As I simply adore reading, and that is something I wish impart to the children I teach. Now we come across the concept of eBooks, books that are created on a computer, that are interactive. Many books are simply “turn the page”, some have audio along with it, others have sound effects, images, animations and activities that would enhance the reading experience, particularly for reluctant readers or provide the required support for special needs and ESL students.
The four main concepts of ebooks are:
1) Content – what is being talked about/the story behind this idea
2) Background and Images – the visual representations
3) Sound – Addition of a verbal reading of the text or sound effects
4) Text – The writing itself.
The ebooks are not incredibly difficult to make and they can be factual or fictional. Using powerpoint, they can be saved and used again and again, the children can burn their work to cd or take it home as a USB to show their parents! eBooks are brilliant because there is little cost involved for the programs that are being used, they can be reproduced for use at home or having a number of students using them at the same time. It also incorporates many elements of learning about technology such as adding new pages, working with powerpoint, adding photos, text, audio, and animations.
Imagine having a group in literature circles being able to access the eBook created by their teacher for their particular reading level, learning needs, and interest. With headphones they could read off the computer or have it read to them using an audio tool, be taken to appropriate pages online for more factual information or simply enjoy a well told tale. The prospects of ebooks are exciting indeed.
Below you can see an example of an eBook with sound, images, and text.
