Being able to create your own content for the iPod is a cool idea. Last year I played around a bit with eBooks, but found it a bit clunky and unreliable. Just like everything else iPod, this is changing. Recently, I have been getting back into creating eBook type materials. I started by using a few Reader's Theater plays. I was able to give them out, without making copies. Talk about going green.The process is not as smooth as I would like it, but it's better. To create an eBook I use two computer applications and one iPod app. All of the creating is done on the computer using an application called Sigil. You begin with basic text and format it in Sigil. Sigil will add titles, headings, images, and metadata. Once it is formatted in Sigil it is saved in the .epub format.
From there it's time to distribute. I use the computer software Caibre to send the eBook to the iPods. Calibre has many features, but all I use it for is hosting the eBooks. Once Calibre is running, you can turn on the server. Students can connect to the Calibre library and download any eBook in the library.
On the iPod side, Stanza is the App to use. Stanza allows the iPod to connect to the Calibre library on the computer (Calibre must be running) and download eBooks. Students also use Stanza to read the eBooks. Stanza also has many slick features, including the ability to change backgrounds, fonts, font size & color, and more. It will also define words and bookmark.
Both applications and the iPod app are free:
Calibre: http://calibre-ebook.com/
Stanza: http://www.lexcycle.com/