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Tech Tuesday: Book Creator

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What is it?

Book Creator is a way for students and teachers to express their creativity through the creation of books. The application can be used both on Google Chrome as well as on the iPad. Using Book Creator, students and teachers are able to include and combine text, images, audio, and video, giving them endless opportunities to create something memorable. One of the best parts about Book Creator is that there is no limit to who can use it. The age of students ranges from kindergarten to college, which shows that Book Creator is easy to use for any age group.

 

How it Works

The Book Creator process is simple. Once an account is created, users have free rein to choose what their book will be about. Some examples of books that have been or can be created include: “about me” books, poetry books, digital portfolios, interactive stories, or even a math or science lesson.

 

Once the book is finished, users have the opportunity to publish their book. The published book is then shared with both their classmates as well as others around the world. One class even published their books on the Apple iBookstore and six of the students’ books were featured in the top 150 downloads!

 

The Positives

Students can sometimes be reluctant to participate in class. Utilizing Book Creator in the classroom gives a voice to those students who are hesitant to speak up or participate in class discussions. The book creations from students also help to demonstrate their understanding of a lesson. Book Creator also offers an option for global collaboration, where classrooms from different parts of the world can work on a project simultaneously, without actually being in the same place.

 

What Teachers are Saying

“This is authentic learning at its best. My students have a voice.”

–  Jane Ross, Digital Literacy Coach

 

“Book Creator has provided such a user-friendly platform. Students’ ability to create and share audio and visual content truly engages “student voice and choice” in math class!”

  • Cathy Yenca, Middle School Mathematics Teacher
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Schools to Consult with Parents over Smartphone Usage

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Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. recently announced that the Department of Education will soon publish a circular requiring schools to discuss the use of smartphones and tablets in schools with teachers, parents and students.

The use of smartphones by students while in school is something of a hot topic as of late and many schools are anxious for the issue to be addressed.

As part of the Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016, a new law requires all schools to discuss various issues with parents and students and to enact a Parent and Student Charter that complies with the national statutory guidelines, something which the smartphone issue falls under.

As part of the discussion, schools will be required to engage with parents and students in regards to several areas of this topic:

  • The appropriate use of smartphones and tablets in schools
  • The restrictions required to ensure proper usage
  • If schools should allow such devices to be used outside of class time

As noted by Minister Bruton at the Teachers Union of Ireland conference held on April 4th, the use of smartphones and tablets by young people is an area of concern for parents and teachers alike, so hopefully the oncoming discussion will prove fruitful for all parties.

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