The COMM 200 App is a digital textbook for Communication Theory courses at the undergraduate level. The App consists of 15 chapters including an introduction to the discipline chapter, a chapter describing the basics of theory, a chapter introducing students to research, and 12 theory chapters covering essential theories (rhetorical, interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and computer-mediated) in the discipline. Each chapter is written by a content expert in that area who wrote the chapter based on their experience with teaching undergraduates the selected theories. The structure of the chapters includes an opening vignette for each theory to aid student comprehension, a basic overview of the theory, a section with more detailed coverage of the core concepts associated with the theory, and a review of recent research that demonstrate the theories in action.
The App can be used on iPhones and iPads as well as any device that has internet access. Students can use a web version of the content where they can access the content even from a desktop computer or laptop. Additionally, if students do not have an iOS device, they can access the content via the internet icon on the phone. With purchase of the App, students will be granted access to the App in all its forms (iPhone, iPad, web interactive version).
The App includes activities for each chapter as well as PowerPoint slides. The content and activities are structured and developed the way teachers actually teach it in their courses. The PowerPoints have been streamlined for class use and do not simply repeat the textbook chapter. The PowerPoints and activities have been tested and used in Communication courses taught by the writers/creators.
The App also includes live links and searchable text making for an interactive experience. The functionality of the App is one of its clear advantages over traditional textbooks. The interactive activities that appear within the text can be submitted electronically to the instructor. Further, the note taking feature enables students to save notes by chapter section as well as PowerPoints notes which appear side by side in the table of contents. The searchable text combined with the note taking features serve as an incredible study aid for students.
The App is also customizable across both university and course section. Teachers and schools can add their own chapters, activities, PowerPoints, and relevant documents. If teachers have their own activities and PowerPoints they can be incorporated into a customized version of the App.
Additionally, the App can be updated each semester, including the ability to make updates to the chapters based on teacher and student feedback allowing for substantive change. The ability to make updates as opposed the traditional route of new editions of a textbook is a clear advantage over traditional textbooks. Students will receive the updates as long as they keep the App. Thus, the App could be used for Capstone courses which require students to review content related to communication theory. The App is something students could use throughout their entire major and beyond!