The Open University has a range of work related to 'rethinking the book' this generally splits into three interconnected threads. First, we have work on models of production - which is focused on the process which create excellent knowledge resources, book-like things amongst them. The second, flows from this and is focused on providing tools that will 'open out the book' and create new engagement experiences for the reader. The third thread aims to question the book concept more closely and to create a small set of challeging concepts to help us think more clearly about the future of this resource. This latter 'interactive concept book' project is reported here.
The innovation options available to the textbook producer have expanded significantly since Apple introduced their iBooks Author technology in 2012. The possibility to embed fully-interactive widgets and other in-line resources, which could be included within the beautifully laid-out typography and design setting, is now huge. SO... how to start to explore this space?
Click here to read about other iBooks textbooks produced by the Open University.
Author: E. Simperl & others
Published: January 2014
This book aims at facilitating professional training for data practitioners that want to use Linked Data in their daily work. Each chapter of this book is targeting a different crucial task related to Linked Data. You will have the opportunity to study in depth various aspects of the usage of Linked Data, watch webinar movies and screencasts, as well as test your knowledge via quizzes and exercises.
Author: Alexander Mikroyannidis & others
Published: January 2014
This book provides an introduction to the new learning technologies that empower Self Regulated Learning and Personal Learning Environments. A selection of learning tools that will help an individual build their Personal Learning Environment and become a self-regulated learner are demonstrated. Readers will have an opportunity to try these tools through a set of interactive learning activities included in this book.
Author: Andrew G. Tindle & Kevin Quick
Published: December 2013
A richly illustrated book about many of the most common, and some uncommon, minerals found in Britain and the world. There are over 20 minerals featured, each accompanied by a detailed description and a unique functioning Virtual Microscope. This allows the reader to view each of the specially selected samples, exactly as if using a real microscope.
Author: Peter Sheldon & Andrew Tindle
Published: November 2013
This is a very useful guide to fossils found around Britain and other parts of the world. Profusely illustrated with detailed photographs and drawings, this may be all you need to identify and enjoy the many and varied fossils commonly found. Expertly written text provides a level of detail that is normally not found within a book of this type.
Editors: Fridolin Wild, Paul Lefrere & Peter Scott
Published: June 2013
Our first research iBook. Each chapter written by different members of TELMap - an EU funded project.
Author: Dr David Robinson
Published: December 2012
Our second concept iBook started from the premise of 'a book without written text'. The proposition was to support a 'book like' narrative, but with as little written text as we could - just to see how that might work. We took our inspiration from a vitual field tour concept which is used in a Level One Basic Science course at the Open University. This work provides an introduction to the flora and fauna of one of the most enigmatic places in our world. For this challenge, we tried to stretch the Apple iBooks Author program - but to keep within the bounds of the provided toolkit of objects. The motif we selected in this concept resource was that of 'asking questions' to which the answer would be provided via 'video evidence'.
Author: Andrew G. Tindle & Simon P. Kelley
Published: March 2012
Our first public foray into fully interactive iBook design was a concept from our highly active Space Research team. Technically, we were interested in showing how some 'research support' tools could be included within a strong narrative arc. The product should be browsable, with strong support images and design. It should have sensible interactive elements such as in-line tests to assess the reader along the narrative journey, and with support audio/video embedded, of course. But more - we wanted to see if we could embed scientific citations entirely - why send a reader away to follow up a detailed point, when the critical, detailed literature could be 'embedded'. Also, we wanted to include some genuine scientific instruments inside the narration. Why not "measure" yourself the elements of the mineral structure we are discussing?