In July 2012, SABIS® announced the launch of the SABIS® E-book project – an endeavor that would involve the conversion of over 1,800 titles from the SABIS® Book Series into interactive E-books using the latest in tablet technology. Less than three years later, over 3,000 students in five SABIS® Network schools in Lebanon and the U.A.E. are currently enjoying the full-functioning features of their SABIS® E-books.
This is just some of what the students are saying:
“I feel more comfortable because I am more used to electronics than paper books.” -- Cesar Bassim, SABIS® International School – Adma
“The feature I like most is the ‘Add Note’ feature. I use it on every single page in my French reading book. I add notes to remember how the teacher explained the passage or identified a new vocabulary word.”
--Aida Nsouli, International School of Choueifat – Choueifat
“When it’s hard to understand or imagine something, the videos and pictures in the E-books really help.”
--Ellia Doumit, SABIS® International School – Adma
“My favorite feature of the E-books is that it’s very organized and simple. All the books are present with us at all times.”
--Firas Rammal, International School of Choueifat – Choueifat
“It is easier to work in an uncluttered environment, something made possible after the introduction of E-books.”
-- Yara Karanouh, International School of Choueifat – Choueifat
“The E-books have enhanced my learning experience in many fruitful ways. One positive effect is not having to flip pages to look for a section or chapter. Instead, the table of contents feature on the tablet easily simplifies the task.”
--Leonardo Boustany, SABIS® International School – Adma
“The tablet is like a mini Interactive Whiteboard, so I can always stay on track with the teacher.”
-- Shaden Mehdi, International School of Choueifat – Choueifat
“The glossary is the best feature since I can directly click on the vocabulary word and read the definition.”
-- Renad Mehtar, International School of Choueifat – Choueifat
SABIS® E-books are not simply SABIS® textbooks that have been digitized. They include a myriad of features including interactive activities, simulations, and animations that accompany each lesson; videos; interlinks to prerequisite material; and links to external resources.
“We have adopted a well-engineered and staged roll-out process within the network,” explained Mr. Elie Gemayel, Production Manager – Academic Development at SABIS® Educational Services in Lebanon. “This measured approach allows us, as an organization, to monitor and immediately act on any problem or glitch that undoubtedly might arise with the launch of new IT software. Ultimately, our goal is to make sure that E-books are enhancing the educational experience at every step of the way.”
To date, SABIS® E-books are being used by students in grades 3, 5, and 9 (Levels E, G, and K) at the SABIS® International School – Adma and the International School of Choueifat – Choueifat in Lebanon and the International School of Choueifat in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa City in the U.A.E. SABIS® E-books will be available in three additional grade levels – 4, 6, and 10 (Levels F, H, and L) – in the upcoming academic year. The program is also set to roll out in a number of SABIS® Network schools in the year ahead.
To remain up-to-date on when SABIS® E-books may be coming to a SABIS® Network school in your region, follow us on Twitter @SABIS_EDUCATION.