5 Reasons to use Book Creator in the Classroom
Kate Friedwald | June 2018
Back in 2013 I began using Book Creator with my Year 5/6 class. I can’t remember who or how I was introduced, but it’s safe to say I have been a fan ever since! Now as a facilitator it has become one of the top resources I recommend to teachers and their students. Check out why.
Multi Platformed
Available on both iPad and Chrome, the team at Book Creator have pretty much everyone covered. I have personally used both options with students in classroom settings and have only positive things to say. Recently working with 120 students and a mix of both platforms we were able to create a combined book with no limitations to either. With only slightly different ways to access the app, even explaining to first time uses the process to get started was simple.
Simple to Use
I have a huge belief that great apps and sites should not need explaining to uses and this is most certainly the case with Book Creator. Right from the very start teachers are able to focus on the learning itself rather than how to use the app. From the easy to find New Book button to adding media, editing objects and sharing, students of all ages can quickly find success in navigating the use of the app. Take a closer look here.
Great Share Options
I have yet to come across the need to share a book via an option that is not available in Book Creator. Email, AirDrop, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, Web Upload (as movie), AirPrint, export as PDF, WebDav, iTunes transfer, and publish direct to iBooks Store. My most used options would have to be Google Drive, Web Upload and Publish Online as these allow for most students I have worked with to easily get their book to their teacher or for the teacher to get a link to a book to share via a blog, newsletter, with parents, google classroom etc. So many options!
Collaborative
The recent realtime collaboration feature of the chrome app is the icing on top of a great existing combine books function. This allows students to work directly on the same book at the same time. The chrome app also allow teachers to begin a library for students to join and create their books so they are all in the one place. Whether using via iPad or Chrome however individual books can be combined into one, allowing easily for group/class books to be produced. I recently worked with students where we combined books created both on the ipad (downloaded to google drive then submitted through google classroom) and those created in a shared library on chrome. They really have made it as simple as possible.
Across Curriculum
Book Creator is one of those must have apps that can be used across platforms, ages and the curriculum. Once teachers and students have mastered the basics, the sky really is the limit. Check out some of the below ideas……and Join our Facebook Group to keep up with more great ideas.
To recap
- Multi Platformed
- Simple to Use
- Great Share Options
- Collaborative
- Across Curriculum
50 Ways to use Book Creator
These is bound to be an idea in here that appeals to you for use with yo!ur students. Even better the book is made with Book Creator!
Resources for teachers
Filter through a huge range of resources and lesson ideas for what will suit you and your students.
Fun ways to use Book Creator
Blog post by Holly Clark describing 15 ways to use Book Creator in the classroom.
Ideas for Lower Primary
Blog post by Technology Learning Journey sharing 3 great ideas and examples of using Book Creator with younger students.
