found online at

http://bit.ly/ecreads

Campuses awarded and using ECISD Foundation LeRoy Smith Teacher MiniGrants for eBook Readers plan to use eBook readers throughout the day in all subject areas to enhance student engagement .

Below, you'll find some of the salient points from the EC Reads web site:

Find out more online at the Barnes and Noble web site.

WHY IS THE NOOK SIMPLE TOUCH ($99) THE RECOMMENDED eBOOK READER?
There are several reasons for that, and those are outlined below:

1. The device is compatible with ePUB, PDF, common image formats.
2. OverDrive compatible
3. The device does not require a credit card or Barnes and Noble account to be managed individually per device.
4. Completely free content can be "side-loaded" via USB cable onto the device.
5. Content for the device can be purchased using a District Purchase Order (as opposed to a credit card)
6. The device meets the Technology Department's specifications for an eReader, including WiFi compatibility with our network, memory expansion slot, etc.

HOW CAN MY CAMPUS, LIBRARY OR CLASSROOM ORDER NOOK SIMPLE TOUCH eBOOK READERS?

1. Please note that Nook devices must be ordered in minimum quantities of 10. 
2. To facilitate orders of 10 or more, please work in collaboration with the EC Technology Operations Office, and, in particular, Jill Sievers (Email: jill.sievers@ecisd.net; 210-649-2343).
3. If you have an order for Nooks that is less than 10, the EC Technology Operations Office will work to combine your order with others District-wide.

ECISD PROCESS FOR ACQUIRING EBOOKS

1. The Classroom Teacher first identifies content (e.g. ebooks) that he/she has deemed essential for instruction. 
2. The Classroom Teacher completes a Form--to be designed with feedback from librarians--containing the requisite device names and requested content that is submitted to the Campus Librarian or designee.
3. Campus librarian (or designee) sends the list via email or fax to the Barnes & Noble (BN) representative (San Pedro Store).
4. The Barnes & Noble (BN) representative prepares a quote, then sends it to the Campus Librarian. Since no new content--unless it's side-loaded--can be placed on the device(s) without a Purchase Order, please be aware of the following:
1. Free content - Librarian or teacher fills out an online form that is sent to Technology Dept and content is processed using a "paper"  PO managed by the Tech Dept. When the PO has been completed, the Tech Dept will notify the contact listed on the form.
2. Paid content - Librarian forwards the BN quote to the appropriate campus agent (secretary, finance clerk, etc), and the PO is handled at the campus level.
5. Purchase Order is sent to Barnes & Noble representative.
6. The Campus Librarian is notified when content is available for download.
7. Teachers "switch on" WiFi access on each device and download content.
8. Once the content is downloaded, the delivery receipt is signed and the PO will be paid.

Notes:

• To initiate a purchase of BN Nook Simple Touch devices, please note that there must be a minimum of 10 for the first district purchase. 
• All devices will be ordered through the Technology Department, who will in turn notify Campus Librarians and Campus Technology Coordinator(s).
• eBook management on the Campus will be done by the Campus Librarian or Principal designee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Classroom Use and Content
1. Can I load more ebooks onto the device?
   Response: Yes, you can "side-load" non-Digital Rights Management (DRM) content in a variety of formats--such as ePub, PDF--onto a Nook. If you have other content, they can be formatted for placement on the Nook using a free, open source program known asCalibre.
2. Does all have content for the Nook SimpleTouch have to come through Barnes and Noble?
   Response: Aside from OverDrive and free, non-DRM content that is side-loaded onto the Nook, yes, all content would have to be purchased via Barnes and Noble.
3. How could I display the Nook to the whole class?
   Response: You could use a document camera (a.k.a. ELMO) to project the display of the Nook. There is no way to connect the Nook directly to a digital projector.
2. Funding
1. Can I use Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) funds to purchase ebook readers?Response: Yes.
3. Management and Checkout
1. Is there a form available for students to check out devices overnight when they take them home?Response: Not at this time. Teachers using eReaders in their classroom are encouraged to "check out" devices and have students acknowledge receipt. It is also recommended teachers send a note home to parents advising them that their child may be bringing an eReader home with them.