All Content Tagged With: "ebooks"

Digital kids’ books storming BEA

We're off, heading to NYC for the nation's largest collective on publishing,Book Expo America.  It's funny, in a way…the first time we wandered the many aisles of the Javits Center, the MobiStories team felt somewhat alone.  There were plenty of books, publishers, distributors, but nary a digital book to be found.  In fact, there were select moments of actual scoffing when we attended several years ago…looks that told what the stodgy old publishers didn't dare say aloud, "Digital books for children?  No paper, no cover, no spine??  You're crazy!  No one would ever conceive of purchasing such a thing for kids!"

Well, the times they aren't a-changing; they have a-changed.  Eh, we knew they'd come around.  Last year was the year of 'digital' it seemed - every publisher trying to figure out what it meant, how to implement it.  This year should be interesting.  Several players are comitted to publishing digitally, some still waiting to see how it plays out.  Can't wait to hear their thoughts on what children's books can become, no longer just a one-dimensional book but  so much more, like The Marvelous Toy…..the sky's the limit. 

Sick of Winter? This will make you smile

Just when you think your wrists may break from all the shoveling and you swear you're moving to warmer climes ASAP, snuggle up with your little one and remember the joys of "Winter":

Coming Soon in the iTunes App Store!

Educational Tech Trends for 2010

It's a new year and a great time to see what's coming down the pike in technology and education.  Here at MobiStories, we can already see the big changes on the horizon in digital publishing: 2010 is going to be the year of the digital book and ebooks. So what does all this mean to the classroom?  According to an article written by Bridget McCrea in THE Journal, here are the top five technology trends and tools to keep an eye on:

eBooks Will Continue to Proliferate

Although it will be some time before math and English textbooks are replaced by eBooks due to needed advancements in color, graphics and animation, Gerry Purdy, chief analyst for the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, says eBooks "will gain traction in the K-12 arena this year."

Netbook Functionality Will Grow

Netbooks will become more and more popular in schools as they become more affordable and will also help streamline technology by eliminating the need for multiple devices.

More Teachers Will Use Interactive Whiteboards

Federal economic stimulus funds are helping to advance the use of whiteboards. These tools promote "engaged learning," says Sheryl Abshire, chief technology officer for Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, LA, and they "serve as a catalyst for getting students out of their seats and up to the board to learn."

Personal Devices Will Infiltrate the Classroom

Once thought of only as a distraction, the use of smart phones and iPods in the classroom is beginning to gain the approval of teachers and administrators. "We used to think this was a 'teen' phenomenon," said Purdy. "But it's now culturally acceptable for someone as young as seven or eight years old to have a cell phone. It won't be long before every student will have access to one or more wireless, portable devices in the classroom."

Technology Will Enable Tailored Curricula

New student assessment tools are being developed that will create an easier way for teachers and administrators "to assess, record and track individual student performance in the classroom."

"Historically, schools have given specialized attention to students who 'fall out of the system,' but not when it comes to applying individual curriculum to a broader population," said David Stienes, principal with private equity fund LLR Partners in Philadelphia. "Look for technology to change that in the near future."

What do you think?

Do you agree with these predictions?
What, if any, challenges need to be overcome before any of these technology trends can be appropriately and successfully integrated into the classroom?

Click here to read the full article. 

Summer

Here’s a short preview to show what you can do with this Interactive MobiStory.
Actual book will fill your screen.

Download to your computer or iPhone/iPad

Our Price $3.99

Get the app

Children will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Summer as told by another child. Feel the warm summer breeze on the beach as you learn new words and bask in the waves! Then see how quickly you can complete each of the 4 puzzles on every page! Bold illustrations with simple text read by a child in English or Spanish. Mix and match language and text! Fabulous sound effects and 4 levels of jigsaw puzzle on every page make reading more fun than ever before! This interactive MobiStory can play as a traditional Read to Me style book or you can turn the pages
back and forth yourself!

Ages 2 to 6 years

Author: Chris Demarest
Illustrator: Chris Demarest
Narrator: Marina Toone
Music: Christopher Kennedy
Illustration Enhancements: Rick Toone
Format: PC, MAC      iPhone/iTouch/iPad available through iTunes

The great thing about MobiStories digital children’s picture books is that they’re there for you when you’re unable to read to the kids yourself!

The words, while spare, have been carefully chosen to create a level of anticipation and excitement for even the youngest of listeners.

Lisa Marie Gangemi, Sousa Elementary School, Port Washington, NY

Created by parents with advice from educators, literacy experts and childhood development specialists, this MobiStories e-book application is perfect for the pre and early reader.

Features

Within this MobiStories e-book, you are able to:

• Select the language, sit back, relax and enjoy the story, or …
  Choose an Interactive Experience whereby each page is read, but also includes a jigsaw puzzle.
• Double click page to start puzzle.
• Select 6, 12, 25 or 36 pieces to match your skill! See how quickly you can complete each one!
• Sound effects congratulate you on correct piece placement.
• Listen to the narration in English or Spanish.
• Read the accompanying text in English or Spanish.
• Mix and match the text and narration languages: read Spanish while listening to English!
• Enjoy colorful illustrations, simple rhyming text and fabulous steam train sound effects.
• Auto page turn or swipe it yourself.

This interactive flash file will play on any computer!

Impress your friends and learn a few words of a new language!

Features 4 interactive jigsaw puzzles on every page!

Our Price $3.99