Ebooks and audiobooks continue to grow in popularity and libraries are a valuable resource in providing digital books to their communities, local schools, and students – for free! To spread the word, the Digital Bookmobile is traveling to libraries and schools around North America.
It is a unique exhibit traveling to public libraries and schools from coast to coast. It stopped by John Glenn Middle School recently and offered both students and staff the opportunity to share in the newest way to use district technology.
DSUSD students in grades 2-12 have Chromebooks that allow them access to textbooks, classroom material, and a controlled version of the internet. These devices are with them throughout the school day and travel home with them for assignments. Children in kindergarten and first grade have tablets that are used during classroom time. With these Chromebooks and tablets all students are now also able to access a myriad of books, downloadable for both research and entertainment. They simply log into their personal, district provided, email account, and take the pathway to Sora, the classroom reading app.
The visit by the bookmobile to Glenn Middle School provided Beta testing of the application by students. Callie, an 8th grader, noted, “I thought it was a really cool and a fun way to have kids reading, it was a great experience and I will definitely go the Sora website.” Students entered the bookmobile in small groups and in pairs to access a digital game that introduced them to the world of Sora. The new service includes list of books for students to download directly to their Chromebooks. In the case of an assigned textbook, novel, biography, etc., the books show up automatically. For general reading, students can select from a lengthy list of popular books. Callie’s partner, Aiden, commented, “I was surprised to see the list of books I could read using the mobile app. All of the Harry Potter books were there. The Rick Riordan books were there. All of the preschool books that my sister likes me to read to her were there, too.”
Callie and Aiden, both eighth graders at John Glenn Middle School.
Sora allows students to make notes and highlight material. It keeps a record of materials read. It also provides searches to local libraries for even more books. Staff level reading material is also available for adults. More information about the public library version of the bookmobile can be found by clicking here.
Putting a book in the hand of a child opens doors. Today’s child approaches reading using technology. DSUSD continues to provide learning for today’s student in a way that makes them want to learn.
Editor’s note: By Della Abril, DSUSD Central Library Media Specialist, and Mary Perry, Public Information Officer – photos by Jan Diaz, Communications Specialist