2013-10-29  Sue Rankin - Thinking Interactively

Post date: Nov 04, 2013 3:10:15 AM

I was fortunate to be invited to an Apple Distinguished Educators event at The International School at Park City.

It was a practical session where Sue Rankin, author, book designer and Apple Professional Development Educator talked about developing eBooks with iBook Author.

Actually, it made me want to delete this entire portfolio and make it in iBooks because they (can, or not) look so fabulous. But, practically, it would not be a good choice. Why? Well, for one thing, when developing an iBook with iBooks Author one of the features is the ability to use all the interactive features. These features are only available on an iPad, so it is important to know your audience. If they are not going to be reading your book on an iPad......is there any point?

I also think that you have to decide if you want a resource that's you can constantly update,  if so, this is not the platform to be using.

Sue stressed the importance of treating the authoring of this book just like writing a hard copy books. Planning before starting is very important. An important thing to remember is not to use interactivity unless it adds value to the book.

When should you add digital learning? Ask these questions...

Does it support a different learning style?

Can you explain something more simply or in greater depth?

Can you demonstrate something?

Does it reduce the amount of text?

Does it make the most of the touch screen?

Another important element is being consistent with how the interactivity works. Use as few icons and different ways to access features as possible.

Remember, eBook reading is not linear, when designing explore all the ways that you think users might access information.

Sue also showed us ways to use keynote to add to eBooks.

I have had iBooks Author on my MacBook for some time now..maybe it's time to revisit it and explore the power.