eBook Authoring... by Glenn Dietzel
To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu
------------------------------------------------------------------
This article was printed from Teachers.Net Gazette,
located at http://teachers.net.
------------------------------------------------------------------
There's a Book Inside of You Waiting To Come Out!
There is a book waiting to come out of every teacher and student. This column will present the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to show how you---and your students---can become published authors with eBook technology and leave a living legacy globally.
The fact that teachers and students can leave a written legacy affordably with eBook technology is becoming more appealing to educators. The idea that a profit can be achieved is an added benefit. The knowledge that students can become published authors at an early age incorporating current literacy initiatives with technology of the present is an educator's and parent's dream.
It truly is an exciting endeavor to have the opportunity to write for Teachers.net and to help educators and students share their talents, knowledge, and passion with a global online community. This is a literacy initiative of immense importance.
This column will have a dual focus---firstly, I intend to show educators how to become published authors using eBook technology. There are 10 steps in the eBook authoring process and in the coming months, each step will be presented. Secondly, this column will focus on awakening the minds of educators to the benefits of eBook technology for students. These articles will offer a synthesis of background information, reflection, goal setting, and writing as the foundation for this authoring journey.
The three features of an eBook that are carrying it to the forefront of common usage are portability, interactivity, and versatility. eBooks are:
- Portable---Information can be transmitted at the speed of light. With the development of the microchip, fiber optic technology, and the Internet, communication in digital format can be transmitted effortlessly and in "real time". eBooks can be delivered by download, and /or as an email attachment. They can also be stored on diskette and CD-ROM.
- Versatile---Knowledge can be easily updated with changes being made seamlessly. People now have greater access to current information and are able to make more informed decisions.
- Interactive---Readers are finally engaged in their learning experience. Engagement means greater retention, increased motivation and a greater sense of control over one's learning.
Imagine reading your favorite book with video, sound effects and animation. Or visualize reading your favorite historical novel with music from this period including key background information about the setting. Consider reading a "how-to" book with simulation capabilities. Picture reading your book through special software to help you read better or changing the font size to help you overcome a reading difficulty you might have. Imagine listening to your favorite book on your MP3 Player while walking your dog. Books come to life with these capabilities and more.
In the nature/nurture debate the 18th Century Scottish philosopher John Locke stated that humans are totally shaped by their environment. He coined the term, tabula rasa or blank slate.
According to Locke, people are born with nothing written on their brains and as a person develops through life, the mind slowly developments in response to the person's interaction with one's environment. Anyone who has done any writing, whether professionally or recreationally, is well aware of the blank slate phenomenon. It is infamously referred to as, "Writers' Block."
Beginning the writing process can be a daunting task and a blank sheet staring starkly in the face of the writer/author can sometimes pose a threatening aura. What do you do about these moments of "tabula rasa" As educators we teach our students to create a plan and have an overview of the subject about which one is going to write.
As a would-be or accomplished author of eBooks and/or pBooks (traditional print), the tabula rasa mystique can be halted by accomplishing a few short activities or RaWTM Stems before one actually begins the authoring process.
RaWTM Stems are an instructional design aimed at helping people record their thoughts. Stems are used throughout the "10 Steps to eBook Authoring." For each of the 10 steps there are several Raw StemsTM provided to stimulate the thinking process.
The term "Stems" refers to statements requiring a completion of the thought in an open-ended statement. The "R" stands for Reflection where you can relax and play around with ideas. The "a" stands for ‘and' (an original idea) and the "W" stands for Writing which is the recording of your ideas. In some respects it's like brainstorming with yourself. It's also about sharing ideas with others.
Proper reflection requires the correct paradigm. This includes reflection on the past; reflection in the present; and reflection for the future.
After completing a number of RaWTM Stems, one is now ready to write. Instead of a blank mind, one has sown a number of ideas, seeds of inspiration. These seeds are ready to be nurtured in the authorship of an eBook. With a few seeds nurtured using this process, writing with passion is greatly facilitated.
Here are a few reflective stems for your enjoyment from STEP 1---the IDEA Stage---of the '10 Steps to eBook Authoring':
1. I've always dreamed about writing a pBook/eBook about _____.
2. My experience says an eBook about _____ is needed.
3. If I wrote an eBook about _____, then _____ would be interested in it.
4. In the past I would have liked to have a good resource about _____.
In Next months' article, we will examine Step 1, "You Start With An Idea," of the eBook authoring journey.
Teacher eBooks - www.teacherebooks.com
This printable version is provided for the convenience of individuals.
Reproduction of multiple copies requires permission from editor@teachers.net.
#