Epic Description: Epic is a reading platform that has access to thousands of high-quality books.

Website: https://www.getepic.com/sign-in

Cost: Free online.

Pedagogical Uses: Educator's can use this tool to set up student accounts for listening to reading practice and/or independent reading. Students can add favorites to their library and build a collection of what they like to read.

Idea 1: Track student progress by books read or minutes complete.

Idea 2: Assign books, collections, or videos for students to complete.

Idea 3: Have students complete a quiz to check comprehension after reading.

Why should teachers use it?

Epic allows students to read grade specific books that hold high-interests. Teachers are able to send students collections to read. They have options for books to be read to them or audio versions. The daily reading chart shows a quick snippet of student goals for their reading minutes.

ISTE Standards

Teacher Standards:

#6 - Facilitator: 6b. Manage the use of technology and student learning strategies in digital platforms, virtual environments, hands-on makerspaces or in the field.

#7 - Analyst: 7a. Provide alternative ways for students to demonstrate competency and reflect on their learning using technology.

Student Standards:

#1 - Empowered Learner: 1a. Students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes.

1. Create an account

2. Add students to roster

3. Share the class code

4. Have students log in and explore!

PROS

An app that can be downloaded to a device (easy access).

Connect with families.

Teachers are able to see student reading minutes and book lists.

Some books can be read to students.

Leveled reading system.

Magnifying tool on words.

CONS

When reading a book, the task bar can be difficult to locate for students.

Resources:

https://twitter.com/epickidsbooks

https://apps.apple.com/lc/app/epic-kids-books-and-videos/id719219382