Darden School of Business-Kindle Project FAQ

What is the Kindle pilot project?
The project is a two-semester pilot program to explore how the Kindle DX can enhance teaching and learning; positively affect environmental sustainability; reveal potential savings to schools and students; and promote effective applications of technology in higher education. The Darden School of Business has been selected to participate in the pilot program.

Which schools are participating?
Five schools from various segments of higher learning and the country are involved. Darden (business education); Arizona State University (large state institution); Case Western Reserve University (engineering school); Princeton University (Ivy League); and Reed College (small private college).

Which Darden students will receive Kindles?
We’re working on that. No decision has been made yet. We have not determined how many or who will receive the devices but it will be a relatively small number. We would like to have one section of incoming full time program students and the incoming class of the MBA for Executives receive them but that’s a goal. Darden is working closely with Amazon to confirm how many Kindle DX devices will be available for our pilot program. If we do select a group from the full time MBA program, and we expect we will, we will randomly select those individuals to ensure fairness.

Will students have to pay for the Kindles?
No. The students selected to participate in the pilot program will not have to pay for the devices nor will they pay additional charges for access to Kindle-ready course content. Student and faculty participants will be asked to take part in various surveys, focus groups and assessments throughout the pilot program.

Why is Darden participating in the project?
We see a number of potential wins for our students, faculty, school, and environment. There is no question the devices will have a great impact on environmental sustainability, an area in which Darden is greatly committed. In addition, it will give us the opportunity to advance the School in the technology arena. This project could lead to new teaching and learning approaches. Also, being selected as the representative for all graduate business schools is something we are happy to embrace.

If I’m not selected to participate in the pilot, can I buy my own Kindle and participate?
We can’t answer that just yet. Fortunately we have the summer months to determine all the details and answer all related questions. We have not yet had the time to consider the answer to this question. The schools in the pilot program were selected recently. We’ll be spending time with Amazon in the next several weeks to get everything in order.

What about faculty? Which professors will be chosen?
We will simultaneously examine student schedules and faculty schedules. Once a student is selected to participate, each of his/her professors will have the Kindle DX.

What about cases? Will they be available on the Kindle DX?
Yes.

Will you keep us up to date as the summer progresses?
We will. When there is a development to report, we will post it on the Darden web site so please check the home page periodically throughout the summer. In the meantime, please feel free to send your questions and comments pertaining to the Kindle Project to Darden at: communication@darden.virginia.edu. The questions and comments will be collected and sent to the appropriate individual at Darden. Responses will either be sent directly to you or posted on the web site.

Do you have anything else to share?
The pilot project was announced by Amazon on May 6, 2009. We have many details to work out.  We are truly at the beginning stages---that’s why we are unable, at this time, to share some facts. But we will keep you notified. Thank you for your interest in the project.