eBooks and Audiobooks
ePlatform is your easy way to borrow and read eBooks and Audiobooks
It's simple and enjoyable.
The setup is simple to complete and it works a treat! Keep reading to learn about setting up the app or go straight to the website on your computer: https://smithshillhighschool.wheelers.co/
Through ePlatform you are able to browse for, borrow and read eBooks and Audiobooks anywhere, anytime, on multiple devices.
Anything you can download an app on or your laptop works just fine. You can swap between devices and it will keep track of where you are up to.
How do you read eBooks or listen to Audiobooks?
The simplest way to read eBooks or listen to Audiobooks is to access the free ePlatform app. Through this app you can easily find your library, then access all your titles and read or listen to them– even if offline, all via your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The app can be accessed on an Android phone, iPhone, iPad and laptop. Using it is as easy as 1-2-3:
Download the ePlatform app from the Apple, Google Play or Windows app stores.
Look for your library (Smith's Hill High School) or use the school setup code 0966, and log in with your normal school login details - you’ll only need to do this once.
Search for, borrow and read or listen to any book you want!
For more information on the app and where to download it from read our app information.
Both the ePlatform app and website allow eBooks to be read via your browser. This means you can read either online or offline, and have access to a full range of display settings so you can customise your reading experience to match your preferences. For more on this see our browser reader information.
Audiobooks can be accessed just like the eBooks, but for offline listening, you will have to download the title first. To download an Audiobook you only need the ePlatform app - no extra software is acquired. After that, you can listen to your Audiobook anywhere and anytime.
Connect your app to the SHHS collection in ePlatform by scanning the QR code below or entering the School Setup Code: 0966
App Features and Benefits
The ePlatform app offers you the most engaging and enjoyable eBook reading experience. Why?
No need for additional reader software
full-screen reading mode
Many ways to customize how eBooks are displayed - font style, font size, background colour, character/line spacing
Settings for dyslexia and night time reading
One click access to eBooks you're reading
Your eBooks are available even after you've disconnected from the internet
Features such as highlighting sections of text, adding notes, dictionary, thesaurus and links to Google search results for selected words
The ePlatform app also offers you a very convenient and appealing Audiobook listening experience. Why?
No need for additional audio software
Ability to download Audiobooks, so you can listen to them even when offline
One click access to Audiobooks you're currently listening to
Ability to browse while listening to your Audiobook
What devices can you use ePlatform on?
Apple devices (eg. iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (requires iOS7 or higher))
Download the app from Apple App Store.Android devices (eg. Galaxy Tab, Galaxy S, Galaxy Note, HTC devices)
Download the app from Google Play.Windows tablets (NOT Windows phones)
Download the app from Windows store.Desktop or laptop (PC or Mac)
Read via your browser or download reader software and create an Adobe ID. See our guide to setting this up.Kobo eReader, Sony eReader or Nook eReader
Download Adobe Digital Editions and create an Adobe ID. See our guide to setting this up.
For more information on the ePlatform app and how to access ePlatform from a range of different devices, read our Apps page.
Are Audiobooks Not As Good As Printed Books?
Recent research has found that listening and reading evoke almost identical brain activity. When the words of a story enter the brain from listening or reading, the brain activates the same areas to represent their semantics, or meaning. Detailed brain scans during reading and listening show almost identical brain activity (Deniz et al., 2019)
The act of reading text (decoding) requires mental effort. When someone reads for you, it actually frees up some brainpower which allows the listener to imagine the story more richly. Listening to books can actually increase comprehension (Moran, 2017). Reading a printed book in your hands is great; what we want you to know is that listening to an audiobook is also great, just different.
If you are a busy person who does not have much time for reading, perhaps try an audiobook when you are doing something simple like going for a walk or doing the dishes at night. Long drives in the car are ideal for an audiobook -better than eye-spy! Once you get how good audiobooks are, you'll start finding opportunities daily and your love of reading will only grow.
Wollongong City Library ebooks and Audiobooks
In addition to SHHS eBooks and Audiobooks from ePlatform, Wollongong City Library offers a massive collection of eBooks and Audiobooks, I would suggest that the first of their apps to try would be Libby and Borrowbox. Borrowbox is great for Australian authors. Go to their website to learn more, if you have issues with your membership number, just call the friendly Wollongong City Library team for help.
https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/borrow/ebooks
Getting help with this is easy, ask your friendly library staff anytime!
References
Deniz, F., Nunez-Elizalde, A. O., Huth, A. G., & Gallant, J. L. (2019). The Representation of Semantic Information Across Human Cerebral Cortex During Listening Versus Reading Is Invariant to Stimulus Modality. The Journal of Neuroscience, 39(39), 7722. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0675-19.2019
Moran, K. (2017). 7 Ways Audiobooks Benefit Students Who Struggle with Reading. Learning Ally. Retrieved 19/05 from https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/-7-Ways-Audiobooks-Benefit-Students-Who-Struggle-With-Reading