CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 vs VitalSource Bookshelf
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0
ck12.orgVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 8.9 (#2) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Accessibility | CK-12’s 2024 VPAT states that the FlexBooks 2.0 platform meets AA conformance across the criteria covered by the report. | VitalSource states that Bookshelf supports assistive technologies and provides accessibility conformance documentation. |
| Headquarters | CK-12 lists its headquarters at 4300 Bohannon Drive, Suite 200, Menlo Park, California. | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Integrations | CK-12 lists Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, Kiddom, Clever and ClassLink as SSO or LMS partners. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Purpose | FlexBooks are customizable digital textbooks for K–12 subjects including science, math, and social studies. | Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 4.3 out of 5 from 14 ratings for Flexi AI Tutor & Homework Help. | 4.7 out of 5 from 80,000 ratings |
| Security | CK-12 says it uses administrative, technological and physical safeguards and encrypts transmissions with SSL or similar technology, while disclaiming a guarantee of security. | VitalSource says Bookshelf infrastructure is covered by SOC 2 Type 2 security controls, disaster-recovery sites, Google Cloud hosting, and more than 500 global endpoints. |
| Support | Users can contact CK-12 Support by starting a support ticket or sending an email. | VitalSource advertises 24x7x365 Tier 1 support in English and Spanish and maintains separate learner, educator, partner, and Bookshelf support portals. |
| What it does | FlexBook 2.0 is CK-12’s interactive digital textbook platform for math and science lessons with embedded learning resources. | Bookshelf delivers digital textbooks online and through downloadable apps for offline reading. |
Plans
In their own words
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 provides customizable digital textbooks for K–12 subjects including science, math, and social studies. Lessons can combine text with PLIX interactives, simulations, adaptive practice, and related learning materials. Adaptive Practice draws questions from a library of more than 150,000 and adjusts selections based on student answers. Teachers can assign lessons, videos, interactives, and practice to whole classes or differentiated groups, then view progress reports. Educators can reorder chapters and edit or add content in customized FlexBooks. The service works in browsers on laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, tablets, and mobile devices, and is listed at free. Standalone Simulations and PLIX Interactives require a tablet-size screen or larger. Users may download PDFs of FlexBooks they create or customize, though interactive content may not render; CK-12-created PDFs are not downloadable. CK-12 says it is still converting all core content to FlexBook 2.0. Listed SSO or LMS partners include Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, Kiddom, Clever, and ClassLink.
VitalSource Bookshelf
VitalSource Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Its study tools include highlighting, notes, flashcards, bookmarks, citations, search, and read-aloud. Users can download titles in desktop or mobile apps for offline reading and study, and notes and highlights sync across registered devices. VitalSource says the app supports assistive technologies for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. It can be installed on up to two computers and two mobile devices at a time. Integrations support learning management system access, single sign-on, roster sync, and grade pass-back. The app is free to install at free, while eTextbook content may require purchase or an active license; pricing is also listed on request. For offline access to a lifetime-access eTextbook, download it within 180 days of purchase. VitalSource says assignments and library filters are being deprecated as part of a Bookshelf experience update.