PDF to iBooks

Reflection - Collecting PDF documents into their own location in iBooks can be very useful. I can access files from several different websites and then put them into one location. This way it is easily accessible for students and for myself. Instead of bookmarking a certain website, I can save certain PDF's from the website so the students can go directly to them.

Annotations in Project Gutenberg

Reflection - Using annotation options in iBooks was easy and effective. I wish I had had something like this when I was back in college. It would have helped so much with notetaking. I liked being able to highlight important parts and make notes in the margins. As far as students go, I think that older students might benefit from these tools more than younger students. The "define" option would help students understand the meaning of words that are too difficult. Using a highlighter is always a challenge with students because they are not always sure about what to highlight. Clear guidelines would have to be given in order to avoid students simply using a highlighter to enjoy the color. I do still prefer paper when it comes to looking back for certain information. I bookmark a page if it appears to be important at the time. But sometimes I am not aware until later that a certain part of a book is crucial to remember. Then it is easier for me to page back through a paper copy to find what I am looking for. 

Free ePub Books

Reflection - ePub books are very exciting to children. They are more engaged and involved in the reading process because it is something different and interactive. Many of the books I chose have video and audio links that provide even more to the reading experience. When students are reading ePub books, they are also provided a certain amount of privacy since others can't see what they are reading. This allows for different learning styles, preferences, and reading levels. I personally prefer ePub books for certain types of reading. I like that I can easily travel with many books, I can control the font size, and the price is usually less than a print book. It is also easier to read in the dark!

     But the librarian in me also sees the benefits to a traditional book. I like the hands-on, tactile action of touching a book, and turning its pages. I also think that kids need the experience of curling up with a book. It also works better in a group setting like story time. A traditional book might also allow a student to remain more focused, since all of the added video and audio could be distracting.