Gobstopper

Gobstopper is a full eReader for eBooks with additional features such as integrated questions, assignments, and videos which can be embedded within the text of the eBook itself. It also enables social interaction by providing class-specific structure (so that it can be used interactively in a classroom.)

Resources and links
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[|Gobstopper's "About Us" Page]
[|Gobstopper's FAQ] [|EdSurge Article on Gobstopper]

Strengths:

 * Free website and classroom / notation tools
 * Allows instructors to create annotations, questions, and embedded videos in texts
 * Allows instructors to tailor texts per course by separating content from curricula
 * Course structure allows use in brick-and-mortar, as well as online, environment seamlessly
 * Integration of assessment within content allows for more direct and immediate feedback

Weaknesses:

 * For in-classroom activities, requires a computer for each student (though some activities could be done through screen sharing)
 * Limited feature set (but could be expanded eventually)
 * Some titles must be purchased before they are usable, establishing a roadblock. As most eBook licenses cannot be transferred, it is more challenging to establish a "class set" of books to be used by different groups of students.

Opportunities:

 * The importance of the opportunity for interactive reading is difficult to overstate. Instructors can integrate questions directly into the text, just after they are seen. This allows assessment directly within relevant context to check for understanding.
 * Embedding of videos allows instructors to leave visual notes to students for homework assignments.
 * Assignments can be included at the end of assigned reading sections so that they are immediately available to students.

Threats:

 * Assigning homework requires students to have access to a computer at home capable of running the eReading software, which can be a challenge.
 * Costs associated with purchasing some texts may become an issue for students within a class requiring that text and utilizing Gobstopper (as a class set cannot be used.)

Ideas:
The teacher could have a classroom activity where students read aloud and stop at question sections. They could then either answer questions individually or as a group before continuing. The instructor could create a "curriculet" as a homework assignment that student would access from home, already containing the questions and other assignment elements (such as written reviews / reports.)