Limitations

When integrating new technologies to provide a TELE, being innovative does not always translate into being effective. Upon creating content in the form of an iBook, careful consideration needs to be paid to the design parameters. As Norman (1999) indicated in his article, Affordance, Conventions, and Design; affordances need to be perceived by users for the designed object to be effective. In the case of iBooks author, it is very easy to get carried away with the interactive visual affordances of the software and neglect the importance and knowledge construction of scientific principles.

As with any new technology, there is a novelty effect that will inevitably occur. The wow factor is not sustainable after repeated exposure and students tend to have short attention spans. This must be accommodated for during the design phase of the iBook. Time allotted to different chapters and sections must be carefully monitored and allocated accordingly.

Apart from the obvious costs involved in acquiring the hardware to produce iBooks using the free iBooks author software, there is also the proprietary nature of Apple products that is a big turn off to many consumers. It is no secret that Apple wishes to monopolize and profit off of its products, especially in the educational marketplace. This is clear in the fact that the interactive iBook can only be viewed in its full form on an iPad and no other tablet. Furthermore, if one wishes to publish their iBook, they are limited to iTunes who also take a hefty commission out of any potential profits. Liz Castro’s comment below sums of some of the concerns expressed by administrators and educators regarding Apples policies below…

“It’s not at all clear that Apple’s exclusivity benefits kids, schools, or teachers. iPads are expensive, and Apple’s exclusivity will mean that schools will be entirely at the mercy of a single company, for its approval of content, pricing and availability of devices, and tools for making textbooks.”

Liz Castro