[Athen] CourseSmart textbooks on the iPad - but...

[Shelley Haven]

For what it's worth, the iPad version actually is an online version.  On the FAQ page (http://www.coursesmart.com/go/ipad/FAQ.html) I read:

"Do I need the internet to use the app?"
Yes. CourseSmart is authorized to provide access to eTextbooks on a subscription basis. We need the internet to verify your free student or instructor account.

...so I gather that the books may not actually reside on the iPad itself, as with Apple's iBooks, but "in the cloud".

Also, the "We Apologize..." statement applies to all their eBooks, not just the iPad version.  There's a tiny "Accessibility" link at the bottom of their homepage.

- Shelley

_____________________________
Shelley Haven  ATP, RET
Assistive Technology Consultant
www.TechPotential.net



On Apr 11, 2010, at 6:44 AM, Pratik Patel wrote:


> This statement concerns me: "We apologize for any inconvenience and request your patience while CourseSmart develops an online application that will provide an accessible eTextbook user experience. Please contact the publisher directly to request accessible versions of the textbooks featured on CourseSmart."

>  

> In my opinion, it is not adequate to have a separate system for students with disabilities.  If apple has managed to find a way to make iBooks accessible, then it is possible for the iPad version of this software and the associated content to be accessible.  A separate webified version does not serve the same purpose nor would provide the same type of usability features on the iPad as the app.

>  

> Pratik

>  

>  

> From: athen-bounces at athenpro.org [mailto:athen-bounces at athenpro.org] On Behalf Of Ron Stewart

> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 9:12 AM

> To: 'Access Technology Higher Education Network'

> Subject: Re: [Athen] CourseSmart textbooks on the iPad - but...

>  

> Will have to check it out, unfortunately the conversations with CourseSmart started over three years ago and still no progress and last time I checked no real progress either.

>  

> Ron Stewart

>  

> From: athen-bounces at athenpro.org [mailto:athen-bounces at athenpro.org] On Behalf Of Shelley Haven

> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:02 AM

> To: Access Technology Higher Education Network

> Subject: [Athen] CourseSmart textbooks on the iPad - but...

>  

> I thought this would be of interest -- at any rate, something to keep an eye on.  CourseSmart released an iPad app that allows students to not only read their textbooks on an iPad, but also add and edit notes while they read and hunt for information with keyword searches.  Great!

>  

> http://www.coursesmart.com/go/ipad/index.html

>  

> Though you need a CourseSmart account and e-textbook subscription to actually use it, the app includes a free demo with samples from five college-level textbooks (you can read text and notes, but can't take new notes).

>  

> However, I also noticed an important caveat in the "fine print":

>  

> Accessibility

> Users with disabilities may experience difficulty with accessing the current version of CourseSmart. We apologize for any inconvenience and request your patience while CourseSmart develops an online application that will provide an accessible eTextbook user experience.

> Please contact the publisher directly to request accessible versions of the textbooks featured on CourseSmart.

>  

> So I guess they are getting to where we want them to be, but are not quite there yet.

> - Shelley

> _____________________________

> Shelley Haven  ATP, RET

> Assistive Technology Consultant

> www.TechPotential.net

>  

>  

>  

> 

>  

> _______________________________________________

> Athen mailing list

> Athen at athenpro.org

> http://athenpro.org/mailman/listinfo/athen_athenpro.org


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman12.u.washington.edu/pipermail/athen-list/attachments/20100411/226b3a5f/attachment.html>