Lessons Learned in an Experiment comparing PDF Format and EPUB Format in an Arabic Language Secondary Level Grade 2 Biology Classroom in Khartoum

E-books come in many formats including PDF, MOBI, and EPUB. Some e-books format can be read on special e-reader devices such as the iPad from Apple, Nook form Barnes & Noble, the Kindle form Amazon and Reader for Sony. Some e-book formats can be read through different reader devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones by using special e-book reader software. Secondary level textbook e-books in Khartoum are prepared into PDF format. The PDF format is extremely difficult to read on small devices. This is because PDF format aims to keep the format and size of the PDF document identical on all devices. This requires a user of a small mobile device to scroll horizontally as well as vertically on the device. EPUB format, on the other hand, allows the user to configure features such as font size, screen size, etc, thereby making it easier to read the document on a small mobile device. This research specifically looked at using EPUB format documents in an Arabic speaking classroom with Arabic language textbooks. The use of EPUB allowed pupils to load the textbook onto their own small personal mobile devices. This paper described the results of an experiement in a secondary level Grade 2 Biology classroom in Khartoum, Sudan.