I received an email today which kindly informed me of a really cool educational resource. It’s called myROCKETBOOK.com. What’s a rocketbook? The website says it best:
Rocketbooks are video study guides that provide summaries and detailed analyses of literary works. Our WikiNotes section offers a new user experience allowing fresh viewpoints and expressions from today’s students, educators, and literature enthusiasts to bring these classic works to life.
This site has some great study guides for quite a few of the classics, Shakespeare included… which I suppose is why I’m sharing this with you. The study guide is offered in the format of a webpage (WikiNotes), PDF, mp3, and video. PDF and mp3 downloads are free for a limited time only!
The real treat on the site is the video study guide feature. Not all of the books on the site have a video version yet, but I’m sure they’re in progress. The Shakespeare titles available are Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Othello, and Hamlet. I made my way through Julius Caesar tonight and I liked what I saw. Each scene has a narrated detailed summary, an analysis, and a quiz. We see the narrator, quotes onscreen, as well as drawings of important characters and plot points.
This is a wonderful resource for teachers and students from elementary to high school levels. Not all teachers are a fan of using media in the classroom… and if you’re one of those who just prefer to talk about it: PLEASE consider alternatives to just lecturing the students on what the play is about and what it means. This video series is a little more engaging and isn’t boring to watch. It’s a great addition to the text – and not a substitute. The site’s motto is “Watch. Read. Succeed.” I like it! I give this resource two thumbs up, and 5 Bards for their creative use of various media via the internet to aid learning.
