Custom eLearning Custom eLearning
  1. What We Do
    Custom eLearning Learning Consultancy Performance Campaigns Mobile Learning Performance Support Microlearning
    Video and Animation Rapid eLearning Games & Gamification Flash-to-HTML ILT and VILT Value Added Services
  2. Who We Are
    About Us Leadership Awards Press Releases Clients Careers Contact Us
  3. Our Work
  4. Insights
    eBooks Whitepapers Reports Presentations Case Studies Webinars Infographics Newsletters
  5. Podcast
  6. Let's Talk
  • What We Do
    • Custom eLearning
    • Learning Consultancy
    • Performance Campaigns
    • Mobile Learning
    • Performance Support
    • Microlearning
    • Video and Animation
    • Rapid Learning
    • Games & Gamification
    • Flash-to-HTML
    • ILT and VILT
    • Value Added Services
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Awards
    • Press Releases
    • Clients
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Our Work
  • Insights
    • eBooks
    • Whitepapers
    • Reports
    • Presentations
    • Case Studies
    • Webinars
    • Infographics
    • Newsletters
  • Podcast

EPUB 3 – A New Format for Multi-device Learning

 

eLearning  |  5 MIN

EPUB 3 – A New Format for Multi-device Learning

Written by Anushka Khairajani

EPUB 3- A New Format for Multi-device Learning Delivering content on single devices is no longer an option. In the true spirit of anytime, anywhere, content is increasingly being designed to run on multiple devices, and many LMSs are adding offline players to make content readily available to learners.

In terms of delivery formats, eLearning materials are now mostly developed as web-based applications and mobile apps. Other formats are also used, but are perhaps less common – among them, eBooks.

eBooks can be read on a wide variety of digital devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops/desktops, via dedicated eReaders. And with the latest version of the EPUB format – EPUB 3.0.1 – eBooks can be a viable option for the delivery of media-rich multi-device eLearning.

What is EPUB 3?

EPUB (or electronic publication) is a distribution and interchange format standard for digital publications and documents published by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF).

How Can EPUB 3 be Used for eLearning?

Let’s take a look at some of the features of the latest EPUB 3 format to see how they allow the creation of multimedia-rich, interactive content.

Multi-device Support – Because EPUB 3 is an XHTML-based file format that uses CSS and JavaScript, it can display a variety of content types and interactivities on different platforms and screen sizes. There are two layout options for eBooks created in EPUB 3:fixed layout and reflow layout. Both layouts can include text, images, static and animated graphics, videos, and audio clips. The choice of layout depends on the aim, intended use, and the nature and treatment of the content.

EPUB-3 - Layouts | Fixed & Reflow

Accessibility Support – EPUB 3 supports media overlays. This feature can be used to enable a screen reader type of functionality where a pre-recorded audio file is played while corresponding text portions are highlighted in synch with different parts of the audio. Additionally, eBook Readers generally have their own settings to control text formatting – color, font, and size.

Multimedia Support – EPUB 3 supports semantic markup technologies (i.e. HTML5, CSS, MathML) as well as the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) format. We can now use tags to include media components like videos and audios into eBooks. This means that eBooks can include conceptual and process animations and software simulations. We can also include custom graphics, as well as complex equations, as the subject requires, without treating them as images that scale up/down based on the device size.

Interactivity Support – Since EPUB 3 supports JavaScript, we can include almost any type of basic eLearning interactivity into eBooks. For example, selecting text or an image/graphic to display text; or selecting marked areas of an image/graphic to display text; or having scored single-select, multi-select, and drag and drop practice questions. Note that these would be more effective in fixed rather than reflow layouts, as default page breaks may hamper the interactivity layout and therefore its functionality.

Multilingual Support – EPUB 3 supports more than left-to-right horizontal scripts. eBooks can now be used where content needs to be distributed in different geographies and/or to audiences with a variety of language preferences, including languages like Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese.

About eReaders:

As mentioned earlier, eBooks launch through eReaders; and, just like browsers, eReaders too have small variations in the way they display content and in the properties that they support. So there may be variations in the pagination, display, and behavior of interactive and media elements based on individual readers.

Based on our research and experience, we found the following eReaders to be effective in terms of consistent layout and functionality:

eReaders - Based on Device Type & OS

Additional Considerations:

When evaluating eBooks for learning content distribution, there can be some additional considerations to keep in mind, depending on your needs and requirements:

  • EPUB 3 is a free and open standard.
  • EPUB 3 allows access to content online as well as offline.
  • EPUB 3 allows continuous data tracking through the xAPI (Tin Can) while online. When it comes to offline tracking, however, there are some limitations and inconsistencies. EPUB 3 does support local storage; so data (like score, progress, and other xAPI statement data) can be stored and then passed back to a Learning Record Store (LRS) when connectivity becomes available again. However, there will be a limit to the amount of data that can be stored. There is also a possibility of the data file being emptied or deleted through user action. The efficacy of EPUB 3’s local storage also varies depending on the eReader and device operating system (OS) combination.
  • EPUB 3 allows easy distribution of output through Google Play Books, iBooks, and the Windows App Store. However, content updates are more difficult to handle as there is no way to push notifications. Users, on receipt of an eMail or notification in any other format, would need to delete the existing eBook and download the latest version. eBooks may also be less suitable for proprietary content and/or content of a sensitive nature, as anyone who gets hold of the link can download them.
  • High-end programming skills are not required for creating simpler eBooks.

References:

EPUB
Choosing an eBook format – reflowable or fixed-layout?
EPUB3 Now!

Tweet
Tags: EPUB 3 EPUB3 Multi-device Learning

Comments

  1. Prasad Iyer April 21, 2016

    Thank you for this great article on EPUB3!

    You may also want to look at Adobe Digital Editions for Windows / Android. So far, it’s the most EPUB3-compliant reader I have come across.

    At the University where I currently work, we have been producing a large number of interactive Study Guides in EPUB3 format for our students. More at http://www.unisim.edu.sg/mobile/iStudyGuide.html

    Cheers!

    Prasad

Write a Comment



← Flash Is Now HTML: A Big Thing For eLearning Development? What is Responsive eLearning? →
Subscribe for updates

Delivered by FeedBurner

Featured PostsTags
L&D Go Beyond Podcast: How can L&D Pivot from Learning to Performance?, with Laura OvertonGabriella DanielsDriving Learners toward Better Outcomes with Scenario-based LearningAlesiya KhanL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Bridging the Gap between Learning and Performance, with Charles JenningsGabriella DanielsIncorporating Spacing within Digital Learning InterventionsVidya RajagopalL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Strategies for Effective Learning in Retail Sales, with Ramakrishna RaoIsha SoodThe Journey of the Curious UpsiderGabriella DanielsL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Moving ID to LXD, with Clark QuinnIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Post-Pandemic Workplace Learning Strategy, with Shantanu BhattacharyaIsha SoodWhy Learning Design Should Incorporate SpacingVidya RajagopalL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Secrets to Being Smarter, Faster, with Arun PradhanIsha SoodThe Power Of Testing: Testing As A Tool For LearningSonal ShethL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Challenges and Opportunities for Measuring the Impact of Training and Learning, with Kevin M. YatesIsha Sood18 and Fabulous – Upside Learning Completes Another Glorious Year of Enabling Enterprises for Better Workplace LearningIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Instructional Story Design, with Rance GreeneIsha SoodStoryboarding – You Gotta LUV it!Neeti SudumbrekarL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Gamifying Workplace Learning the Right Way, with Karl KappIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Workplace Learning in the Post-Covid World, with Sam Taylor, Jr. and Rick HouslerIsha SoodDesirable Difficulties: Making learning slow, to improve performance fastShreyas KoradL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Learning for L&D Professionals, with Joti JosephIsha SoodBetter learning experiences lead to better employee engagement in the modern workplaceAmit GargL&D Go Beyond Podcast: The Ten Questions You Must Ask at The Start of Any Learning ProjectIsha SoodA little forgetting before retrieval makes memory stickier for workplace applicationAlesiya KhanL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Writing Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess LearningIsha SoodTime to onboard the great learning modernizationAlesiya KhanBeyond mere conversion, virtual ILT is an opportunity to modernize learningAmit GargModern workplace learning needs new wine in new bottleAmit GargIt’s Fun, But Is Netflix Right For Workplace Learning?Amit GargCan gamification level up your employee onboarding experience and boost outcome?Amit GargSolving before Learning: A Case for Inverting the Way Courses are DesignedShreyas KoradL&D Go Beyond Podcast: AI and The Upskilling Imperative for L&DIsha SoodLooking Back at 2021 with Gratitude: A Fulfilling Year with Many Reasons to CheerIsha SoodThe Forgotten Art of Exploratory LearningShreyas KoradDeep, durable learning ensures adept, adaptable workplace performanceAmit GargL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Design for How People LearnIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Chatbots in Workplace Learning & PerformanceIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Curiosity & Learning in the WorkplaceIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Curation & Learning Ecosystems – Dealing With the Complexity That Damages Learning CultureIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: How to Solve the Right Problems in L&DIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Innovation in L&DIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: How to Bring Performance Focus to TrainingIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Design Thinking for Learning EngagementIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Building Learning Programs that EngageIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Learning Engagement in Supply Chain TrainingIsha SoodThe Living Root Bridge of Learning EngagementAmit GargAuthentic, holistic tasks ensure engaged, applicable learningAmit GargThe Curious Role of Spaced Practice and Staggered Retrieval in Learning EngagementAmit GargWhy Interleaving is a Significant Practice for Learning EngagementAmit GargUnderstanding Learning Engagement – The Missing Link Between Learning and PerformanceAmit GargWhat is Learning?Amit GargEngaging eLearning is Effective LearningAmit Garg
Mobile Learning (140)eLearning (115)mLearning (98)Instructional Design (50)Game Based Learning (42)Technology (35)eLearning Development (35)Workplace Learning (33)Learning (26)Learning Games (26)Design (25)Upside Learning (24)Learning Design (22)eLearning Technology (21)Social Learning (20)ipad (19)DGBL (17)Best eLearning Links (16)augmented reality (15)eLearning Outsourcing (15)Games (14)HTML5 (14)Innovation (13)LMS (13)Responsive Authoring Tools (13)Mobile (13)UL Fun Cartoon (13)Future (12)IPhone (12)Future Learning (11)UL Fun e toons (11)Informal Learning (11)elearning weekly digest (11)Responsive eLearning (11)Flash (10)Development (10)Top eLearning Links (10)eLearning On Tablets (10)Learning Technology (10)Weekly Digest (9)Top eLearning Posts (9)Blended Learning (9)GBL (9)Mobile Learning Technology (9)eLearning Weekly Finds (8)Tablet Learning (8)Multi Device eLearning (8)eLearning Weekly Find (8)Mobility (8)elearning in a multi-device world (7)Learning and Development (7)Trends (7)Rapid Authoring (7)Training Outsourcing (7)Engaging eLearning (7)Custom eLearning (7)Performance Support (7)Mobile Technology (6)Casual Games (6)Serious Games (6)
eLearning Learning

Upcoming Events

Archives

Resources
Compliance Training: Stop Ticking the Box
Compliance Training: Stop Ticking the BoxesHave a compliance program that’s not as effective as you’d hoped? Or wondering where to start to design an effective one? Find the answers to all your queries in this eBook.
Read More and Download
The Ultimate Guide to migrating eLearning from Flash to HTML5
The Ultimate Guide to migrating eLearning from Flash to HTML5This eBook is meant for organizations who want to migrate their eLearning from Flash to HTML5.
View Recording
Tips for Designing, Testing and Delivering eLearning in a Multi-device World - eBook
Tips for Designing, Testing and Delivering eLearning in a Multi-device WorldA collection of highly useful tips on the various aspects of designing, testing and delivering multi-device/ responsive eLearning.
Read More and Download

GET INSIGHTS AND LEARNING DELIGHTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, SUBSCRIBE TO UPSIDE LEARNING BLOG.

Delivered by FeedBurner

Published on March 22, 2016
Topic : eLearning

Don't forget to share this post!

  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow

Related Blogs

Multi-device Learning – Designing for Usability
eLearning    | 6 MIN
Pranjalee Lahri

GET INSIGHTS AND LEARNING DELIGHTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, SUBSCRIBE TO UPSIDE LEARNING BLOG

Delivered by FeedBurner

  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow

Follow us on

  • linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Snow
  • Slideshare
  • Feedburner
  • Youtube
to be in trend with latest happening in the elearning domain.

More from Our Resources

  • eBook

  • Whitepapers

  • Reports

  • Presentations

  • Case Studies

  • Webinars

  • Infographics

  • Newsletters

Snow
Forest
Mountains
Mountains
Mountains

WANT TO FIND OUT HOW OUR SOLUTIONS CAN IMPACT
YOUR ORGANISATION?
CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH

Custom eLearning

Upside Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Punakar Complex, Survey No-117,
Bangalore Pune Highway, Warje,
Pune, India

Tel: +91-20-2523 6050 / 51 / 52

Email: elearning@upsidelearning.com

FOLLOW US

GO BEYOND
What is Go Beyond Compliance Training Sales Enablement Measuring Learning
Effectiveness
Microlearning Gamification Learning Engagement
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning Strategy Solution Design and
Development
WHAT WE DO
Custom eLearning Learning Consultancy Performance Campaigns Mobile Learning Performance Support Microlearning Video and Animation Rapid eLearning Games & Gamification Flash-to-HTML Conversion ILT and VILT Value Added Services
WHAT WE ARE
About Us Our Work Leadership Awards Press release Clients Careers Contact Us
QUICK LINKS
Insights Blog Submit a RFP Schedule A Call Client Login Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Upside Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.