DATE: 3/21/2010

TO: Dr. Julie Staggers

FROM: Ana, Kyle, Dawn, Nathan, Amnon

SUBJECT: Sustainability Team 2 – Research Proposal

Our group will review the possibilities of using digital versions of college text available for students’ use. The prospect of such a proposal raises questions involving costs, how to prevent negative environmental impact, and the preference for students and faculty in such an idea.

Primary Research Questions

Cost of E-text vs. Hard Copy

Our research will primarily focus on the costs related to having e-versions of college text compared to the traditional hard copies. Average costs of hard copies for an average full-time student will be compared to similar costs for pre-existing e-versions of similar text offered by the same publishers supported by UNLV or other publishers. We will look into the costs and technical requirements of the needed electronic hardware. Online versions of college text will also be compared to ownership of digital text. Finally, the aspect of ‘online pirating’ will also be looked into.

Preventing Negative Environmental Impact of E-Text vs. Hard Copy

As we know, paper is much easier to recycle than electronic devices. However, in this modern age of information and computers, ownership of some type of electronic capable of displaying text is highly common. If a Kindle-like reader becomes widely used, the possibility of selling those readers to other users exists to prevent the possibility of electronic devices becoming waste that is harmful to the environment. This could become a new way of selling books to other students. The costs of refurbishing and repairing electronic devices such as laptops, netbooks, and e-readers will be researched to find ways of preventing these devices to enter public landfills. Costs of these refurbished items will also be researched, since most refurbished/repaired electronics generally sell for a lower price than a newly manufactured product.

Students’ Preference and Faculty Preference

Of course, if there is no one to support this idea, then the research going into it will become almost for nothing. The simplest way to find out if people are for or against this proposal would be to simply ask them, preferably on campus. This would perhaps be “sold” to them if we gather our research on the previous topics before setting out and doing small surveys of the student and faculty bodies.

Potential Problems

• The price of a Kindle™ starts at $200.  The University, even in the best of fiscal circumstances, could not be expected to bear this cost.  Students are stereotypically short on money.  The arrangement would have to be cost effective for a massive cross-section of the student body and acceptable to organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs that provide funding for individual students.

• There are several older students who are barely computer savvy. How would this affect them? They are taking basic computer classes to get used to technology. Would this not affect their ability to take classes effectively?  

Schedule

Name                                              In Charge of (Tentative, Will Change)

Kyle Anders                                                Proposal

Ana Patrnogich-arieli                                  Research

Nathan Douglas                                          Progress Report

Amnon Rosenberg                                      Recommendation Report

Dawn Girard                                               Gantt Chart, Audience Profiles, Final Report

Conclusion & Request for Approval

Research Sources & Strategies