Apple's iBook Author App Not So Great for Learning

Apple Computer’s new iBook Author app falls short of being a significant breakthrough in digital textbook creation, says Digital Education Engagement Analyst Margaret Weigel, blogging for HuffPost’s Tech section. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-weigel/ibook-authors\\\_b\\\_1283619.html

“Apple could've launched a truly game-changing technology, but instead they have transferred book-based content and learning practices -- Flash cards? Highlighting? -- to digital form.”  Her specific quibbles:

•    iBooks has no way to easily integrate learning collaborations

•    iBooks encourages educators to plug in graphics, but doesn't allow students to create them, or edit existing visual content

•    iBooks implicitly discourages web access

•    iBooks Authors may not play well with learning management systems.

Weigel would like future iBook textbooks to be less traditionally book-like and encourage the student as a producer, not just a consumer, of knowledge. “An iBook text could be a truly 21st century learning facilitator that encourages agency, collaboration, creation and critical online skills.” Amen to that.