When you think about digital books, you most likely imagine faithful reproductions of actual physical books, like those available for iBooks or the Kindle app. But your iPad is a powerful computer capable of doing much more than just replicating a stack of paper. Many companies have already experimented with this, resulting in books like Alice and Pedlar Lady, among others, but Game Collage has taken the idea to a whole new level with Bobo Explores Light.
Although the app is classified as a book, it’s actually a fully interactive experience -- and it’s absolutely amazing. This is a program designed to teach children all about light, be it from the sun or created by chemical reactions, fire, lightning, bioluminescence, phosphorescence, reflection, and refraction; you name it. Bobo, the charming little robot, will guide you through it all.
Bobo Explores Light starts with a short tutorial, and then you're off, with the ability to follow the story as intended or use the table of contents to jump to any section. Each page teaches you and your child about a specific subject, and also includes pull down menus to help expand your knowledge. The information is aimed at second graders and is clear, concise, and fun, but aside from the videos, none of it is narrated. However, since all of the written text is designed with young children in mind, everything is simple to understand, and even the handful of complex words are handled with flair, thanks to simple explanations of how they should be pronounced.
The images are beautiful, and you can tap on almost anything at any time with stellar animation throughout. It lets you immerse yourself in the experience, making learning fun and enjoyable wherever you happen to be. The interactive parts of each page help children come to grips with what’s going on, and it’s a great way to crystalize the information in their minds -- much better than just reading about it, and quite a bit more fun to boot. Adults should also keep an ear out and see if they can recognize which tune Bobo hums from time to time, as he currently has 19 songs in his repertoire.
The bottom line. This is how education books should be: well designed and structured, simple to understand, and filled with interactive features to explore. If you want your young child to have fun learning with an iPad rather than merely playing games on one, then Bobo Explores Light is a perfect tutor. Let’s hope more educational titles appear with our new robotic friend in tow.
iPad running iOS 3.2 or later
Fantastic educational resource with excellent interactive features. Great fun to use and play with, even for adults.
Relaunching the app brings you back to the table of contents, not your last-read page.
