Inkling

I got an iPad a few months back and I've been using it extensively on the wards (a post to come later). I'm been amazed with some the apps that are coming out for iPad. I think iPad and tablets in general will change (and are changing) the way we learn. One app I've found most impressive is Inkling - a textbook reader for iPad.


For an extensive review, check out this great post from iMedicalApps

I've been using the free demo version of Moore's Essential Clinical Anatomy. I'm amazed by the high quality of the images and text as well as the interactive features. There are functions such as 'test yourself' that allow you to remove labels on images. This is fantastic. Students usually need to buy a separate resource such as a flashcard deck made for Gray's or Netters. But not with the Inkling textbook. You get the label-free and labeled forms of images right in the book.

One thing I've found most interesting - although I haven't really used it much yet - is the ability to write a note and start a discussion anywhere in the book with other Inkling users. This is a game changer I think. Now, when you're reading and you've got a question or comment, you can post them directly to the associated section in the book. Other Inkling users can then chime in. How amazing is that?! No longer is the student confined to his/her study buddies or classmates. People can study asynchronously and then discuss with people from around the world. There needs to be a critical mass of users in order for this feature to generate the robust communication needed to make it useful. Inkling currently doesn't have that, but I think it will sometime soon. When that happens, I think this function alone will make a great advance in the way we learn.