Issuu

Issuu : (Issu-getting started)

I decided to learn about the Issuu for the second part of our digital media activity. This is a free application (or a separate version Issuu Pro that can be paid for, it simply eliminates advertisements) that allows users to explore publications of other users and publish their own works to share with people around the world. Or in other words, this application takes ones documents and creates an interactive book of work in an online format to use and share.

Main Features:

There are many features to this tool that can help people in all professions explore the ideas of other people and create their own publications to share. One great feature is the unlimited number of uploads users are allowed. Issuu will simply convert ones documents into an interactive online publication in minutes, easing the process for its users. Conveniently all major document files are compatible with Issuu and there is a unique customization possible. The design and usability allows for professional looking publications while there is an ease of navigation for those viewing the publications. There is also social networking integration so that ones’ information can be open for others to view on various user-blogs. However, the content submitted is secure so others cannot redistribute or duplicate documents without permission.

Level of Difficulty:

This seems like a very simple program to use with no technical skills required. Everything seems to be compatible with various programs and files. While I have not personally used this application yet, it seems to be relatively easy from what I have read. Thus, the time required to learn about this tool is minimal; just download the program and start creating! More importantly, it seems like a great place to share and gain ideas from others around the world.

Potential Classroom Applications:

I think this would be a great digital object to use in the classroom; students can begin to publish their work online giving them an incentive to work hard. Perhaps teachers could team up with other schools across the country and throughout the world so that students can collaborate with one another and learn about different cultures. For the math classroom teachers could have students write an article or documentary describing a mathematician (from their specific country) and their contributions to the mathematical community. After they publish their work students can explore the contributions of other students, learning about different mathematicians and cultures. This will promote a participatory culture that we have been reading so much about.

Conclusion:

This tool is definitely worth learning and can help teachers professionally organize their work and encourage students to participate in the participatory culture. Students seem to be motivated most when they know their work will be presented to an audience, which is exactly what this tool offers.

Sample:

I do not have a sample for this tool as I have specifically learned about it for this course. However I hope to integrate this digital tool into the mathematics classroom one day in the future when I have my own classroom.