Blog Entry #5 - "Connected Books: Introducing the T-Book"

In the article entitled, “Connected Books: Introducing the T-Book” in the February 2012 issue of Learning and Leading with Technology, the writer talks about how digital textbooks are becoming popular in today’s schools.  However, digital textbooks neglect physical aspects of books.  The writer of this article explains that a transmedia book gives the ability to cross media, with a combination of text and digital fabrication, which creates a new instructional format, the T-Book.  While students read the T-Book, they are able to participate in activities that are related to the book and lights are illuminated that are imbedded in the back pages of the book.  Basically, a T-Book resembles a traditional activity book, but with the transmedia feature; allowing students to learn through elements that incorporate physical and digital activities.  For example, some t-books include QR (quick response) codes that are linked to online video with the student’s mobile phones, which extends the printed content of the book.  T-Books in the classroom have become very successful in the engagement of students while learning in the classroom.  Being able to participate in activities while reading a book often times helps students understand difficult concepts.

I think the T-Book is a great concept for teachers to use in classrooms, especially in the younger grades of elementary school or students with learning disabilities.  Being able to interact in activities with the book while reading helps students comprehend and understand what they are reading.  Often times, younger students have trouble comprehending and I think the concept of the T-Book helps that problem because students can become engaged.  Also, a majority of students are visual learners, so when students are reading a book and there is a QR code, students can use their mobile phone to click the QR code and watch a video that ads a different layer to the subject of what they are learning.  I definitely see the perks of a T-Book for younger elementary students or students with special needs.

Using T-Books in the classroom meets ISTE NETS performance indicator number one, “Creativity and Innovation”.  When students use T-Books they are applying existing knowledge (reading a book) to generate new ideas (using a QR code in the book).  T-Books are innovative products and uses a different process when using technology.

Cohen, J. (2012).  Connected books: Introducing the t-book.  Leading and Learning with Technology. 39(4), 28-29.