Kno Knows eTextBooks

I saw the KNO eTextBook solution on TechCrunch TV from CES.
The eTextbook is so much more than just flipping digital pages on an eReader.  The features of the Kno eTextbook solution are incredible.  Check out the full list of features here.

There are several features that caught my attention, but I was very intrigued by the presenter's comment about images:

"...any image with labels is automatically converted into a quiz."

When I went to the web site I was impressed to see a course manager.  The interface is clean and appealing.  It's got a real Mac-feel to it.  I think the syncing will be critical.  Having your textbooks available on both your laptop and your mobile device is the future.

While the textbook industry takes it's time converting to digital, I'm left wondering what publishers are embracing Kno.  Or are the big publishers going to create their own standards, their own apps, their own formats, their own stores, etc.  I hope the content creators can figure out how to create their content and go directly to the new textbook market...in much the same way that iTunes changed the music buying process.  But that remains to be seen.

MMOL - Massively Multiplayer Online Learning

Summer time is great. July is awesome because it's time to hit the beach and chill out for a while. But that also means disconnecting from the digital world for a while and missing out on good stuff. Here's is the first identified "I can't believe I missed this" casualty from the Summer of 07:

TechCrunch reporting on Grockit raises cash, prepares "Massively Multiplayer Online Learning" product.

I remember reading about Grockit when it first appeared. And I do remember thinking how short-sited to build all that infrastructure yet deliver only ONE type of content...GMAT testing prep.

The tag line is cool: think, learn, be. I'm a big fan of being and doing as the best way to Grock any topic. I suppose that's why I've been fascinated with building simulations, and immersive environments for so many years. Heck, I remember when we called it Virtual Reality.

Anyway...I'm excited to see what MMOL looks like when they release it. Hey guys! What do I have to do to get on as a beta tester?