This is to suggest an option for exporting from the Book module in Epub ebook format. This format has been around a few years, but has been getting recent attention due to support annouced for the Apple iPad.
Epub format is conceptually similar to the IMS format which the book module can already export to.
I managed to turn the book from my Green ICT course into a printed book "Green Technology Strategies". I then realised I could create a Amazon Kindle format ebook as well, reasonably simply. I discovered that this process does very little to the HTML generated by Moodle. It just changes from one verion of HTML to another, adds some XML housekeeping files and zips the whole lot up in a file.
The Epub format appears to be simialr to the Kindle format, but using a different version of HTML and XML different houskeeping files.
If you are wondering what this is all about, see my talk notes: "Making e-Books for e-Learning on i-Pads".
Very useful information Tom, thanks. I agree that we should look at Book and other modules in Moodle that produce contextual learning content for the possibility of an Epub export feature. Pity Kindle decided to swim in another direction. I like my Kindle but find it rather stupid that I can't easily put my own content on it.
What a brilliant idea. If at the same time we have a Import function the would allow ePub back to Book.
John Andrewartha wtote 11 February 2010, 12:38 PM:
>What a brilliant idea.
Thanks, but I doubt I am the first to think of it.
>If at the same time we have a Import function the would allow ePub back to Book.
I would like an Epubs export function first. It may be possible to use code from the calibre free open source tool.
An import function is much more difficult to do.
Also it would be much easier to provide a E-book reader function in Moodle than an import function. That is, a way for e-books to be read in their native format within Moodle, rather than going through the complexity of converting the content to be edited in Moodle.
>What a brilliant idea.
Thanks, but I doubt I am the first to think of it.
>If at the same time we have a Import function the would allow ePub back to Book.
I would like an Epubs export function first. It may be possible to use code from the calibre free open source tool.
An import function is much more difficult to do.
Also it would be much easier to provide a E-book reader function in Moodle than an import function. That is, a way for e-books to be read in their native format within Moodle, rather than going through the complexity of converting the content to be edited in Moodle.
I confess I completely over looked putting a ebook reader in Moodle.
The concept of a common format would allow ebooks to be traded freely. Our small contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
The concept of a common format would allow ebooks to be traded freely. Our small contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
John Andrewartha wrote 11 February 2010, 06:05 PM:
>... ebook reader in Moodle ... allow ebooks to be traded freely ...
Keep in mind that commercial ebooks use copy protection, so this will only work with free ones.
>Our small contribution to reducing carbon emissions
Perhaps I can use it as a case study for my "Green Technology Strategies" students.
>... ebook reader in Moodle ... allow ebooks to be traded freely ...
Keep in mind that commercial ebooks use copy protection, so this will only work with free ones.
>Our small contribution to reducing carbon emissions
Perhaps I can use it as a case study for my "Green Technology Strategies" students.
Hi Tom
I use calibre to export epub form .odt and .pdf. I think caliber allows you to import form html.
Have you tested it?
All the best
I use calibre to export epub form .odt and .pdf. I think caliber allows you to import form html.
Have you tested it?
All the best
Manel Lopez wrote 12 March 2010, 01:14 AM:
>... Hi Tom I use calibre to export epub form .odt and .pdf ...
What is "calibre"? Is it an optional Moodle module, or an independent product?
I am sceptical of WP to Ebook tools, as if the original document is not well structured, the resulting book will not be very useful.
I teach this to ANU web design students with an assignment to produce an essay in a HTML Basic. This is not supported by Microsoft Word. So when they run their code through the validation tests, they see all the rubbish generated. They then have to produce a structured document.
>... Hi Tom I use calibre to export epub form .odt and .pdf ...
What is "calibre"? Is it an optional Moodle module, or an independent product?
I am sceptical of WP to Ebook tools, as if the original document is not well structured, the resulting book will not be very useful.
I teach this to ANU web design students with an assignment to produce an essay in a HTML Basic. This is not supported by Microsoft Word. So when they run their code through the validation tests, they see all the rubbish generated. They then have to produce a structured document.
Calibre is an ebook manager with many features. It can import ebooks in quite a few formats, convert them to additional formats, and many other things.
I have been using it for awhile and like it very much. If you have an extensive library, you really need this tool!
Here is a useful guide on how to use calibre to convert ebooks format.
http://www.epubor.com/how-to-convert-ebooks-with-calibre.html
I was just wondering about creation of ebook from within php and found a Wordpress plugin on github.
There is a library in there that may be of use https://github.com/chrisclarke/eBook-Export-Plugin-for-WordPress/blob/master/EPUB.epub.format.php
Hello, everyone!
The Swedish developer Ordbrand has helped me take a dream to reality by adding extensions for book catalogue and book distribution using the open and vendor neutral OPDS - Open Publication Distribution System - as well as exporting to the open and vendor neutral EPUB 3 directly from Wikipedia's software Mediawiki.
If Moodle adopts EPUB 3 as its book format, you are doing us all a great favour.
This is an important issue, as EPUB 3 is set to replace PDF and DAISY to grant universal accessibilty or inclusive reading if you like. EPUB 3 makes it possible to navigate all content, get text-to-speech, zoomable illustrations with SVG, change text contrast on the fly and a lot of other goodies.
Ordbrand develops the ebook reader Lucifox add-on for Firefox, Luciwik OPDS and LuciwikEPUB for Mediawiki, Nikolay Pultsin develops FBReader for Android phones and tablets, and LibreOffice has a "Send to" Mediawiki function, meaning you can write off-line and upload to your wiki when you are ready.
The first warp speed collaborative ebook experience using Ordbrand's extensions is now live at http://far.no/index.php?title=Spesial:Luciwik and details about what you can do is more detailed in my blog at http://friends.gnutelephony.org/display/haakonme/12315
All software mentioned is Free (as in freedom) software under GNU license terms and available at no cost too .
With OPDS and EPUB 3 in Moodle, you support open and vendor neutral production, distribution and consumption of books. We can put books in students pockets by hitting "Save".
Hello,
The introduction of Moodle "Calibre" player we would see very comfortably all epub. Much better than pdf ...
Thank you
Daniel
Moodleur francophone
Hi Everyone
This discussion is totally interesting and useful
i'd like to know is some of you are using iBooks Author, my doubt is if we are able to import an IMS to this app
Even there is a page with good help, is more reliable to have a good advice from a moodler
http://www.apple.com/support/ibooksauthor/
bty
I love Book Module, in Latin America we use it intensively
Kind regards,
Maryel
I think this post is little old but I must have to say that ePub is now one of the best selling eBook Formats. More peoples are liking this format because it do not bound then with limited features. If you wanna looking for some eBook service you can consider eBookhands. We are have converted a number of books into their desirable eBooks.
I am sure that this information can not be useful only for the publishers or the authors rather it is going to help many of the prospects. This is somehting illuminating for me.