URL wonderscape.net/vidiegogo

Grade Level Gr 3-8

Cost $99.98 and available through Midwest Tape exclusively for public libraries and Mackin for school libraries.

Overview As DVD players disappear from classrooms and homes, viewing opportunities for educational videos become problematic. An educator may be able to play a video for a class, but what about individual interests and reading time? Into the breach comes VidieGoGo, a booklike device with an embedded 7” screen. Upon opening the glossy hardcover, an introduction plays, leading into two videos, with fast forward, rewind, chapter advance, and volume buttons for precise seeking. Engaging narrators speak clearly, covering concepts sophisticated enough for older students (brain size versus body mass; neutral versus negative responses; cell differentiation) with video clips, graphics, and animations younger viewers will fully enjoy. Key words and phrases appear in the videos; fully captioned versions are an option. The embedded speaker delivers excellent sound quality, with a mini headphone jack available.

Content Each VidieGoGo is preformatted with two approximately 20-minute videos of complementary topics from parent company Wonderscape Education’s large educational video collection. Inside the front cover of the durable board book, about the size and weight of an iPad with protective cover, a table of contents lists the titles (Smartest Animals; Longest Living Animals), chapters (“Elephants”; “What Makes for a Long Life?”), and read-along chapters for printed pages not included in the videos. The table of contents also appears on the second page, helpful for emergent readers enjoying the read-along feature.

The printed content’s thoughtfully formatted read-along text and engaging narrator remind students that it’s time to “focus on the words,” and that “we will be going beyond the videos.” Sounds and very short video clips appear between read-along chapters, with a tone and a very short video clip when it’s time to turn a durable, glossy page.

No Wi-Fi or internet connection is necessary or allowed, making the device highly portable once fully charged and ensuring students stay within the VidieGoGo content, which totals about an hour for both videos, the read-along, and the “Test Your Knowledge” short quiz. New VidieGoGo titles in development (Pirates, Vikings; Volcanoes, Biggest Eruptions) will pull content from Wonderscape Education’s over 500 DVDs, with plans to release new titles monthly.

Student Ease of Use/Visual Appeal Users will enjoy this device as a viewing/reading option. Each book is sturdy and easy to handle, with an attractive cover and videos that begin to play upon opening. Once charged, the VidieGoGo can be played multiple times. An onscreen icon indicates battery level. The size and weight are like a thin textbook, making it easy to grasp and sturdy enough for backpack travel, occasional dropping, and repeated classroom and library use. VidieGoGos have a one-year warranty and access to a tech support website.

Educator Ease of Use/Visual Appeal The portable size and quarter-inch spine make these suitable for library shelving, displays and checkout, or for classroom use. The included charging cord could be checked out with the book, although a single charge lasts through multiple playings and recharging between checkouts likely won’t be necessary.

Verdict This innovative device would be a boon to any elementary classroom or library, and as more VidieGoGos are released, middle schools and possibly high schools will find paired topics that fit students’ interests or curriculum. Engaging videos, precise narration with diverse narrators, thoughtful construction for a “real book” look and feel, and durability for repeated use all make this highly recommended for libraries and classrooms.

Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX.