Novel EffectTM is an app that helps bring even more magic to read-alouds. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Novel Effect allows readers to search for books from a vast picture book library, and then pairs specialized sound files with print or ebook copies of the books. Utilizing the microphone on a cellphone, appropriate sound effects are added to the read-aloud after specific parts of the book are read. The sound files are not a recording, and will only progress after specific trigger words are spoken, so if the story is paused, or interrupted the spot on the sound files is not lost. These sound effects can be sounds that correspond with words or pictures in the story. They could include things like musical backdrops, sounds of cars or instruments, rain, snoring, etc.
I would argue that Novel Effect is a form of augmented reality, though instead of a visual overlay which is often associated with augmented reality, this is an auditory one.
Pros
- Can be paired with copies of print books that one already owns, or an ebook version can be downloaded within the app.
- Can add an extra layer of excitement or engagement to read-alouds by making them more immersive.
- Sound effects are only triggered after certain words are read aloud. This helps encourage your students to practice reading aloud which can help improve fluency and accuracy.
- Books can be favourited, and also downloaded for offline use.
- Since the sound effects are only triggered after specific words, if students (or teachers) make an error when reading, it will not disrupt the audio file, and they can start again.
- Since the app is phone-based, it can be paired with Bluetooth speakers, and the sounds could be around the room, making them more accessible and immersive.
Cons
- There are a limited number of free books available and only a limited number of books available each month on the free account.
- To have full access a subscription fee is required, while they have a special educator plan, it is $51.99 US a year (as of September 17th, 2023), and to allow additional student access requires another, even more expensive subscription.
- If a student has a speech impediment, or even a heavier accent the word recognition software may not correctly identify the words, and therefore may not trigger the expected sound effects.
The cons are heavily outweighed in this app. The fact that it is limited to specific books makes it such that this app feels more predatory for the purposes of generating revenue, than for the purposes of accentuating learning.
I do think though that there are some major benefits to using Novel Effect (TM) in your daily reading activities if you are able to afford such books or such resources, but the limited functionality makes this app unreasonably priced for the effectiveness it can have in the classroom for learning.