Kindle

This page is part of a larger technology guide for distance and digital learning tools, which was created to fulfill the requirements of the portfolio project for OTL542.

Kindle is an e-reader tablet designed and marketed by Amazon since 2007. Kindle devices enable users to purchase, download, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, and other forms of digital media.

Kindle in m-Learning
Kindle is a piece of hardware (a tablet) as well as an application for reading e-books, meaning that it may not strictly qualify as mobile learning since it is not accessed through the student's cell phone. It is, however, a portable device using a wireless broadband connection to access information. The most straightforward educational application of the Kindle is to serve as a replacement for physical textbooks. The benefits here are actually quite considerable as e-books (especially e-book rentals) tend to be much more affordable than physical textbooks, they can be accessed immediately after online purchase without waiting (or paying) for shipping, and e-books are far lighter and more portable, especially for students who must use multiple textbooks in a semester. However, the National Federation of the Blind points to significant accessibility issues with the Kindle, which reflect concerns common to many popular e-learning tools.

Additional Resources

 * Kindle app--Amazon.com. Download the official Kindle app from Amazon.
 * Education World. Tips for educators interested in using Kindle e-readers in the classroom.