A Gadget for the Ages: Nook Color in the Classroom

The Nook Color (NC) is truly a gadget for the ages—all ages in the school community, that is! This handy little device not only lets people read books in a variety of formats but has applications as well, thus extending its capabilities beyond a simple eReader.

So, what are some ways to use it in libraries and classrooms? A quick look by age group will give plenty of idea starters.

First, some basic information: A Barnes and Noble product, the NC is one of three current versions of the Nook with siblings Nook Simple Touch and Nook Tablet. The NC has access to the company’s over 2.5 million books, but the Android operating system and built-in Wi-Fi allow users to check email, browse websites, play Adobe Flash videos, and choose from over 1,350 applications adding functionality to the device

Second, a look at books and applications for groups in the school community:

ADULTS:

READING:

• Fiction Books available include New York Times best sellers, enhanced editions that include audio and/or video, and recommended books from staff and booksellers
• Nonfiction subjects include biographies, politics and current affairs, parenting, professional and education, science and nature, computers, and many more
• Magazines on the Newsstand include such school favorites as National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated, Popular Science, and more
• Newspapers available include USA Today, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and a variety of more regional newspapers
• Other reading features include Lend Me books allowing sharing of books, PubIt! eBookstore featuring newer writers, and books available in different languages, as well as the ability to load and read PDFs and other formats

APPLICATIONS:

• Preloaded applications include email, Pandora Internet radio, Sudoku, crossword, gallery (photos), and more
• Applications are available ranging in price from free to $50 or more in a variety of areas including productivity apps, education and reference, social media, news, and more

FAVORITES:

• From markspace.com comes a trio of helpful productivity apps along with a way to sync it to a computer; Fliq Notes, Calendar, and Tasks (all free) keep the user up-to-date by working with items on the go or with The Missing Sync to connect to MS Outlook; the desktop sync program is $39.95, but worth the price for users on the go who need to synchronize the information regularly.
• QuickOffice Pro (need a SD card) lets the user create items for MS Office or access files from Google Docs and more
• Others: Pulse News, Springpad, Goodreads

TEENS:

READING:

• Fiction choices include popular authors and series, award winners, and special choices for both boys and girls
• Nonfiction choices include Spark Notes study guides; reference materials; math and science materials, vocabulary, grammar, and writing helps; and textbook connections
• Magazines for teen interests includes choices in technology, sports, entertainment, and more

APPLICATIONS:

• Helpful applications include the Lonely Planet language series, the Real Simple Edu series, reference materials, organization helps, and more
• Choices of particular note: Scientific Calculator—ToyStudio, Journal-5ivedom, Conqu-task management tool—AsFustion, Smithsonian Channel, This Day in History—XIMAD

CHILDREN:

READING:

• Fiction choices include popular characters and authors, picture books and chapter books, and most genres
• Nonfiction choices include subject-related helps, folklore, biographies, and reading helps
• Magazines, especially for children, are National Geographic Kids and Big Backyard
• Spanish language books for both teens and children
• Special items for children are the Read to Me that includes audio and the Read and Play that has both audio and interactive features

APPLICATIONS:

• Educationally based applications are abundant with most subjects and ages represented in the Education and Reference—Children Nook Apps section
• The Children’s app section has hundreds of applications including games, art, interactive books, and more with the ability to search specific age groups

FAVORITES:

• StorySpark—Tikatok, a website-connected app that allows a child to create his/her own book or choose books written by others and save them to read on the Nook
• Tap to Talk—Assistyx LLC gives a voice to children with autism, cerebral palsy, and others with communication disorders. The child chooses and taps a picture to have a sentence read aloud
• Studydroid Flashcards—Dan B allows a user to create flashcards online or on the Nook with pictures (need an SD card) and text formatting options