Since 2014, the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) has been redefining the Armenian experience with the release of interactive e-books, bringing Armenian history, culture and contemporary affairs into the digital age. Designed with the intent to expand AVC’s learning community from virtual students to the public at large, the multimedia e-Book Series has become stupendously popular since the launch of the first volume in 2014, attracting over 18,000 readers to date. With a growing number of downloads each day, the series is a pioneer of periodical e-publications, turning a new page in the field of Armenian Studies.
The first e-book entitled The Armenian Highland (2014) provides an overview of Armenia’s history and geography from ancient to modern times. It details the physical characteristics, natural life, environment, flora and fauna, climate and natural resources of the Armenian highland. It also discusses the administrative divisions of the region and puts them in historical perspective. This interactive e-book concludes with a brief introduction to the significance of the highland to the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The text is accompanied by vivid color images and optional audio narration and is interspersed with video clips, 3D panoramas, quizzes and interactive maps that all serve to enhance the reader’s experience. Alongside the core text are sidebars with legends, facts and stories that make the e-book an essential reference for academics and non-academics alike.
Exploring Yerevan: A Look Inside the City’s Past & Present (2015), the second e-book of the series, is an interactive guide designed to offer historical, social and demographic information to readers interested in visiting Yerevan or learning about the city. The perfect travel companion, Exploring Yerevan offers a variety of information, ranging from city tours and hikes to festive cultural and social events. Videos, interactive maps, virtual visits, picture galleries, 3D and panoramic images and puzzles are used to introduce readers to the city and its surrounding areas. Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan stresses the importance of the collaboration between the Municipality of Yerevan and AVC in encouraging the success of similar initiatives: “Thanks to the incorporation of modern technologies, our 2796-year-old capital can now be presented to the world as an attractive touristic destination.” AGBU Central Board member Dr. Yervant Zorian, AVC founder and president, echoes the mayor’s sentiments: “With a groundbreaking presentation and a fresh wave of information, the Exploring Yerevan e-book is a perfect resource for anyone who wants to make the most out of their visit to Yerevan and learn about one of the oldest cities in the world. I am sure this book will acquire a broad readership and will contribute to making Yerevan one of the best touristic destinations in the world.”
A full multimedia experience available in your choice of seven languages: English, Western Armenian, Eastern Armenian, Russian, French, Spanish and Turkish, the media-rich and superbly attractive interface, the interactivity and ease of use, the enchanting stories one does not come across in textbooks and every-day reads, all make the e-book series a highly pleasurable read for a variety of audiences. Both e-books are available for free download and online browsing just a few clicks away on computers and mobile devices. The iBook version is designed for iPads and iMac computers, while the Joomag web browser and app versions are designed for PCs, Android tablets and all smartphones. For more information or to download your free copy, please visit the AVC website (www.avc-agbu.org), AGBU online bookstore (www.agbubookstore.org), or search “AVC” in the Apple iBooks Store or Joomag app.
