Developing Effective Online Etextbooks Using Softchalk and Web 2.0 Tools

August 31, 2010 - 3:14pm | by rtbrown
Presenter(s)
Darla Runyon (Northwest Missouri State University, US)
Session Information
November 4, 2010 - 2:25pm
Track: 
Technology and Emerging Learning Environments
Areas of Special Interest: 
Blended Learning
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Multiple Levels
Session Type: 
Individual Presentation
Location: 
Bonaire 3
Session Duration: 
35
Concurrent Session: 
5
Abstract

To help reduce the cost of higher education, many instructors are exploring the use of eTextbooks for their online classes. Unfortunately, most eTextbooks are simply non-interactive PDF files. This presentation will demonstrate how Web 2.0 tools and SoftChalk, can turn a non-interactive PDF file into an effective online eTextbook.

Extended Abstract

Over the past several years, online classes have been slowly delving into the realm of eTextbooks, primarily motivated by cost and delivery issues. Unfortunately, most of the eTextbooks that are available through the major publishers are simply non-interactive PDF versions of their printed textbooks. The reality is that these PDF files are simply not as effective and convenient as a traditional textbook. Given the dearth of truly interactive, comprehensive eTextbooks, this session will demonstrate to online instructors how they can take a non-interactive PDF textbook file and integrate it into their online course site to create effective, interactive content integrating the PDF textbook file through the use of a range of available Web 2.0 tools. The key tool that will be shown in this session is SoftChalk LessonBuilder, a product that allows an instructor to easily and quickly create online lessons that look professional in nature. Additional Web 2.0 tools to incorporate videos, learning objects and external resources will also be demonstrated. The goal of this session is to discuss and demonstrate various Web 2.0 tools that can be used to take publisher PDF textbook files and create effective, interactive online eTextbooks.

Lead Presenter
 
Darla Runyon is the Assistant Director and Curriculum Design Specialist for the Center for Information Technology in Education at Northwest Missouri State University. She received her Ms.Ed. from Colorado State University. She currently completing work on her doctorate in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri—Columbia.