THE EVOLUTION OF THE "BOOK"

 

A Book is much more that a Book these days

I have been fielding a lot of questions about textbooks, reference book and massage books in general lately.  I am also learning myself that a “book” is not only paper. I drive a lot and so I listen to audio books.  The readers for these books are fantastic and take me right into the story.  I read so much for work/writing books that it is a pleasure to listen.

Textbooks-at least with my publisher Elsevier-  are now LEARNING SYSTEMS. Check it out yourself - http://www.elsevieradvantage.com/  There is the traditional paper book , the electronic book called Pageburst.   Just like owning a printed textbook you always able to access the edition of a text  purchased and downloaded. Pageburst digital books also offer a variety of unique interactive features that make traditional content more engaging.  There is even a feature where the textbook can be read to you!  If you are a teacher there is also tons of classroom tools. Pageburst is a smart, simple interface that allows access to your entire library of Elsevier digital books wherever, whenever, and however you like.

1.) Online from any computer via Evolve

 2.) Offline with downloaded titles on the Pageburst desktop app

 3.) On-the-go with a free mobile app for your Apple iOS mobile device (iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch), Android smartphone or tablet, or Kindle Fire

Then there is EVOLVE Textbook Resources

Instructors can prepare for class using lesson plans, test banks, image collections, PowerPoint® slides, TEACH educator resources, and more on the Evolve website.There is also a complete classroom management system (like blackboard) that has attendance, grade book, live chat and so much that I am still learning about.

For students the EVOLVE website expands the textbook content with additional resources, video clips and learning activities.

Then there are the ONLINE COURSES that go with a book.  They are all done—you don’t have to create anything.  I have one for Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage and use it at my school.  It is great even if I do say so myself.   Susan Salvo has an online course that go with her Pathology text and I use it in my Advanced Professional Massage Training course.

I just can’t believe how a “Book” is more than paper. I am becoming more comfortable with all the electronics and my students love them.  I know this post sounds like a commercial however my intent is much more than about the books I have written.  It is about the evolution of the “Book”.  

In education we need to be sensitive to textbook costs to students.  I find that many massage programs use too many books especially during entry level training.  One of my favorite sayings is” Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing.”  Too many textbooks confuses the entry level student. I am biased certainly but I use Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage and the online course and Business and Professional Skills for Massage Therapists for my entry level massage training.  We use the Evolve Learning System for all the classroom tracking and communication.  The Evolve Learning System is a web-based course management and collaboration system that enables educators to manage course materials and to communicate quickly, easily, and effectively with students. The Evolve Learning System can function both as a complement to traditional courses and as a site for distance learning including webinars. With the Evolve Learning System we post documents online, such as our course syllabus; administer surveys, assessments, and tests; send and receive course mail; establish and monitor discussion forums and chat rooms; receive and grade uploaded assignments using online drop boxes; create teams for discussion or for special projects; and more.  You can check it out at the Evolve Support Portal at: http://evolvesupport.elsevier.com

AND---THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL COST FOR ALL THE EVOLVE CONTENT!

The cost to my school is nothing—and the cost for students is about $250 for everything-3 textbooks, (paper or electronic ) online course, Evolve site resources.  

I am just putting it out there that times are changing and we need to change with them.  I will be 60 years old my next birthday. Yup there is a learning curve but so what. I got a tablet for Christmas and figuring out how to use it.  My 5 year old granddaughter is helping me.