The Digital Reader

You might have caught the launch of the Inkling digital textbook iPad app a couple weeks ago. I just came across a new detail today that most of the stories on Inkling seemed to have missed.

Do you recall the iPad pilot programs I’ve been posting about? Well, according to the Inkling press release 4 of those programs are operating in partnership with Inkling: Abilene Christian University, Seton Hill University, the University of Alabama, and with the Virginia Department of Education.

That changes the tenor of the programs, IMO. We could see some real improvement in app features and usability, here. I’m looking forward to the results.

Here’s the press release, in case you’re interested:

Inkling(tm) today announced the launch of its platform for advanced learning content, with immediate availability of its iPad app. Inkling delivers engaging interactive textbooks that feature powerful social collaboration, integrated multimedia, and instant learner feedback. Inkling is available in the App Store (www.iTunes.com/appstore) and users can buy individual chapters or entire books at a discount to the print price.

…

Inkling’s sync technology lets students collaborate in real time by sharing their notes and highlights with one another. Students can see comments from their friends and professors right alongside their own notes, making it easy to collaborate side-by-side or across campus.

Additionally, Inkling offers:

• Integrated interactive media in every title, such as movies, 3-D objects, and guided tours
• A simple and powerful user interface that makes it easy to skim readings or jump from place to place in the title, while always keeping track of your progress
• Interactive formative assessment that helps students immediately gauge their level of understanding
• An intuitive search engine that predicts your search as you type