Free eBook Apps for Students
Open eBooks, EPIC!, and Destiny eBooks
Open eBooks for Title I and Special Ed students
Open eBooks is a new e-reader app that will make thousands of popular, top-selling eBooks available to children in low-income homes for FREE. The initiative offers unprecedented access to quality digital content, including a catalog of eBooks valued at more than $250 million.
The Open eBooks app is available through Title I and Title I eligible schools as well as libraries, preschools, and community after school programs serving a minimum of 70 percent students from low-income households. The program will also be available through schools and programs serving children whose families are enlisted in the armed forces, or serving special needs children.
See the website for more information, including instructions for signing up--http://openebooks.net/
Press release: http://openebooks.net/OpenEbooksPressRelease.pdf
Pros:
- Huge collection
- Grades K-12
- One-time login, no student data sharing
Cons:
- Available for Title I schools and SPED students
- Need to know school demographics before registering
- Andriod and iOS only
- No student monitoring
EPIC! Reader for teachers
Pros:
- Monitor student reading
- Read in browser, on iPad, or Android devices
- Download books to read later--no internet connection required
Cons:
- Limited titles available
- Grades K-5
District EBooks
To get a list of all ebooks available at your school, set the Material Type to Ebook. Search using the toolbar or just hit enter.
When prompted, students use their GAFE login to access district ebooks. Teachers use their badge number for username and password.
Pros:
- Brings together books from multiple vendors and sources
- Located in the same place students are already going to look for books
- No account creation required
- Read online in a browser or save to device
Cons:
- Selection varies by school
- Not all ebooks can be downloaded to a device for offline reading
Even More...
Need More?
We are happy to come out and work with interested staff members, or your whole school PLC.
Email: erin.downey@boiseschools.org
Website: http://www.boiseschools.org/cms/one.aspx?portalid=508306&pageid=1296650
Phone: 208-854-4110
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoiseSchoolLibraries
Twitter: @ehdowney