Re: Acc Read vs. Fact Jack vs. Elect Bookshelf

[macm <macm@MONT.MINDSPRING.COM>]

I LOVE "Electronic Bookshelf!"  I've used it in 2 different schools- the
first a K-6 school way back when we ran it on Apple IIe's; currently on
Macs in a K-5 school.  In both schools, I ran it from the media center,
not on the network, and it boosted circulation tremendously.  The other
day our technology specialist who works in my school one day a week
commented on the constant stream and enthusiasm of children coming to the
library for EBS tests and books, "You've created a monster."  What a
beautiful "monster" it is!

I've never used "That's a Fact, Jack," so I can't offer an opinion about
it.  I have looked at "Accelerated Reader" and compared it to "Electronic
Bookshelf" which is my choice.  EBS seems to have larger database of
questions per book.  Also, management features seem more easily
customized to individual school needs.  Phone technical support (free the
first year, extra after that) has been easily accessible and very helpful
in initial set up.  I wish I could let some of my students tell you how
they feel about EBS.  In addition to our local students, we have a large
number of ESL students from countries all over the world and it's truly
amazing how they have taken to this program.

Whichever program you decide to go with, I think you'll have the best
results if it's "run" with the least restrictions possible.  In my
opinion, the library should promote the love of reading and books, not
grades, etc.  I let students start out reading and earning points on any
book in the database, no matter how easy.  I've seen students who never
read before turn into some of my most frequent "customers."  Eventually,
you run out of the easier books and, by then, they are hooked.  We use
CHEAP prizes combined with a lot of school-wide recognition to motivate
our students to participate in EBS, but the best reward we offer seems to
be the individual praise students receive from my assistant and me when
they pass a test. They are learning to love reading and appreciate
particular authors and illustrators.

Everyone at MacMillan (students, media center staff, teachers, the
principal, and parents) loves the Electronic Bookshelf.  It has been a
tremendous success, so please excuse my gushing.  Barbara



Barbara B. Campbell
MacMillan International Academy
Montgomery, Alabama