[Michlib-l] MeL: PebbleGo & World Book Updates

Tue Aug 13 12:59:54 EDT 2019

Greetings!

Two of our early literacy vendors, Capstone/PebbleGo and World Book are releasing new user interfaces this week. There are also some great training opportunities coming up. All the details are noted below.

PebbleGo

  1.  User Interface: The update will be released overnight on August 15. Starting on the morning of Friday August 16, you will see a new and improved experience. The design and color scheme will change but kids will still enjoy colorful icons, bright images and simple navigation. In addition, PebbleGo will become much more accessible. Compatibility with assistive technologies as well as alternative text and descriptive titles for images and videos will become available. The new design is also responsive so users' experiences will be consistent regardless of the device type they're using. The geoIP and direct URLs available on MeL.org will remain the same.

  1.  Training Webinars coming up on September 10.

PebbleGo K-3+ Digital Literacy and Research

Engage a child's natural curiosity with PebbleGo. Connect research, content and literacy with PebbleGo's Animals and Social Studies modules provided by the Michigan eLibrary.

  *   PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Tuesday, September 10, 11 AM
https://coughlancompanies.zoom.us/s/685617844

  *   SCHOOLS: Tuesday, September 10, 4 PM
https://coughlancompanies.zoom.us/s/558478255

Agenda

*         PebbleGo Introduction

*         Technology, portability and data

*         Striving readers, assistive technology, Early Literacy and more

*         Meaningful independent work

*         PebbleGo interface

*         PebbleGo Modules: Animals + Social Studies

*         Administrative Tools and reporting

  1.  Support Materials: A new addition to the Library of Michigan's Library Science Collection<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,9264,7-381-88855_89738---,00.html> is A Year of PebbleGo: Connecting Content to Literacy by Karen Aleo and is requestable via MeLCat<https://mel.org/welcome>. This resource provides robust lessons that connect students to grade-appropriate content and literacy skills and strategies. These lessons can be used to supplement instruction or to regularly practice strategy use with PebbleGo. Lessons are available for Science, Social Studies and Comprehension. While the Science module is not part of the MeL subscription, the lessons are not solely reliant on having the PebbleGo Science module. Content from the Science area in World Book Kids could possibly be an alternative.

World Book's Early World of Learning

  1.  Name Change: World Book is changing the name of Early World of Learning to World Book Early Learning. We will be updating the name of this eResource throughout the MeL.org site.

  1.  User Interface: This update will be available on Thursday, August 15. Bright colors, fun images and interactive experiences are all still part of the World Book Early Learning interface. Prior to this update, content was arranged by activity...Read, Do, Play, etc... In the new user environment, content is arranged by topic making it easier to find information on anything about which kids are curious. The geoIP and direct URLs available on MeL.org will remain the same.

Additional changes include:

  *   Responsive design allowing for consistent user experience across all device types.
  *   Updated to meet latest accessibility requirements.
  *   If Lexile levels are available, they will now be visible on book tiles so they are easier to find.
  *   The True/False game is new and there are two new levels in the Concentration game.
  *   The previous experience was easier for kids if an adult directed the activities. The update provides for a more self-directed experience.
  *   The "Educator Tools" section (now findable in an area labeled "For Grown Ups") has been cleaned up. Content is the same but better organized and easier to interact with. There are more easily findable links to lesson plans and foldable books.
  *   The training and support resources<http://www.worldbookonline.com/training> will also be updated and available on August 15.

  1.  Training Webinar: World Book is offering a training webinar on Wednesday, August 14, from 11 AM to 12 PM EST. You can find the registration link here<https://www.worldbookonline.com/training/webinars/webinars.html>.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Many thanks,
Liz

Liz Breed
Michigan eLibrary Coordinator
Library of Michigan | Michigan Department of Education
517-335-1497 | breedl at michigan.gov<mailto:breedl at michigan.gov>
www.mel.org<http://www.mel.org/>

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