Language Resources in EPUB
EPUB 3 provides a rich media environment and a cost-effective digital platform for language education resources.
- Cross-platform: There are EPUB reader apps available for all operating systems including iOS and Android,
- No software: Creating an EPUB doesn't require expensive custom software development like native app development does, and no ongoing maintenance costs,
- Offline reading: EPUB files can be distributed independently of a web site - so you don't need to commit to domain and hosting costs into the future. Your EPUB files live wherever you put them: they can be distributed from cloud storage services (like DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive) or from a local network, or direct over-the-air device-to-device sharing (using LocalSend or AirDrop).
The sample EPUB below called 'Language Resources Sample' has a couple of simple features to support language learning.
The book plays back spoken dialog in short clips and allows the reader to toggle the display of text suitable to their level of learning -- something like flash cards.
You can see this in this video, where the language is selected and then dialog clip is played repeatedly.
Below is the EPUB itself embedded in this web page so you don't have to download anything to see what I'm referring to. If you want to see it on your mobile device you can download the file using the button below, and read it in one of the apps linked in this post.
If you're interested in exploring the possibilities of EPUB 3 please get in touch. I'm currently available for short-term project work and would be happy to talk. stewarthaines@gmail.com