McGraw Hill SmartBook

Despite the much-publicized grumblings about CES being less relevant this year due to the direct absence of big players like Microsoft, Apple, and Google, there were clear trends and several standout products at the January Consumer Electronics Show, which will likely impact K–12 education. Here’s a short list of highlights from CES, starting with an overarching trend that’s bound to affect a wide range of devices in coming years.

The future of display technology, foretold. Just the other day, I eyed a ceiling-mounted projector in my library that cost over $5,000 back in 2000 and still works, but just can’t cut it in today’s wide-screen, HD world. Considering the prospect of replacing it, I wonder, where will it end? Well, thanks to CES, I think I know: Ultra HD. It’s the display standard that’ll set the new bar for virtually all screens in the future.

Also known as 4K or Quad HD, Ultra HD was originally driven by digital cinema’s requirement for a high-def display dense enough to look good on really huge screens. Ultra HD displays, those boasting a horizontal resolution on the order of 4,000 pixels (a common one is 3,840 x 2,160), are definitely headed for a living room TV near you. At about 8.3 megapixels, Ultra HD has four times the pixels of HDTV. It’s not just about TV, though: Panasonic debuted a 20-inch Windows 8 tablet at CES with 4K resolution, and Qualcomm announced that its newest Snapdragon 600 and 800 mobile processors are now engineered to handle Ultra HD, too, so expect Ultra HD to make its way onto the screens of even the smallest personal devices. We’ll also see more OLED screens in the marketplace, with their richer colors and higher contrasts. Samsung has introduced super-thin, bendable, nearly unbreakable OLED displays. The technology, called Youm, could make curved screens and other yummy new display form factors commercially possible. Plus, Youm mojo could prove valuable in school settings where only the toughest screens survive. Some think Ultra HD could be the ultimate display resolution, the finest display we’ll ever need… or want. Do I believe that? No. But it should satisfy us for a while.

Adaptive ebooks and courseware. Imagine textbooks that actually revise themselves on-the-fly to adjust to an individual reader’s comprehension. That’s the idea behind SmartBooks from McGraw Hill Education. They’re multi-platform etextbooks, readable online or off, that adapt to how students respond to periodic review questions, reinforcing material that needs more attention. The company uses student behavior models to create the most efficient path toward subject area mastery. McGraw Hill Education is yet to set SmartBook prices, but expects them to be comparable to standard ebooks. Pearson was also reportedly at CES promoting similar adaptive products.

Gaming pioneer Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, also believes that software that adapts to learners—keeping them on the optimum edge of their ability—maximizes academic achievement and learning enjoyment. That’s the idea behind his company, BrainRush. See how it works yourself: I challenge you to visit www.brainrush.com and take one of their sample lessons. Unless you immediately nail the drill, you’ll feel the software adjusting to your mistakes. I took the lesson on South American countries and could sense the software repeatedly trying different ways to get me to stop confusing Guyana with nearby French Guiana. Eventually, I caught on. And Paraguay is north of Uruguay… duh.

Robotics for students of all ages. Fans of Lego Mindstorms robotics kits, popular in classrooms and homes for well over a decade, will be happy to hear that a new set, Lego Mindstorms EV3, is scheduled for release this spring. The $350 kit reportedly includes 17 different bot designs. Builders can follow plans on paper or tablets, or they can invent new robots freestyle. The kit includes a variety of new and improved sensors and capabilities, has a Linux-based, programmable brick that aspiring hackers can mess with, and is compatible with Mindstorms NXT components. Students can remotely control their robotic creations with apps for iOS and Android, and curricular support is available at www.legoeducation.us.

While the Mindstorms kit is recommended for ages 10 and up, younger kids can have hi-tech fun with Cubelets from Modular Robotics. Cubelets are blocks that simply snap together; no wiring or programming is needed. Each block has either a sensor, logic, or action function. Put them together in different ways and they do different things. Kits start at $159.95.

The XO Learning Tablet. Remember the One Laptop Per Child initiative and the so-called $100 laptop from back in 2005? Well, the One Laptop Per Child nonprofit has now unveiled a commercial product, the XO Learning Tablet. Manufactured by Vivitar, it will be available in the U.S. through retailers, including WalMart, sometime next fall for a price rumored to be around $149. The 7″ tablet will feature front-and rear-facing cameras and can function as a standard Android tablet in parent mode, or a heavily skinned, child-centered, and career-focused Android tablet for kids as young as three. When it’s in child mode, young users choose a professional aspiration—say scientist, for example—and then get access to a vetted set of apps relevant to scientific pursuits. (Alas, school librarian is not currently a career choice.) A robust parental dashboard gives adults full control over their child’s access and provides detailed reports on how the tablet is being used.

And who knows what else? One of the great things about CES is that, warts and all—and no matter how cringe-worthy its keynote address might happen to be—the annual trade show retains its spirit of playful innovation. That was demonstrated this year by the number of creative products at CES that were funded through the grassroots online platform Kickstarter. Who can foresee how these products, no matter how whimsical they seem now, might wind up touching the future? Consider the Puzzlebox Orbit Brain Controlled Helicopter. While it may seem like nothing more than an impractical plaything today, the company is encouraging the development of the open-source BCI (brain-computer-interface) that controls the toy copter. BCI technology is already impacting “serious” fields like vision science and prosthetics, and—who knows?—it could even wind up affecting the most serious profession of all, education.

The action is set in the world of Ninjago, created long ago by the first Master of Spinjitzu who also forged four formidable weapons: the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Scythe of Quakes, the Shurikens of Ice, and the Dragon Sword of Fire. Upon his death, he left the objects under the protection of his two sons, Garmadon and Wu. However, Garmadon, twisted by his lust for power, tried to steal the armaments for himself, and was defeated in battle by Wu, who banished him to the underworld and hid the artifacts in the far corners of Ninjago. But Garmadon formed an alliance with Samukai, king of the Underworld and leader of a skeleton army, and launched a plan to retrieve the Four Weapons and seize control of the realm.

Knowing that he would need help to stop his brother, Wu recruited four young men to become ninja, training them in the ways of Spinjitzu (a technique in which one whirls around at top speed to create a tornado of power) and teaching them to tap into their inner strengths. Together, they will defend their home against otherworldly creatures and protect the Four Weapons from those who would use them for evil. The Serpentine, an assemblage of competing tribes of snakelike villains, were introduced to the franchise’s storyline in 2012.

The new season of the highly rated animated TV show is scheduled to premiere on Cartoon Network on July 18. Kids can visit the series’ website to view video clips, browse photos, read character profiles, and chime in on fan surveys (“Which ninja is most like you?”). Free online video games include “Spinjitzu Snakedown” (players choose a ninja persona and protect a village from evil serpentine forces) and “The Four Paths” (players navigate through various terrains using the mouse to move and jump). Youngsters can also cruise over to LEGO’s dedicated website for character profiles, detailed travel guides (with descriptions of locales, summaries of flora and fauna, and lists of things to do), LEGO product info, and playing tips, and a variety of videos and games.

Book Tie-ins

Ninjago fans will enjoy meeting their favorite characters and exploring familiar plot elements and scenarios in the pages of these tie-in titles. In the Official Guide (Scholastic, 2011; Gr 2-5), Sensei Wu provides a detailed introduction to this intricately imagined world. Sections cover the realm’s history, characters (including a cast of skeleton villains), dragon inhabitants, ninja and Spinjitzu training, important locations, and more. Flavored with touches of humor and tidbits of wisdom, the first-person narration unfurls at a graceful pace and creates a believable voice for Wu. Numerous full-color images appear throughout, showcasing the characters and their devices, and fact charts (weapons of choice, favorite foods, hobbies, quotes, etc.) and “Ninja Notes” add more detail. The book ends with a recounting of the heroes’ perilous journey to retrieve the Shurikens of Ice. Fun for browsing or reading cover to cover.

A series of easy readers (K-Gr 4) combine straightforward storytelling with vibrant full-color artwork and invitingly open layouts. Way of the Ninja (2011), introduces Kai, the son of a blacksmith who is left reeling when his village is attacked and his sister Nya kidnapped by skeleton troops. Hope is offered by the mysterious Sensei Wu, who reveals secrets about the young man’s father and offers him the chance to become a warrior and “learn to tame the fire inside.” In another story, the young Masters of Spinjitzu (2012) are sent on a dangerous mission to find the Scythe of Quakes, and soon discover that it will take all of their training and their best teamwork to succeed. The series continues with The Golden Weapons and Rise of the Snakes (both 2012; all Scholastic). Subtitles break the text into accessible sections, while short sentences, basic vocabulary, humorous dialogue, and brisk action keep the pages turning quickly. The colorful illustrations support the narratives with visual clues. Good choices for beginning readers or as share-alouds for younger franchise fans.

Four fast-reading chapter books (Gr 2-5) each focus on one of the heroes, highlighting the featured individual’s personality traits and personal challenges. Each book begins with a segment from Sensei Wu’s journal, a first-person entry that recounts how the master met the young warrior and his particular strengths and weaknesses, followed by a short story and a multi-chaptered adventure both written in a clear third-person narrative. A combo of personal experiences and vigorous encounters with the enemy reveal details about the character and his role on the team. Kai: Ninja of Fire displays both his fearlessness and headstrong rashness when he goes on a special quest with a fellow ninja; an orphan with no memories of his past, Zane: Ninja of Ice (both 2011) is conflicted when Garmadon offers to reveal these secrets in exchange for betraying his friends; always ready to crack a joke or come up with a useful invention, Jay: Ninja of Lightening must use his talents when he and Kai are accused of a crime they didn’t commit; and Cole: Ninja of Earth (both 2012, all Scholastic), a natural-born leader, devises a clever plan to remind his companions of their unique strengths and demonstrate the importance of working as a team. Utilizing short sentences, straightforward language, and snappy dialogue, the narratives are filled with clearly described exploits and sparkling humor.

Graphic Novels

Combining compelling storylines with eye-grabbing artwork, Papercutz’s series of graphic novels (Gr 2-6) will wow Ninjago devotees. In “The Challenge of Samukai” (#1; 2011), Garmadon overhears the skeleton ruler bragging about his ability to conquer Sensei Wu and his young cohorts, and the two baddies make a high-stakes wager for control of both the Underworld and Ninjago. The fast-paced tales that follow depict Samukai’s ill-fated efforts to hold up his end of the bargain, while touching upon elements of the Ninjago back story. In “Mask of the Sensei” (#2, 2012), the skeletons have been defeated and peace reigns over the land, but Sensei Wu is behaving oddly. When their wise leader suddenly transforms into a ruthless despot, Kai and his friends soon discover that an imposter is on the loose, but will they be able to get to the truth and set things right before it’s too late?

“Rise of the Serpentine” (#3, 2012) takes place after Ninjago has been invaded by nefarious snake-like villains. The inhabitants of a village are acting strangely, and when the four young warriors investigate, it soon becomes apparent that the Hypnobrai are on the loose, using their hypnotic powers to mesmerize the townsfolk, and the situation becomes even more dire when the ninja begin to fall under their control one by one. In “Tomb of the Fangpyre” (#4, scheduled for release on August 21), Sensei Wu sends his students in search of true knowledge about their slithery enemy. Each warrior will travel to a far-off place to track down the shattered pieces of the serpent stone, an artifact that contains the history of the snake tribes, encountering difficult-to-navigate terrain and ferocious foes along the way and ultimately discovering secrets important to the fate of Ninjago.

Balancing moments of Sensei Wu’s wisdom with the more lighthearted quips of his young followers, the storytelling is fast-paced and satisfying. The characters are faced with situations that require them to use their particular weapons and abilities (including the versatile Spinjitzu whirlwind), personality traits, and smarts to overcome diverse challenges. Ablaze in bright colors and filled with motion, the artwork brings the characters and settings to life while referencing their LEGO-style characteristics. Rapid-fire events are delineated through artfully laid-out panel sequences, with an occasional full-page image adding perspective and drama. Great choices for reeling in reluctant readers, nourishing youngsters who can’t get enough of the world of Ninjago, and encouraging imaginations to soar.

Publication Information

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: Official Guide. Scholastic. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-36258-0.

WEST, Tracy, adapt. LEGO Ninjago: Way of the Ninja. (Reader #1). 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-40113-5.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu. (Reader #2). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-40114-2.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: The Golden Weapons. (Reader #3). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-40115-9.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Rise of the Snakes. (Reader #4). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-43592-5.

ea vol: Scholastic. pap. $3.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: Kai: Ninja of Fire. 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-34827-0.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Zane: Ninja of Ice. 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-34828-7.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Jay: Ninja of Lightening. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-36994-7.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Cole: Ninja of Earth . 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-36993-0.

ea vol: Scholastic. pap. $4.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: “The Challenge of Samukai” (#1). illus. by Paulo Henrique. 2011. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-298-4; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-297-7.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Mask of the Sensei” (#2). illus. by Paulo Henrique. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-311-0; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-310-3.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Rise of the Serpentine” (#3). illus. by Paul Lee & Paulo Henrique. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-326-4; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-325-7.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Tomb of the Fangpyre” (#4). illus. by Jolyon Yates. August, 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-330-1; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-329-5.

ea vol: Papercutz. Tr $10.99; pap. $6.99.