I begin researching Google Books a little while ago. It has thousands of books available for quick access. Most books are available for view in a limited preview format. Google Books links you to other web sites where the full text can be purchased, such as Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. You can create a library of books in 4 different categories- favorites, to read, reading now and have read. The lists can help to keep an avid reader organized. Being able to preview the book prior to purchasing is great. This could save me a lot of money. The search function is easy to navigate- simply type in the book title and hit search. Most books are available through Google Play. This would allow me to purchase a copy of the book and display it in the Smart Board for my students. It would help to make reading more interactive. I could highlight specific sections of the book and help students to have a better understanding of the text.
On the downside, the book can only be accessed through my username and password. It can get expensive to continue to purchase books through Google. Purchasing multiple copies of the book is expensive in the beginning but over time, it will save money.
Benefits of using Google Books in the classroom:
1. Allows for more interactive reading. The teacher can better model reading strategies and techniques if the book is projected on the Smart Board for all to see.
2. Creating a username and password just for school use would allow the students to access the books outside of the classroom.
3. If multiple copies can be purchased, it will eliminate the need for paper copies. Books will no longer have to be replaced- the students will no longer have to return the books.
Here is a screen shot of the welcome screen for Google Books. Type in the title of the book and you are good to go.
