How did you set up the audiobook club kit?
The full step-by-step explanation of how, why, and where I sourced all the equipment is here: Further Resources.
Why iPhones? What about Android/other devices?
The study uses Apple devices simply because that is what I already had available at no extra cost; they were donated by myself and one of the collaborating teachers. The fact the devices were all on the same operating system also made it much simpler to keep the settings, passcodes, accounts, apps, etc. consistent; and only one audiobook app account was required, keeping all purchases to a minimum.
I assume Android phones can also be used with the same setup but have not actively tested it myself.
I strongly recommend using 'native' book-reading apps wherever possible because they should be easier to restrict using the device's Settings.
That being said, it should be possible to set up book kits with devices on multiple operating systems. Before committing to any specific app and beginning to purchase titles, check that the app is available on both/all device app stores. For example, can you get Google Play on the iOS devices? If so, you should be able to log into the same account in the audiobook app on whichever device it is downloaded to.
It would also be possible to set up old tablets (e.g. iPads) as audioreader devices, and these may be more convenient for ebook reading as well.
What about NZ / Aotearoa titles in the Book Club kit?
Unfortunately, there is an issue with a lack of investment from publishing houses into audiobooks for NZ titles. If/as they are available, I would love to incorporate them into the programme, and will continue to expand the catalogue as and when I can. If you have a NZ teen audiobook recommendation, please reach out (see my email on The Researcher) and let me know!
What about text-to-speech functions for ebooks?
Many students have been observed taking advantage of this function when it is available and an audiobook is not. This also has the advantage of double-mode input (visual/written and aural/spoken), and there is evidence which shows that reading with both written and audio in parallel has great potential for improving literacy.
However, a computer-generated voice does not impart the same emotion, effective pauses/pace, or character range as a human narrator, which may affect engagement with the text - the nuances of this is outside the scope of this study. For now, the use of the text-to-speech function is encouraged for those who want/need audio and a human narrator is unavailable.
What about using [insert public library]'s ebook and audiobook catalogue?
I strongly encourage the promotion of public library resources wherever possible, especially to relieve budget pressures on the school. That being said, these titles are often subject to the same restrictions as the school catalogue (one title, one user/reader/listener).
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to download the local library app (e.g. Libby, Overdrive) and get the students to use that app on your audiobook kit readers with their own public library accounts, which often you can set up online. Do bear in mind the issue limitations, e.g. auto-returned after 2-4 weeks.
In principle, it will absolutely work; but ensure the students have sufficiently frequent reading sessions in order to get the most out of the book before it expires.
What about Goodreads/Padlet/[insert app name here]?
Due to the overwhelming nature of the transition to secondary school for many Year 9s, I am reluctant to introduce yet more apps into the students' learning space. Additionally, and also for other year levels, I am loath to require students to sign up to additional apps and platforms that are outside the school's safety, data protection, and moderation controls. Furthermore, we can't guarantee these apps will even be freely available in another year or two.
This is why the programme is using only those apps that are already part of the school's chosen BYOD ecosystem and accessible through existing student log-ins.
Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or comments; my email is at the bottom of the page: The Researcher. Happy reading!