TEC 987: Creating Digital Books with iBooks Author

Course Description

Digital textbooks are fast becoming a major teaching and learning medium. Apple’s free (Mac only) program, iBooks Author, makes creating electronic books fun and rewarding. Select a template then use simple ‘drag and drop’ controls to lay out pages, import text, embed media, and create interactive elements - the process is easy and straightforward with iBooks Author.

A course on such an innovative program deserves an innovative teaching approach; in lieu of a textbook, the course is presented in iBook format, downloaded from the instructor’s website. Supplementary materials are downloaded to a Mac, and instruction takes place using your iPad and Mac simultaneously. Utilizing the rich multimedia capabilities of an iBook along with the intuitive touch interface of an iPad, the course becomes an immersive learning experience. A portfolio is assembled throughout the course, culminating in a self-created iBook, submitted via Dropbox for evaluation and feedback.

MINIMUM requirements: Macintosh running 10.7, iPad 2, Internet connection, iTunes account. Access to students is not required to complete the course. Instructor support is readily available by email and phone. Additional information may be found at: www.steveyoungfpu.net.

NOTE: This is a ‘Mac Only’ course

Primary Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course participants shall:

• Integrate new technology into the classroom environment. (NETS-T 1, 2)
• Understand appropriate use of eBooks as they relate to curricular needs.   (NETS-T 3)
• Use iBooks Author to create text-based content in iBook format. (NETS-T 1, 2)
• Use iBooks Author to create a multimedia-based lesson in iBook format. (NETS-  T 1, 2)
• Understand and apply the lawful use of copyright and fair use. (NETS-T 4)
• Be familiar with and apply ISTE standards as they relate to eBook content   delivery. (NETS-T 1~5)

Standards Based Instruction

Assignments contained within this course meet several important proficiency guidelines as defined by ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) in their NETS (National Educational Technology Standards). SEE MORE

Course Materials

Creating Digital Books with iBooks Author, by Steve Young

Minimum System Requirements

Macintosh with OSX 10.7 or newer

iPad (2nd generation or newer) with iOS 6 or newer

USB cable with connection to a Macintosh computer

Internet connection

Assignments (totaling 100 points, maximum):

Part 1: Pre-course survey and questions

Pre-course Survey
(5 Points)

Part 2: Getting Started with eBooks

Introduction to Interactive Books
T.H.E. Journal Article and Reflection
The iBooks Ecosystem
Examples of iBooks
iBook Evaluation Forms and Narrative
(15 Points)

Part 3: Learning iBooks Author

Adding Text
Adding Glossary Terms
Previewing iBooks
Instructor / Student Contact
Elements of Design
Copyright
Adding Images and Video
Adding Hyperlinks
Adding Widgets
Printing and Exporting
(25 Points)

Part 4: iBook Creation

Planning your iBook
Directed iBook Creation
Independent iBook Creation
(50 Points)

Part 5: Post Course

Post-course survey and questions
Standards Correlation Chart
(5 Points)

Grading Scale

Letter grades, should one be requested, will be on the following scale:

90% -100% = A 80% - 89% = B or ‘Credit’ 79% or below = ‘No Credit’

Evidence of Learning

Students will be evaluated on the ability to follow directions as described in the course iBook to complete all required projects. Written assignments should contain reflective responses applicable to their personal and/or professional experiences which indicate they have put thought and effort in to their replies.

Grading Rubric	Exemplary (A)	Passing (B or Credit)	Failing (No Credit)
Effort and Perseverance	Projects were continued until complete; effort set forth surpassed that required; took pride in going beyond the basic requirements.	With a bit more effort and dedication, project could have improved; lacks finished quality.	Project was not seen to completion; work inadequate. Seems hurried to “just get it done” and move on to the next project.
Written Assignments	Depth of thought with thorough, candid and thought-provoking replies which reflect personal / professional experiences. Rare, if any, errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. Captivating, interesting and pleasurable to read..	Replies somewhat vague, generic, superficial. Strays from topic. Errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation a distraction. Seems rushed. Not engaged in topic.	Replies missing or incomplete. Did not follow directions. Gave only “Yes” or “No” replies without offering further discussion to justify the response. .
iBook Evaluations	Forms complete with thorough responses relating directly to curricular use of material.	Forms complete but additional comments missing or incomplete.	Forms incomplete with no additional comments.
Self-Created iBook	Enthusiastically developed, a creative and engaging iBook, which incorporates the topic; grade and skill level appropriate.	The iBook covers the basic topic selected, but not as detailed or engaging as hard work could make it; not grade or skill level appropriate.	The iBook is incomplete or did not demonstrate basic understanding / execution of desktop publishing.

Instructor/Student Contact

I will email you to verify receipt of your registration and let you know I am preparing your materials for shipping (usually the next day), and again once I have submitted your grade to FPU. You will also be asked to e-mail me as part of your required course assignments (see page 73 of your workbook). But please never hesitate to contact me at any time as you work through the material - that’s why I’m here! If contacting me, email is preferred, but feel free to phone my home during the day as my wife, Becky, is home to field calls and take messages.

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

• Pre-Course Survey
• “Digital Books” Reflections
• iBooks Evaluation 1
• iBook Evaluation 2
• iBooks Evaluation 3
• Snapshot of iBooks Library
• Drag and Drop Content
• Creating a Glossary
• Hyperlinks
• Instructor Contact
• Image Galleries
• Movies and Audio
• Reviews
• Interactive Images
• Scrolling Sidebar
• Pop-Over Images
• Directed iBook Creation
• iBook Planning Guide
• Free Choice iBook
• Standards Correlation Chart
• Post-Course Survey
• Course Evaluation

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