Creative Futures Event & Knocking the iBook on the Head

As I've already commented in my previous post on the iBook, I had volunteered to be a part of the Creative Futures Showcase event. Unforetunately, the event has suffered from some poor organisation as it is the first year that it has been tried out and the first time the Uni has trialed the iBook software. The main problem I have suffered from is the fact that the Uni has only installed the iBook Author software in one of the computer rooms, a computer room that has timetabled classes. Therefore, I've had to work around people and, as such, I have not been able to devote any substantial time to the iBook.

My update in the Facebook group.

However, the event organisers said I could still come and promote myself but without my iBook I didn't see much point. I also reasoned that I could use the time more productively. To this end, I completed the second rough cut of the pilot!

I managed to get into the Publishing Lab today to do some more work on the iBook. However, I was still not able to finish it, so I have printed off a paper copy of everything I have managed to do and this I will submit as part of my appendix.

EYES iBook

One of the things I volunteered to be a part of was the Creative Futures event the University is trying out this year. For the event I have to create an iBook demonstrating aspects of my project and I have to attend the event where I will promote myself to industry professionals.

Editing my iBook

However, I don't think I will have the book completed in time! It was always going to be a tall order with the production of the iBook only taking place in the last two weeks. The Uni has even acknoweldged that they miscalculated all that was involved. My biggest problem has been the fact they only installed the iBook Author software in one of the computer rooms; a computer room that has timetabled classes, so I've had to work around them. Thus far, I've managed three sessions in there: Friday 3rd May (Induction session), Wednesday 8th May and, today, Wednesday 15th May.

The cover of my iBook. I still need to add a subtitle and my name to it.

Yeah, I think I'm going to have to knock it on the head!

It's slightly disappointing because I was looking forward to the event, but it's not a complete waste, as I can still submit the iBook as part of my project Appendix. It would also have meant that I would have got out of doing a Viva, but my aversion to doing one was only because I wanted to finish the module quicker. However, now that the film department have given me an extension to cut down my dissertation I won't be finished until the 31st, after the scheduled Viva slots.

I'm glad that I've had this brief dabble with the concept of the iBook because it has opened my eyes to their potential and, certainly, it is something I would endorse the University to use more. Although, I would recommend that they be a little better organized next time.