MobiStories

Kids - The most honest reviewers

How adorable is this little 2 year old?  And when do you think his mom will get her iPhone back..??  LOL  Take a peek at how the littlist "i-" users can't get enough of The Marvelous Toy.  I love it when mom, Joey Fortman, shows the iPhone screen to the camera, and he weasels around so he can still watch his MobiStory app.... :) !

 

 Can't see the whole video?  Click here: http://www.joeyfortman.com/fun-finds/2010/6/18/mobistories-mom-review.html

Lunch & a playdate sponsored by mobistories | Tablet Videos

Thoughts from our recent event meeting Philly area moms and introducing them to MobiStories:

Lunch & a playdate sponsored by mobistories | Tablet Videos.

The Marvelous Toy App is a hit!

Our newest, most interactive iPhone bookapp to date was recently launched.  Here's what folks are saying about :

Mike from Crazy Mike's Apps gives it 4 crazy heads saying, "For kids, this is an awesome app! It's an interactive musical book for kids - very cool. MobiStories has a bunch of cool books out there, and it's reasonably priced. Very interactive for the kids; cool story; cool singing - Enjoy!" 

Sheila Ruth of Wands and Worlds Book Reviews says: "The art is lovely, and of course the song, sung by Tom Paxton himself, is wonderful. Playing with the different toys is fun and I think overall kids will enjoy this app."

And Beth from Rolemommy writes: "Your kids will be mesmerized as they touch the screen and the images are literally brought to life in front of their eyes."

Here are some of the comments our customers have shared:

"This book was fantastic!! I would definitely recommend this for anyone with small kids." ~ SandyB

"My son loves this book and will enjoy this animation. It’s such a cute story. He’s 3 and can sing almost the whole book – it’s a lot of fun and beautifully done." ~ Shana Fields

"My son loves this!" ~ Tarroyo

Have you tried it yet? 

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Picture Page to Digital Book?

We at MobiStories have been creating children’s picture books digitally for a few years now, first exclusively as computer downloads and lately as both downloads for home computers and as apps for iPhones/iPads.  With the glut of app development lately, especially upon the release of the iPad, much has been made of late regarding the question: “What exactly is an app?”   

We had a very busy month in May, attending several key conferences on app development as well as child development/educational symposiums.   App Camp, presented by Warren Buckleitner and Dust or Magic, explored all areas of app development, from educational apps, to books, to games.  Sandbox Summit, held at MIT by the folks from Parents’ Choice Awards, looked at how children learn through play and through doing.  Engagement was clearly the key topic at this conference.  We also exhibited at the nation’s largest publishing tradeshow, Book Expo America (BEA) in New York last week.  Seeing the publishing industry finally embracing digital books was inspiring.  But at all events the same question was raised: 

“If a book is on a screen, is it still a book?”   

We’ve always known that reading/hearing/watching a digital book is a different experience than reading a traditional book, or having one read to you.  When you cuddle up with a child to read them a story, you’re creating a sensory experience very different from what digital books can provide.  The closeness and bonding, the “what if” questions, the imagination the child uses are unique to handling a book, turning the paper pages and the memories associated with the book being read.  However, digital books allow exploration of the story and can provide educational elements one can’t get from a paper book.  When reading to a child, the text doesn’t highlight so the child can follow along, even if too young to read on his/her own.  When a child touches an illustration in a picture book, the picture doesn’t come to life as in an interactive book.  Music can’t be heard playing in the background as the story is being read aloud, though good readers will create sound effects as they read aloud.  The two scenarios offer completely different experiences. 

So should they be considered the same thing?  Is a book always a book?  Is there another term that should be used for books that have evolved in the digital realm?  Does interactivity always need to be associated with or mean “game”?   Does the interactivity enhance the story, giving it a different value than its traditional counterpart?  Or do you think it detracts, merely turning a story into a game?  There are many opinions on the subject, and as digital books and apps are developing so quickly, it’ll be interesting to hear your thoughts and to see what the outcome is.

Share your thoughts and comments please…

Digital kids' books storming BEA

We're off, heading to NYC for the nation's largest collective on publishing,Book Expo America.  It's funny, in a way...the first time we wandered the many aisles of the Javits Center, the MobiStories team felt somewhat alone.  There were plenty of books, publishers, distributors, but nary a digital book to be found.  In fact, there were select moments of actual scoffing when we attended several years ago...looks that told what the stodgy old publishers didn't dare say aloud, "Digital books for children?  No paper, no cover, no spine??  You're crazy!  No one would ever conceive of purchasing such a thing for kids!"

Well, the times they aren't a-changing; they have a-changed.  Eh, we knew they'd come around.  Last year was the year of 'digital' it seemed - every publisher trying to figure out what it meant, how to implement it.  This year should be interesting.  Several players are comitted to publishing digitally, some still waiting to see how it plays out.  Can't wait to hear their thoughts on what children's books can become, no longer just a one-dimensional book but  so much more, like The Marvelous Toy.....the sky's the limit. 

Apps for Kids: it takes a village

We're about the kids.  The books we choose to develop into digital books and apps are picked on criteria such as "Will this delight and entertain kids" or "Will the children feel engaged and want more?"  The MobiStories creative team is always searching for innovative ways to educate, entertain and exercise the brain of kids as they grow up using technology.  We're also always trying to keep current and get feedback from kids and parents to know what it is they're looking for in digital books. 

Having recently returned from Dust or Magic's App Camp in Monterey, CA, we immediately began implementing all we learned from the fellow developers, child education and technology experts into our future projects and even in the updates of our existing books.  And now, we're thrilled to be able to hear from a room full of knowledgeable moms.  Oh, sure, it could be said that if you're a mom, you've got some sort of knowledge going on.  But I'm talking about moms who are knowledgeable in the digital space as well as general kidhood stuff. 

We're a sponsor of Silicon Valley Moms Group's NYC Moms special event at Tribeca Cinemas in New York City on May 16th.  We'll be premiering our newest book, The Marvelous Toy, a game changer in the realm of digital books and book apps for iPhone and iPad.  This app is not only a book, but a song.  Tom Paxton's legendary folk song about a boy and a magical toy was published as a book and now comes to life and jumps off the page to the screen.  

We can't wait to see how these tech savvy moms react as the toy comes alive, bringing other toys and characters to life as well with the touch of a finger or the click of the mouse.  Available in both iphone app and computer download just like all MobiStories, we're looking to find out how kids enjoy The Marvelous Toy, how they use it, and what their parents think.  We know it takes more than one set of eyes, or one single train of thought to address the needs of children.  We're looking to the experts for expert advice on how to continue to bring the best quality digital books to families.  Who are the experts?  The parents, and the kids themselves.  Got a MobiStory and want your voice heard?  Drop us a line.  Don't have any MobiStories yet?  What are ya waiting for?  www.MobiStories.com

Are Apps Creating an Educational Revolution?

Certainly the kind of thing we have been talking about, and witnessing, as we develop and test our own MobiStories apps, along with their matching download versions for computers...not to mention seeing our own kids' schools integrating iPod carts into curriculum.  Check out Fast Company's recent article about smartphones and handheld computers changing the face of education:

A Is for App: How Smartphones, Handheld Computers Sparked an Educational Revolution

By: Anya Kamenetz

iPhone Apps Deals of the Week

The fantastic group of family-oriented app developers, Moms With Apps, (of which we are associated) has launched a new weekly feature: Deals of the Week.  Each week 5 kid, parent, or family oriented apps will be featured ON SALE for a mere $.99!  Some of these mobile apps are regularly priced as high as $4.99, so this is quite a savings.  Run, don't walk, 'cuz these apps are only on sale from Tuesday to Tuesday (but go back weekly to see what new apps are featured each Tuesday).

Get your Deal of the Week here  

iPhone & iPad App Developers Unite

As kid-friendly and family-friendly apps are becoming more sought after, and not always easy to search for or find easily in the AppStore, developers are working together to bring quality apps to families.  MobiStories is proud to be a part of MomsWithApps.  Here's a peek at what this innovative group of kid-app developers are doing to create quality education- and entertainment-based apps for children.  After watching the video, go to MomsWithApps and see what apps might interest your children...

Kids' Books for iPads

Think you've seen it all in children's ebooks?  Nothing left for app developers to do to make book apps appealing?  What kinds of things will the new iPad offer for kids? Or are you just wondering if there's an app, or a digital book, out there that would hold your child's interest?  Here's to the future of children's books:

Coming soon to an iPhone, iPod, iPad, or computer near you! The Marvelous Toy  

 

 

iPods in the Classroom

 
At the beginning of the school year my middle schooler marched off the bus and happily announced his school received an "iPod cart."  A what?, I asked.  A mobile cart of about 15 iPods to be used in science classes. My response to that: AWESOME!  Easy for me to say, of course....I'm an app developer.  The thought that these handheld devices are being utilized for individualized instruction in schools is great.  And we're not the only ones who think so.  Just read what Education Week posted this week about it:

Educators Embrace iPods for Learning  

The iGeneration

A recent USA Today article discussed the identification, or labeling (or both?) of the "next" generation.  You know - BabyBoomers, GenX, GenY/Millenial kids.  Old news.  Dubbed the "iGeneration," this latest youth group is wired; some may argue they come hardwired. 

Experts in the child digital media space call these kids digital natives and much has been made about the effect their early adoption of technology has on them. Well, according to Charlotte, N.C. child and adolescent psychologist Dave Verhaagen, "It's simply a part of their DNA. It shapes everything about them."  They want to be constantly connected.  They expect to be available to peers socially at any time - and are. (I can attest to this one, as my 12 year old's phone pings with texts as late as midnight on weekends! Don't worry - he's not allowed to answer at that hour....wish his friends' parents had the same set of rules.) They also have expectations of virtually limitless choices as music, tv viewing, etc. are available and customizable at their fingertips.  In fact, Larry Rosen, Cal. State University-Dominguez Hills psychologist is the one who came up with the "iGeneration" moniker not in reference to game-changer iTunes/iPhone/iPad (ok, all things "i") - although how can one not see the inference - but more to reference the individualization today's youngsters accept as the norm.

Here are some of the traits Rosen uses to identify iGen-ers:

• Early introduction to technology.

• Adeptness at multitasking. (Yes, while many worry digital distraction fosters lack of focus, research findings are now suggesting the contrary.)

• Desire for immediacy.

• Ability to use technology to create a vast array of "content."

But perhaps the most interesting issue is how all this impacts education.  Researchers agree that there need to be drastic changes made to the educational system. "The growth curve on the use of technology with children is exponential, and we run the risk of being out of step with this generation as far as how they learn and how they think," Rosen says. "We have to give them options because they want their world individualized." The big question is: how is that best achieved?  Read the whole article here .

Read Across America Day

March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' birthday - and Read Across America day!!  To celebrate, we are giving away 25% off any and every book on our MobiStories site, through the MONTH OF MARCH!!

Just enter READ25 into the Coupon Code box at checkout to get your discount. 

Read Across America is a nationwide event organized by the National Education Association to encourage kids to read.  That's it.  Plain and simple.  And one of the best ways to get kids to read is to read with them.  The purpose of this national campaign is to get adults to take a little time on at least one day to read to or with a child. 

We'll make it easier for you....download a MobiStory digital kids' book, plop it onto your iPhone or Blackberry, and have a story with you at all times.  Enjoy storytime with your child every day....several times a day.  For them. (And for you.)

Sick of Winter? This will make you smile

Just when you think your wrists may break from all the shoveling and you swear you're moving to warmer climes ASAP, snuggle up with your little one and remember the joys of "Winter":

Coming Soon in the iTunes App Store!

Could You Teach In Today's Digital World?

Imaging having to teach to state standards, follow the schools protocols, work with 28 individuals and learn/implement/teach media literacy.
Think you're up for the job?

What Language Shall We Learn Today?

How will your kids learn a second language, or third language?  When will they?  Oh wait....will they? (maybe that should be the first question)

Educators the world over say languages are learned easiest when introduced to children at an early age. (Aah, that explains why I never became fluent from my high school German classes...hmmm) That's one reason why our newest MobiStories iPhone apps and computer versions will be offering several language options.  Here is one of our Chinese narrators, Torin, as he records the "Fun Facts" for the upcoming followup book to the recently released Celebrating Barack Obama in Pictures.

 
Kids can choose to hear and see the text in one language, or mix and match to see a language, but hear it in another, for a new way to be exposed to other languages.  How do your kids learn foreign languages?  Let us know....

Can Media Exposure Kill Kids' Grades?

The Kaiser Family Foundation, well known for its research into how media affects the lives of children, has released its latest findings this morning in Washington, DC.:  "Generation M2 Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds."  The findings illustrate a large increase in media use by kids, tweens and teens.  One section of the study investigates how grades and schooling are directly affected by time spent on cell phones, in front of the tv, gaming console and iPods. 

The researchers grouped students into categories of Heavy Users (16+ hours of content consumed/day), Moderate Users (3 - 16 hrs/day) and light users (less than 3 hrs/day).  Factoring in not only time spent consuming media, but also outside factors such as age, gender, race, single vs. 2-parent households, the study investigated grades and personal contentment.  More Heavy Users reported getting poor grades (C's or below) than Moderate Users, who in turn claimed as a group to get more poor grades than Light Users.  While this may seem a clear indication that too much media exposure is BAD, simple....black and white, it's important to look at the other findings. 

Kids were also asked if they had a lot of friends.  There wasn't a difference between Moderate and Light Users, but Heavy Users reported slightly more friends than the other category. Were the kids happy at school? Light Users = 82%, Moderate = 81%, Heavy = 72%.  Are they often bored or get in trouble? It's not surprising that more Heavy Users reported yes they were, Moderate Users were less so and Light Users even less so.  Does this mean kids who consume media the heaviest become unhappy at school, become bored, get in trouble where they didn't used to?  Or do the findings indicate children who are otherwise bored and may not be great students look for diversion?  It may be a chicken/egg kind of thing, but I believe one can definitely see that providing limitations on media exposure and ensuring quality content instead of mind-numbing distraction will benefit any child.

The findings in the Generation M2 report are eye opening.  We will be bringing you more of this information as we, as parents, all strive to learn the best ways to raise our digital kids in this new tech world. 

Educational Tech Trends for 2010

It's a new year and a great time to see what's coming down the pike in technology and education.  Here at MobiStories, we can already see the big changes on the horizon in digital publishing: 2010 is going to be the year of the digital book and ebooks. So what does all this mean to the classroom?  According to an article written by Bridget McCrea in THE Journal, here are the top five technology trends and tools to keep an eye on:

eBooks Will Continue to Proliferate

Although it will be some time before math and English textbooks are replaced by eBooks due to needed advancements in color, graphics and animation, Gerry Purdy, chief analyst for the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, says eBooks "will gain traction in the K-12 arena this year."

Netbook Functionality Will Grow

Netbooks will become more and more popular in schools as they become more affordable and will also help streamline technology by eliminating the need for multiple devices.

More Teachers Will Use Interactive Whiteboards

Federal economic stimulus funds are helping to advance the use of whiteboards. These tools promote "engaged learning," says Sheryl Abshire, chief technology officer for Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, LA, and they "serve as a catalyst for getting students out of their seats and up to the board to learn."

Personal Devices Will Infiltrate the Classroom

Once thought of only as a distraction, the use of smart phones and iPods in the classroom is beginning to gain the approval of teachers and administrators. "We used to think this was a 'teen' phenomenon," said Purdy. "But it's now culturally acceptable for someone as young as seven or eight years old to have a cell phone. It won't be long before every student will have access to one or more wireless, portable devices in the classroom."

Technology Will Enable Tailored Curricula

New student assessment tools are being developed that will create an easier way for teachers and administrators "to assess, record and track individual student performance in the classroom."

"Historically, schools have given specialized attention to students who 'fall out of the system,' but not when it comes to applying individual curriculum to a broader population," said David Stienes, principal with private equity fund LLR Partners in Philadelphia. "Look for technology to change that in the near future."

What do you think?

Do you agree with these predictions?
What, if any, challenges need to be overcome before any of these technology trends can be appropriately and successfully integrated into the classroom?

Click here to read the full article. 

Apps vs. E-Readers

It's an interesting question that reminds me of the VHS vs. Beta days (I know - I'm totally dating myself with that one).  Which is better - iPhone apps for readers or a dedicated e-reader device? 

I think it's personal preference based on what you're using the device for, when and how you use it, etc.  Here's how the folks over at the New York Times raised the question.....what are your thoughts? Are you an iTouch fan, do you prefer the Kindle, Sony e-Reader, or ????

Cellphone Apps Challenge the Rise of E-Readers

By MOTOKO RICH and BRAD STONE

Published: November 17, 2009

With Amazon’s Kindle, readers can squeeze hundreds of books into a device that is smaller than most hardcovers. For some, that’s not small enough.

Many people who want to read electronic books are discovering that they can do so on the smartphones that are already in their pockets — bringing a whole new meaning to “phone book.” And they like...read more 

Digital Screen Time Can Be Useful for Kids

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Today, individuals can watch television programs and play video games on virtually every screen that exists. The Sony Reader and the Amazon Kindle are devices on which individuals can read certain novels. But, what else can be watched on digital screens?

Since MobiStories can be played on most any device with a screen, screen time becomes reading time. Having 10 –15 books on your iPod, cell phone, computer or Kindle sure makes it easy for the kids to read while mom is shopping or driving from soccer practice to ballet. MobiStories were designed to give parents some time back while providing an acceptable program for kids to watch in the palm of their hand.

For quite some time there was a digital divide, separating those that embrace new technology and those that did not. Over time, however, this divide narrowed. Ease of use and low price points were two primary reasons for crossing the digital gap.

Combine technology acceptance with the fact that instant gratification is now no longer the exclusive right of the young, and services like iTunes can reshape an entire industry. Apple recognized that if they could provide music at a perceived low price to an individual when he or she wanted it, success would be all but guaranteed. They were right. Apple has sold over 4 billion songs to over 50 million people.

MobiStories is looking to capture the same market with children’s digital books. The current top selling apps in the app store are books; children’s books specifically are doing very well. You can check out all 17 MobiStories apps here and stay tuned for more interactive ones ready for launch in a few weeks.

So while screens are able to play content in many forms they should not always be the default for our attention. There is a certain “feeling” associated with books, magazines and newspapers and a screen will never replace that. However as time marches on our digital natives will lose touch with these tactile means of communication for a more convenient method, just as email has helped reduce the time spent standing in line at the Post Office.

We strongly encourage cuddling up with your child several times a day to read with your child and when she wants to “read” a book - MobiStories is a great example of how technology can integrate into your family’s everyday life.

By Rick Toone, Creative Director of MobiStories