Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ddeubel]

I continue to be motivated to share/produce quality materials for teachers here in Korea and around the world. Proud now to announce that I stubbornly kept at it and have produced a course book - based on my own ideas of "Student Created Content"

Read about it and view samples on my blog - http://bit.ly/h471Yo

I'd love to hear from others about their own experiences and thoughts on "self-publishing". Lots of possibility and room to do so, for the motivated teacher. Any ideas about delivery of the book? Marketing and getting the word out? Pricing?

Self publishers, especially in English language teaching - are up against a few Goliaths.

Cheers,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[yoja]

Congrats to you!

You've done a lot of work over the years and helped out many a teacher. Hope the book is a smashing success!

[schwa]

David vs the Goliaths!

My first impression -- a truly commendable undertaking. Pitch perfect for my middle school students (but not limited to that level).

I'll buy it.

I'd guess the key to making a buck off it would be building a fan base & being able to ship hard copies to hagwons & afterschool programs. A mix of free access & nice books ala Andrew Finch.

The big operators with stale approaches could use a run for their money. Best luck!

[ddeubel]

Thanks for the good vibes guys!

It will be a slow process but I'm not going anywhere.

I like the moniker schwa - that is about right, "David vs Goliath". And you are right it is about people.

But I'm not going after the printable market (though there will be a binded print version soon, along with an epub). I made the book very print friendly and teachers don't have to be shy, print away. One copy for all your students. My main aim is for teachers to share and test the methodology.

You are right - I do see it working well with late elementary, M.S. and early H.S. Those students who just want to be more involved and create something instead of just sitting back and letting things come at them. It can be used piecemeal or as a full course - perfect for a camp, I think.

But I really think the fact it has its own wiki - hit the link when you get the book. It's own wiki where you can download all the lessons in .doc and edit them - makes it radical. Plus instantly send your students for speaking practice at the Voicethreads I created. I also have to mention that my own strength (or even developed quirk), is a rather wide ranging knowledge of websites great for student directed learning. The book has hundreds of creme de la creme links embedded.

But the marketing, I'll be learning as I go along. It will take time to gain some traction. Anyone with ideas please .....

By the way - any teacher who wants a copy and doesn't have paypal or credit card - I got a Korean bank account But if desperate, PM me and it is yours free.

Glad you mentioned Andrew Finch schwa - I dedicated the book to him. He taught me a lot about sharing, living the teaching life and especially materials design.

Sorry for the lengthy reply. Now got to shovel the drive again over here in endlessly snowy Canada.

Cheers,

David not Goliath
http://eflclassroom.com

[ddeubel]

An update.

The wiki is complete. After purchase - teachers will receive an email with the wiki page to download every lesson and edit as they wish. Also access to a ppt of the whole book for instructional use in the classroom.

Updated lesson examples. http://bit.ly/gylisE

Certificate example. http://bit.ly/hnznO4

Purchase page. http://tinypay.me/~gp2B9KB

Cheers,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[PRagic]

Surprised you can't get a deal from Prentice. They have great support packages. Seems you've done all the back breaking work in advance. Good luck with it.

[ddeubel]

PRagic - I have a wider vision in mind.

Plus student created content and open source textbooks don't sit well with publishers. This way, I can do what I want. All the proceeds go to me. Once I pay off my expenses (estimated labor $2,000 / graphics $550 ) - I'll release the book as "free". That's how it should be.

It will take some time but will gain traction. But you got my mind working... I'll have to blog about the pitiful offers I did get from publishers! That would be interesting to others, I'm sure. Much like as you know, academic publishing. You get paid next to nothing and are expected to just "be proud" and with the notion that it "helps your career". BS. - when they cage your content and make others pay $30 - $75 a pop for your essay.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[SMOE NSET]

David,

I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to the teaching profession. The book looks great and seems to be the perfect level for my new school (6th graders only) and I want to try your book out with them. I would like to purchase your book but would prefer the Korean bank transfer. Could you post it up here for others or PM me if you don't want it shown publicly? Also what would the price be in Korean Won?

Congratulations on the book!

[ddeubel]

Hey thanks!

The book will work with a variety of levels but you are right - there often seems no matter what, one specific age group and level that "fits". But students will like the ability to "create" and also the focus is on their world and life.

Good idea about the bank account # for teachers in Korea. Go to the payment page http://bit.ly/heLwmp and I've listed it there.

Hit "Contact" and send me a note that you will or have paid. I'll send the book right away.

Enjoy it. And appreciate any feedback or promotion. Every little thing helps.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[Caffeinated]

I looked at the sample lesson and teacher's notes and would find this useful for an adult class I teach. Impressive stuff - congratulations! Count me in as a future buyer!

[ddeubel]

caffeinated,

Appreciate the support!

I really had to "rein in" myself to keep the teacher's notes very simple. I think that is best and not give teachers too elaborate plans/suggestions. One, it just is kind of saying "I know, you don't" and two, it really doesn't "liberate" the teacher or help their development - just kind of makes them into something robotic. so those notes are short intentionally.

Cheers,

DD
http://eflclassroom.com