has launched a range of digitised textbooks for tablets and PCs.
Available from the Apple App Store (iPad only) and Google Play, the new app for tablets will be released in June with 26 Junior Cert and 16 Leaving Cert titles available immediately. Additional texts to be added on a regular basis. Windows PCs can download titles through the Folens website, where sample chapters are available free of charge.
All e-books come with a three-year license with hardcopy workbooks available for an additional €5. Bonus discounts will be available to schools by individual arrangement.
Folens' said its aim is to move away from standard e-texts to a broader range of apps that will work together to enhance the student learning experience in a particular subject. This includes audio content on student editions and teachers' editions with additional resources created specifically for each title.
Folens piloted its e-book app on the iPad in 2011 and has now partnered with Samsung to pre-load the app on the forthcoming Android-based Galaxy Tab 2.
Gary Twohig, general manager, Samsung Ireland, said: "We have been working in partnership with Folens for a number of months now to support their development work to ensure that their e-book content is optimised to run on the Samsung Galaxy Tab. This partnership between Samsung and Folens will bring choice to the Irish digital education market."
Folens estimates that about 5% of all first year second level students have used digital textbooks since 2011, rising to between 8% and 15% by September this year.
TechCentral Reporters