Digital Media Contests | Brief

BookJam Digital Book Report Video Contest Launches

• By David Nagel
• 09/21/10

Ed tech developer Recorded Books K-12 has launched a new contest that calls on teachers to collaborate with students on their book reports.

The first-annual BookJam Digital Book Report Video Contest, which launched earlier this month, invites students in grades 5 through 12 to work with their teachers, either in groups or one on one, to produce video-based book reports that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the book, along with creative use of the video format.

The contest rules do not specify a particular approach or style that the digital book report must take. The contest's organizer suggested approaches might range from songs to plays to interactive presentations.

There will be two grand prize winners, one in the elementary/middle school category (grades 5 through 8) and one in the high school category (grades 9 through 12). Grand prize winners will receive equipment and software estimated at $20,000 in value total, including print and electronic books, a BookJam classroom set, a camcorder, and Califone audio equipment. Students will also be eligible to win "honorable mention" prizes in a variety of categories, including best music entry, best visual imagery, and others. Teachers may submit entries for multiple students.

All entries are due Oct. 28. Further information, including complete rules, can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).