The Most Genuine jetBook K-12 Review We've Ever Found

Wow, we get a lot of reviews but there are always some that need to be mentioned. The one that blew us away was written by Ellen Christian (links to her posts will be below along with the post). It's one thing when people post to attract traffic to their site, it's another when people write a genuine review about a product that actually helps students - this is the latter, and we wanted to share this with all our readers. Enjoy!

Links:
Confessions Of An Over-Worked Mom
Seattle Examiner - They picked up the article :)
Blogcritics

Why do you need an educational eBook system?  With a son in high school and a daughter who just started college, I am well aware of all of the electronic gadgets and shelves of reference books that are needed for our children to be prepared for tests and projects as they get older. When my kids were younger, all I needed to worry about was their lunchbox and maybe a package of crayons or markers.  Now that they are older, parents need to provide a dictionary in both English and their language of choice, a variety of reference books,  a graphing calculator, and tons of books that will help them do research and prepare for projects and SATs. Both my kids have ADHD/ADD which means it can be difficult for them to focus on school work.   Both kids find it helpful to be “plugged in” while working on homework because it helps them concentrate.  It’s even written into my son’s 504 plan than he can use music and electronics to help him concentrate on tests and assignments in class.

Classrooms aren’t the same as they were when I was younger. Now, kids have to be online and it is required in many cases.   Having access to reference books and information is a necessity. The hours that our library is open are so limited that I often just can’t get there when I’m available. The ectaco jetBook K-12  educational eBook system is a specialized eBook reader that helps motivate kids to want to read and learn. Students find it much easier to use an electronic device than to flip through pages in a book or hunt through stacks of references in the library. Not only does the jetBook K-12 system hold their interest longer, it gives them access to a much larger selection of books than they might find available in their local library.

Simply said, the jetBook K-12 is a portable educational eBook system that contains everything your child will need including an SAT Preparation Course, Talking Oxford College Dictionary, English/Spanish Text Translator, SpeedReading Course, Phonetic Language Teacher, Graphic Calculator, Physics Reference Book, Periodict Table of Elements, and US History and Facts.  There is even s a My Library section that is used to hold ebooks. There is a microSD card included that has 1,000 classic books and open source books from the 50 states reading list.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find in each section of the jetBook K-12:

My Library – Favorites, Summary, Notes, Bookmarks, Speech Recognition, Word Explanation

SAT Preparation Course – SAT Words, Grammar, Essay Hints, Root Dictionary, Sentence Completion, Problem Solving

Talking Oxford College Dictionary – Talking Oxford English ->Spanish Dictionary (56 more languages available), Idioms, Vocabulary Builder

English -> Spanish Text Translator – 12 more languages available, Irregular Verbs, Grammar Course, Translation Test, Linguistic Crossword

Speed Reading Course – Tachistoscope, Speed Reading Statistics, Practice Mode, Speed Reading Tests, Sudoku, Flash Cards

Phonetic Language Teacher – 45 More Languages Available, Speech Analysis & Correction, Phrases, Dialogs

Physics Reference Book – Organic, Inorganic & General Chemistry, Math Reference Book, World Economics & Geography

Periodic Table of Elements – Order Number, Atomic Weight, Oxidation States, Electron Configuration, Melting/Boiling Points, Covalent Radius

US History and Facts – Principles of American Democracy, American History, Government, Integrated Civics, Important Dates

The jetBook K-12 package includes the jetBook K-12, ectaco /c-pen, microSD card, carrying case, silicone pouch, pro headset with microphone, cradle and chargers. The eBook system itself is very simple to use. It contains a small trackball to use like a mouse to move the cursor up and down. It also has three buttons to move up and down and back and forth, select, record your voice, listen to the recording on the jetBook K-12 and play the audio books and music. There is even a mini USB port so you can charge the unit and a headset jack so you can use the earphones that are included.  Things that can be listened to have a speaker symbol next to them for easy reference. This feature is very helpful in pronunciation for unfamiliar vocabulary words. You can see the correct spelling of the word and then listen to the pronunciation in English or in a different language. The unit comes with Spanish but there are other languages available as well.

I am really amazed with all the information available on the jetBook K-12.  The math help section itself is unbelievable. It has definitions for Algebra, Calculus, Geometry and Trigonometry along with examples of what the definitions are. So if you happen to need to know what a quadratic equation is, you can see what it looks like! Maybe you’re more interested in accounting information? If that’s the case, there is an accounting and loan calculator included! There’s also a scientific calculator and a graphing calculator. There is a metric conversion function as well. The next time my son asks for math help, I am all set!   This educational eBook system will take him all the way through high school because it has information on physics, chemistry, earth science, biology, the periodic table, etc.

I’m really enjoying the World Economics and Geography section myself. I love learning about other countries. All I have to do is pick a country and it gives me a background of the country, geography (including location, coordinates, map reference, area, land boundaries, coastline, climate, resources, land use, water resources, elevation, natural hazards, current issues, international agreements), people (population, age structure, median age, population growth, birth & death rates, migration, etc.)  There are 17 pages of information on Afghanistan alone!  Your child could easily write a report on the country of their choice by using only the information I found in the jetBook K-12.

If English is more your thing, there is a phonetic language teacher, pictured dictionary, audio phrase book, 180 language dictionary, vocabulary builder, flash cards, crossword, spell it right, sudoku, and flash cards so you can quiz yourself on different words.  There are words in business, law, medical, and general categories. There’s even a translation test to quiz yourself on.  There is also a section with English grammar helps including irregular verbs, idioms, English  to Spanish grammar help, Spanish to English Grammar help. There are eBooks to read and audio books to listen to. There are tons of classics including some that my daughter is reading in college so this is going to save us money because I won’t need to run out and buy the hard copy books.

There is a PC communications area on the device that allows you to manage your files and folders stored on the microSD card. This lets you add books and music files. You connect the device to your PC using the enclosed USB cable and the mini-USB port and then you navigate to the appropriate folders to copy things from one place to another.

This unit is not only great for children, it’s a fantastic resource for teachers. There is a section that contains information on how to receive grants and funding for your school and a teacher’s resource section.  You can also access the 50 states reading lists that are open source. This selection includes things like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Jane Eyre, A Tale of Two Cities, The Raven, The Odyssey, and tons of other classics that my kids will be reading in both high school and college.

The unit comes with an added C-Pen that means you can listen to words, phrases, and even entire sentences simply by swiping the pen. All the definitions in the Oxford dictionary can be read aloud. The added microSD card allows expansion up to 32 GB.  The jetBook K-12 can support over 9 different formats including Adobe DRM . You can get books almost anywhere online including Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and at your local library. You can even create your own files, folders, or texts, and load them to the jetBook as well. Read Books in Adobe DRM 9.1, ePub, Mobi, PRC, PDB, RTF, TXT, HTML, PDF, FB2.  It has a 5″ TFT screen that is very easy on the eyes to use. The jetBook K-12 can operate fully charged up to 26 hours. It measures  4″ x 6″ x 0.6″ and weighs only 6.5 ounces. It can be purchased in yellow, white, or black.

If you’re looking for an educational eBook system, this is definitely the one you need to choose. I truly cannot think of anything that should be on here that isn’t and it’s all easy to use and easy to find. This is truly an investment in your child’s education.

Article first published as Educational eReader Review: ECTACO jetBook K-12 Educational eBook System on Blogcritics.

Disclosure: I received a product or products in order to write my review.  All opinions are mine and mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

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jetBook K-12 Video Manual

Here is one of the most thorough video manuals we have ever put together. A big thanks to Greg Stetson for making it happen and taking the time to walk us through.

You can scroll down to the description and get linked to each section of the jetBook K-12. In each section, Greg will go over the functions and applications so you can do the same on your device and be a jetBook K-12 world championnn!!!!!!

Link to the video here 
(Embedded one below)



00:50 - My Library - Basic functions, speech recognition for each section, text to speech for books, in book menus: translate, speak, select, etc.,

05:10 - Oxford Reading Support - Oxford talking dictionary, Oxford English-Spanish dictionary, SAT prep course, speedreading course, Cpen Scanner features, English-Spanish text translator, irregular verbs, idioms, Spanish grammar in English, English grammar in Spanish and English grammar in English

15:59 - Language and Games - Language Teacher, ending audio introductions, U-Learn, audio phrasebook, pictured dictionary, 180 cross-translator, vocabulary builder, linguistic crosswords, linguistic flashcards, pockets, translation test, spell-it-right and sudoku

24:50 - Science and Math - Graphing, scientific and accounting calculators, world economics and geography books, US history and facts, Math, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics and Biology reference guides, metric conversion and interactive periodic table of elements

29:49 - Audio Book and Music/Extras and Help


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Great Article on Pros and Cons of Learning in the Digital Age From GCNews

Distractions, distractions, they're always there and definitely more prevalent than 10 years ago. We knew going into the jetBook K-12 project that this was going to be the case so we didn't put WiFi on our devices, but instead we loaded it with all sorts of textbooks and interactive programs, but most importantly we left it open for teachers to load what they create with NO LIMITS. Lesson plans, notes, everything can be loaded to each student's device or onto an SD Card that they insert into the jetBook K-12.

But without further adieu, here is the article from GCNews:

The world has quickly become digital, and the younger generations are leading the pack with technology that just may make some other items obsolete. As pre-teens and teenagers routinely turn to digital devices for entertainment and schoolwork, the face of education may change as well.

In the past students toted notebooks (the paper kind), pencils, pens, and folders to school. Today, students carry digital devices like computer tablets, notebooks (the electronic kind), smart phones, and other digital devices to the classroom. Furthermore, texting and instant messaging have replaced traditional modes of casual conversation.

Another item that may go the way of the dinosaur is the printed book. Students can now carry an entire library worth of reading material on a slim ereader device or on the many other evolving tablet-type machines. There may be a day when one no longer browses the aisles of the school library for a book, but only downloads the text instantly when needed. Some textbooks are already offered in digital format, and some school systems and teachers may opt for the convenience of digital devices.

Little data exists as to just how many schools have policies allowing the use of cell phones and other digital devices in class. In the United States, a 2009 U.S. Department of Education survey indicates only 4 percent of public-school teachers say a handheld device is available in the classroom every day. But things can change in a short period of time.

Digital Advantages

There are many advantages to going digital. Typing tends to go faster for adept keyboard users, which many youngsters have become since they’ve essentially grown up with computers in the household. This makes note-taking easier. When notes and assignments are saved to a computer, there’s less likelihood of them getting lost, especially if important files are routinely backed up. Data saved on a computer can easily be manipulated into a number of different formats, potentially making it easier to study. Bodies of text can be transformed into charts or pie graphs with many word processing programs. Students can cut and paste important quotes or examples into essays and the like, saving time on homework.

In terms of streamlining backpacks, digital readers and other devices eliminate heavy books and notebooks. This can be seen as a big plus to students who have grown accustomed to carrying around 20+ pounds on their backs from a very young age.

As many teachers turn to online resources, such as emailing and posting assignments on a personal Web site, students almost have to keep up with the times with some sort of tool that has Internet access.

Digital Disadvantages

On the other side of the equation, going digital does have some disadvantages. The decline of penmanship is one of them. In a digital era, people are less likely to write letters by hand or keep up with penmanship in other ways. Some children don’t know what cursive handwriting is and may never learn how to sign their names in “script,” which was a common lesson for other generations.

While digital communication does promote social interactions on some levels, there are some who argue that spending too much time staring at a screen and keyboard compromises the social aspect of going to school and learning in a classroom. Today’s youth are less likely to “talk,” choosing to “LOL”and “TTYL” through texting.

Having a wealth of information available on the Internet opens up students to many disreputable sources of content. Some common online encyclopedias are written and edited by regular people who may not have the accurate details of events. Also, having content that is easily cut and pasted opens up the temptation for plagiarism and blurs the lines of how to attribute information to a source correctly.

Digital devices may be great learning tools, but they also offer a number of distractions to students. When a student is supposed to be taking notes on a laptop in the classroom, he or she might be downloading music, updating social networking sites, streaming video, or checking celebrity gossip.

Classrooms are evolving and so are students. Learning is very different from the way older generations may have learned. Whether the presence of digitial technology helps or hinders remains open for debate.

Link to article: http://www.gcnews.com/news/2011-08-26/School/Pros_and_cons_to_learning_in_a_digital_age.html

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The FIRST jetBook K-12 Video Up and Ready

Yesterday we put the finishing touches on the new jetBook K-12 video, eloquently presented by our good friend Jerry!

There are TONS more features than the ones shown that can be read about on www.jetbookK12.com

Jerry also mentions the ability to have this unit added to any school's classroom for FREE, and it's true, we have a guide for the process on www.jetbookK12.com (that Jerry wrote up too lol)



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Interview With Ectaco CEO On Education Market and the jetBook

Awesome interview by W.J O'Reilly with Ectaco CEO David Lubinitsky.

It truly shows how the jetBook has grown and expanded into the education market to aid students and make the life of any teacher easier.

I seriously wish i had one of these when i was a student, legit would've made my life TONS lighter (weight wise with backpacks and generally lol)!

Check out the video here: http://egarage.tv/videos/view/ereaders-will-replace-books-in-k-12-schools

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eReaders in Schools: Not 'If' but 'When'

Video Blog of Bill O'Reilly
Featuring jetBook K-12

I just came across this device by Ectaco called the JetBook k-12 that has ELA reading list books for 50 states along with scientific and graphic calculators, foreign language programs, speed reading and an interactive SAT course.

We are at the threshold of an electronic revolution in schools. The ereader will replace the paper book--it's not a question of if, it's a question of when--and if America has any chance of digging itself out of the academic hole many say it's dug itself into, ereader technology may well be an answer--no, not THE answer--but one very important piece of the puzzle.

Get involved in learning about this new technology and advocate for its rapid implementation in schools across the United States. Once again, it's not a question of "if", it's a question of "when."

All described products can be purchased at www.ectaco.com or national distributors. You are welcome to send your questions or comments to PR@ectaco.com