This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flatworld Knowledge for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is a subject near and dear to my heart – the ability for students to use the most current, most informative textbooks for their study. Giving teachers the ability to use textbook customization. Too often, students are forced to learn subject matter from out of date textbooks. In a world where being at the cutting edge is so important, don’t you think having leading edge material is the best way to learn?

Flat World Knowledge Provides Living Breathing Textbooks

Teachers and students now have a choice. They can suffer along using static material, or explore new territory. Flat World Knowledge makes this possible with their “living, breathing dynamic learning platform.” Simply put, textbooks on a wide range of subjects, written by experts in their field and published under the Creative Commons open license are available for free when used online or a small fee for downloading and accessing offline.

Teachers and Students Using Only the Best of the Best Textbooks

Using a platform that Flat World Knowledge calls “Make It Your Own” (MIYO) tailoring a textbook has never been easier. Chapters and sections can be dragged and dropped, thus arranging the course the way the teacher would like it presented; edited to keep the book current and alive; and even insert new material including video and audio multi-media for true interaction. The latest relevant material from YouTube and BlipTV can even be inserted into any given textbook.

Once the textbook has been modified to the instructor’s liking and published, the textbook becomes available in a wide range of options:

o In HTML format, fully functional with features like search, the ability to take notes, and multi-media support

o In PDF format for easy printing (what is called a softcover version in b/w) on demand

o ePub and .mobi file format for mobile readers and devices (iPad, Kindle)

o As an audio book, and

o Digital Braille ideal for individuals with print disabilities.

Watch this video to see how unique and wonderful the world of textbooks can truly be:

Textbooks for Free or a Small Fee

All online access to Flat World Knowledge textbooks is free. Offline access (downloading the textbook) costs a fraction of the price most educational bookstores charge starting at just $25 for most formats and $35 for the printed version. This is the way education can and should grow. Out with the outdated and in with the new. Textbooks that take on a life of their own where teachers can truly teach and students can truly learn.

It’s amazing how you can get lost at YouTube as you search for the perfect song videos. Tonight, for reasons beyond me, I really wanted to find the perfect song video to post. My journey actually began with a hunt for sand paintings, which lead to hypnotic videos, which lead me to oldie but goodie song videos. Then I started thinking about specific songs.

Song Videos From Way Back

One of my all time favorites is “Johnny Angel” (and trust me I saw the original sung on Father Knows Best – anyone young, well you can just look that up for yourself LOL – but I was a little girl myself). But, I didn’t stop there, my quest lead me deeper and deeper into YouTube where I came across Elton John. I listened to “Tiny Dancer” and a bunch of other song videos. Finally, hours later (and holy cow it’s after 2 a.m.!), I settled on the following… (more…)

I promise this will be a marketing post, but I’m going to use a few real life – non-marketing examples – to make my point.

Having never heard of Susan Boyle before my father sent me an email of her YouTube audition, I never dreamed I’d get this wrapped up in a show that isn’t even based where I live (the U.S.). I know there are millions of American Idol fans out there, but I’ve just never gotten into the whole AI thing. Frankly, it is the (American) judging team that turns me off, particularly Simon Crowell (when he’s in the United States). However, in Britain on BGT, Simon turns into a completely different person. He’s insightful, helpful, and a nice guy… go figure.

But this isn’t about Simon, this is about fame coming too fast, cold feet, internet marketing (yes I promised), and examples of what happens when you don’t really think things through. (more…)

The only thing I will say is 1) get tissues ready; 2) watch all the judges faces and the audience; 3) use headphones if possible; and 4) thoroughly enjoy yourself! You deserve this so click here! – and remember… never give up!