SHELLBOOK
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A software applications for creating multimedia electronic publications.
Description
Shellbook 1.0 offers many unique features that help agencies—large and small—facilitate and manage the community-based localization process.
Easy User Interface
Shellbook Publisher is versatile and simple to use. The program was created by software developers with direct experience in intercultural communication. In early field tests, workshop participants have learned how to use Shellbook Publisher in a matter of hours. Users may even localize the program’s menus and buttons, or user interface (UI), to the language of their choice.
Derivatives
Shellbook Publisher allows you to create derivatives—Shellbooks based on other books. A derivative is a customized version of the original book—adapted to communicate best with its intended audience. For example, members of a community may localize a Shellbook by recasting it in the language and cultural context that best helps them to understand, validate, and act on the information. Shellbook Publisher’s security features help authors maintain intellectual property rights to their work and preserve the accuracy of the original message.
Easy Book Scaling and Printing
Shellbook Publisher’s printing capabilities are economical and flexible. It is possible to create a 16-page book that can print on just one or two sheets of paper. Shellbook Publisher does all the page mapping and collating for you in an easy-to-use and understand interface. If you want to make a large book smaller or a small book larger, Shellbook Publisher can change the book size and either resize the page elements or make them fit within the new size—whichever you prefer.
Pattern View
Shellbook Publisher’s Pattern View is a display feature that allows you to view two related books side by side. It is especially useful for comparing derivatives to the original resource book and ensuring their quality. In Pattern View, it is easy to compare each picture, text, video, and audio object to its counterpart in the related book.
Study Guide
The Shellbook Study Guide is like a publication within a publication. Background information, supplemental resources, and guidance for teachers and trainers can be added to the Study Guide, which tracks the book’s main content. The Study Guide can be printed out as a separate book or as part of the main book.
Integrated Video and Audio
You can add audio and video media clips right within a Shellbook. Media clips are playable while looking at the book, without opening up new programs or waiting minutes for a file to load. Media clips are highly effective for teaching oral learners, people who are semi-bilingual, and people who do not read. Media clips are also great tools for motion activities, training, and showing how to perform detailed tactile work such as fiber arts and food preparation.
Keywords
If there are terms in the book that need to be defined, Shellbook Publisher allows you to assign those terms a unique Keyword definition. Keywords and their definitions are available at a glance in the Keywords tab and also appear on screen when you place your pointer over the Keyword in the text.
Web Links
Shellbook Publisher allows you to choose a word in the text and link it to the World Wide Web. When you place your pointer over the word in the text, the Web address, title of the Web page, and a brief description of the page appear on screen. You can go directly to the Web page by holding down the Control key and clicking on the word in the text.
Considerations
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
For contact information, see:
