Book Creator
has been around for a very long time. I almost didn’t write about it because for many teachers it is not new. However, it is one of those tools you need to rediscover now and then.
Overview
With Book Creator, you can create interactive books using your iPad or your Chrome device. For this post, we’ll look mainly at the Chrome version.
Get started with the app for free but, like most ed tech tools, the free version is limited. With the free version, you get one library where you can create 40 books. Not a bad way to get started but if you are using it with your students, you will run out of space quickly. There are different pricing levels starting at $60 per year and going up from there. The right choice for you depends on how many books you expect to create each year. Learn more about the pricing packages on their website.
The Chrome apps works in your browser. (Note, this is a Chrome app so it will not work in any of your other browsers.) As a teacher, you can sign in using your Google or Office credentials or your email. Students can also use their Google or Office email or have them sign in via QR code.
Key Features
If you are new to Book Creator or have not used this tool in a while, here are some of the key features that make this great epublishing tool for you and your students.
- Shared Libraries – As you build your library, you can invite others to share the space, read your books and create books with you. You can also join other’s libraries. With one of the upgraded paid accounts, you can also add a co-teacher.
- Integrate Media – One of the best things about ebooks is that they are not just text and images. Book Creator lets you seamlessly add multimedia such as video and web links, Google maps, and audio. According to the Book Creator blog, the tool now even allows you to embed Adobe Spark videos and web pages. For me, this is exciting news. I am a huge Adobe Spark fan. Read my pasts post about Spark Post and Video. Combining these two tools means you and your students can create some beautiful books.
- Read ebooks – The viewing tools are amazing. Flip through the pages in full-screen mode. Read it on your own or have the Read to Me feature read the book to you. Great feature for your newer readers.
- Share and Publish – The ebooks you and your students create can be downloaded and shared or published online and made available through bookcreator.com.
- Teacher Resources – There is a great set of resources available to help you get started. The Teacher Resource page has tips, tricks, and classroom ideas. Because this tool has been around for so long, there is a robust set of resources and support out there to help you make the most of this tool. Also, follow their blog and social media for more fun ideas.
Empower Your Students
Book Creator is an easy to use tool to get your students writing and creating media. There are so many ways to use Book Creator in the classroom. From students publishing their own stories to creating visual lab reports, to making multimedia class anthologies. The list goes on and on. If you are new to Book Creator, create a free account and get started. If you haven’t used Book Creator in a while, rediscover it and explore what you and your students can create.