EduBloggerCons are about conversations that teach. Questions are asked, problems posed, experiences shared, and everyone learns.

EduBloggerCon 2010 will be held Saturday, June 26, prior to ISTE 2010. Below is the topic I suggested.

Title: Analytic Tools for Evaluating E-Books & Educational Mobile Apps

Description: The potential for mobile learning devices such as Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices are very high. Optimal design features of e-books and educational mobile apps are yet to be specified, although some progress has been made in articulating high level generalizations of app design and construction. Research is mixed, for example, on the benefits of animations, hotspots and highlights as code-related supports for young readers. Helpful at times, these features also distract children from paying attention to print. Supportive sometimes, they also can be annoying, thus reducing engagement, especially for able readers. So–what design information do we have and what do we still need to construct good apps for young children? The research suggests three design domains for consideration: (1) multimedia design which focuses on how words (printed; spoken) and pictures (static; dynamic) are presented; (2) interface design which describes conventions of use, format, and controls; and (3) learning design which involves the basic features of instruction—the learn about loop of purpose, content and feedback. This discussion will take a closer look at the educational possibilities of these devices and applications for students, teachers and administrators and focus on how educators can identify quality apps for instructional purposes.

Facilitator(s): Jeremy Brueck & Christopher Craft

App Title: TumbleBooks ToGo Munsch 6-Pack

Grade Level: Pre-K – Grade 3

Description:

At the heart of early literacy experience is the storybook, which marks the young children’s entrée into literacy around the world. Its powerful role in literacy development is well documented in family literacy and early education. A staple of the bedtime (or nap) routine, the storybook shared between adult and child mediates what Don Holdaway referred to as an emerging literacy set: high expectations of print; models of book language; familiarity with written symbols; print conventions; listening skills; and de-contextualizing abilities (e.g., imaging) (Holdaway, 1979). Substantial research supports the claim that storybook reading prepares children for the learn-to-read process (Bus, 2001).

Roskos, K., & Brueck, J. (2009). The eBook as a Learning Object in an Online World. In A. Bus & S. Neuman (Eds.), Multimedia and Literacy Development (77-88). New York: Routeledge.

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As a TumbleBooks subscriber, I recently received an email announcing the launch of a BETA TumblePad 2.0 downloadable ebook reader for PC and Mac. This presents an interesting opportunity for teachers who have computers or laptops in their classrooms, but not internet access. This is actually the case in some of the Head Start classrooms that are part of the Akron Ready Steps program that I work closely with. I spent some time this morning the downloadable e-Book reader for Mac and thought I’d share some highlights and thoughts about this product with my Raised Digital readers. You’ll need to click on the images to view them at full-size.

• Installation is pretty straightforward.

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