Big Universe http://teachersfirst.com/20/getsource.cfm?id=9336
This seems like it would be a very valuable tool for educators to use in any classroom. The site is user-friendly and the program is SMARTboard compatible. There is also an extensive library of images to choose from if you do not already have your own created. They promote being a safe and monitored place to publish, either privately or publicly, and the user can search books that have already been published to the site. The user can also share titles, subscribe to Big Universe’s RSS feed, and connect with the site on Facebook and Twitter. The main drawback would be the cost to purchase either a monthly or yearly license.
1 yr classroom (up to 35 users): $ 129.95 or monthly $14.95
1 yr home (personal use): $ 79.95 or monthly $8.95
I think it would be a great tool for a district to purchase if they had the funds to do so. If I were to use it in a classroom setting (mine being Art), I would have older classes of students (upper elementary or over) create children’s’ books that they would share with the younger elementary students in their school or district. This would involve collaboration with the English teachers, possibly other subject teachers depending on what the story involves, the graphic arts teacher (if the district is that lucky) and the elementary teachers. By having the older students create and then read their stories to a younger audience, they will be personally connected which in turn should mean they are more motivated and engaged with the project; this would also give the younger students something to look forward too when they became the older students.
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