Designing and Evaluating an Interactive Hawaiian Language e-Textbook

Today’s college students have access to a wide variety of technologies that can be used to support and enhance their educational careers. One such technology, the “e-textbook,” is leading many to abandon traditional textbooks in favor of these digital textbook alternatives. Research has shown that students enjoy the portability of digital textbooks, called “e-textbooks,” and especially appreciate their convenience and ease of use. The textbook currently being used by first year Hawaiian language students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is offered in print-only format, and the purpose of this usability study was to develop and evaluate the first two chapters of the textbook as an interactive Hawaiian language e-textbook. Eight first-year Hawaiian language students participated in the study, which included a usability protocol and pre- and post- attitudinal surveys. Results of the study indicated that students found the book easy to navigate, and enjoyed the interactive features of the book—including audio recordings, hyperlinks, and digital worksheets. Data collected from this study will be used to identify best practices in the design and usability of e-textbooks, and could potentially lead to the development of a complete e-textbook for students in the field of Hawaiian language.