Some (amateurish) digital remastering of a Boost! Speaking unit so that an adaptable PDF version now includes embedded sound files and textboxes for students to add their own work and notes...
There's no question, when it comes to development of digital coursework material, that we essentially need to go back to the drawing board and redesign material from the ground up (in order to maximise the digital opportunities but also maintain user-friendly design).
However, it's interesting how simple and functional improvements can be made to existing coursebook material just by experimenting with Acrobat features.
It took me approximately 15 minutes this morning to adjust a PDF version of a Boost! Speaking unit so that:
- It can be edited and changed;
- All relevant sound files are actually embedded into the sections of coursework they apply to;
- There are textboxes for students to add their own work as well as any additional notes they or the class might come up with (and these textboxes feature a scroll function which technically means there's no limit to how much students add to the existing material);
- The PDF format allows students and teacher to zoom in and adjust frames to create a viewing experience that suits their own preferences.
- It can be saved as a new file once changes have been made, and it can be printed out.
Here's the new PDF version of the unit I produced:
Boost! Speaking Level 2 / Unit 1 (digital PDF version)
Okay, it's simple and presentation wise (icons and formatting of text boxes) it needs more polishing. But what we now have is a digital version of the unit that can be used on computers in the classroom and/or on an IWB at the front of the class (or independently at home, for that matter). Plug in some links to relevant videos and websites... goodness, suddenly it's a very versatile and personalisable unit of coursework!
And all in about 15 minutes...
Interesting!
=D
