Subtext

Subtext is a user- friendly app that can help engage readers.  It is relatively easy to launch and navigate for students and teachers.  The level of critical thinking about the text depends on what the teacher embeds in the text as far as questions, quizzes, and annotating requirements.  This app allows for lots of differentiation as well since students can leave comments and questions as they read.  This also allows students to track a particular idea or character as they read which could be good prep work for a final assessment. The built in dictionary is very helpful for all levels.  As far as a motivational tool, this app will increase interest as the teacher can add content ( imagine a map of the route Robert Walton took to discover a path through the North Pole or a video of the area today) to pull in readers.  Assessment can occur throughout the reading with something as simple as thumbs up or down for understanding at the end of a chapter or a quiz at the end of a section.  Students can annotate as they read as well. The app also provides a way for students to respond to a question without seeing the other responses until they submit their own. The user does need to create an account but it is a google log in so all CISD learners already have that component. 

Since there are some free books available through the app, high school or middle school teachers working with classics may find them on the app.  I found both Frankenstein and Scarlet Letter there, so my students will be able to read the same edition and be able to jump to any place in the text easily.  I can go in and add all the content I want, from pictures of North Pole exploration to a map to show the Orkney Islands where Dr. Frankenstein created the second creature, before they even begin reading.  Quizzes and reading checks can be added wherever necessary and then I can read along with the students on the schedule to answer questions as they arise or clear up confusion or let them know that confusion at this particular point is okay. 

Some helpful resources for Subtext are listed below:

Vimeo.com/39460409

www.bpsedtech.org/2013/03/27/subtext-app-update/

Hollyclark.net/2013/03/10/5-reasons-I-love-the-subtext-app/

Vimeo.com/readwithsubtext/videos (links to individual videos about smaller topics like "student view" or "annotating"