Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: RealeBooks – A Low Cost and Effective Way to Communicate With Students both Online and In Person

Name: Robert Anderson Ed.D

Audience: Open to all audiences

Audience Level: All

Length: 2 Hours

Abstract: RealeBooks www.realebooks.com is a software and community that allows users to write and publish books. Originally for the elementary audiences, RealeBooks is easily adapted to Higher Education. These books provide quick and easy access to information and can be read online, printed, and when coupled with a purchased RealeLibrary embedded in most Learning Management Systems.

Description: RealeBooks http://www.realebooks.com is a community that allows users to write and publish books using the RealeWriter software.

Originally for the elementary audiences, RealeBooks are easily adapted to Higher Education. These books provide quick and easy access to information and can be read online, printed, and when used with a purchased RealeLibrary, embedded in most Learning Management Systems. At Austin Peay State University we use a RealeBook as assistance for our Desire2Learn (ourLMS) users with login issues and to display login tips. To see our embedded RealeBook please go to the following URL: https://elearn.apsu.edu. Besides using a RealeBook outside of Desire2Learn in public view, we also use them inside the secured areas in widgets. The widgets offer our students tips, suggestions, and other information pertaining to their course.

When used inside of a learning module, RealeBooks also can be used much like PowerPoint, only they are embedded and require no special browser plugin software to function. An example classroom use would be in an art class for showing pictures. The instructor can display images, text, or images with a caption very simply. Another classroom use would be to review vocabulary as the RealeBook would function as flashcards and the student would control how fast they move. If the student desires, they can download the RealeBook for offline viewing or printing.

Students can also use the free version of RealeWriter to create their own presentations as RealeBooks. The students are free to download the software, use it for class projects either individually or collaboratively and then upload the RealeBooks. Once the students have written their books, the instructor can either embed them into the LMS or they can be viewed on the RealeLibrary website. RealeBooks offer a convenient and inexpensive format for students to demonstrate mastery of a subject via presentation, online or in print.

In our workshop, we will have attendees create a sample RealeBook presentation, contribute it to a RealeLibrary, embed it on a Desire2Learn page, and print a hard copy of their book as a souvenir.

We will invite attendees to bring their own photos on CD or flash drive to create an original presentation to be contributed, embedded, and printed.

Session Type: Hands-on Workshop - To make the most of the demonstration participants should bring 8 digital pictures on a flash drive or CD to use when making the RealeBook.

On-Site Equipment Requirements: 15 PC Computers running Windows XP with an Internet connection

The ability to download and install the RealeWriter software on them as part of the exercise

Printer – To demonstrate a finished RealeBook- Color laser, networked, with duplexer.

A projector that can connect to a laptop: A representative from RealeStudios (publisher of RealeWriter) and I will provide a short introduction to the software before the hands on part of the workshop starts.

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Robert Anderson Ed.D
Instructional Technologist
Center for Extended and Distance Education
Austin Peay State University
P.O. Box 4717
Clarksville, TN 37044
andersonr@apsu.edu