Designs for Self-Instruction: Principles, Processes, and Issues in Developing Self-Directed Learning

Rating:
Summary: A thoughful and valuable guide for professional developers
Review: Designs for Self-Instruction provides instructional designers and developers with a comprehensive and thoughtful examination of self-instruction. From its theoretical underpinings to practical suggestions for execution, this book transcends any single medium, while applying to all. Its focus is steadfastly and purely instruction - not job support or job aids; not web design or web mastery; not anything more or less than the tenets and philosophies touching specifically on self-instruction.

The author writes in an accessible style, yet with authority and wisdom. For many reasons, this small volume is an invaluable addition to any professional designer's library.

Rating:
Summary: Reflective, Useful Foundations and Tools
Review: Of interest to course designers, educational technology developers and those responsible for self directed learning ( including individuals), "Designs for Self-Instruction" offers a reference guide to help you ground projects with solid theory & practice.

The well referenced, somewhat dry and simply illustrated chapters span:
-situation, principles, content of self instruction
-programmed instruction, implied contract, content, plan
-development
-motivation, styles
-collaborative settings

It could be improved with more examples of tools from software world (demo or websites?) and a broader context (not just educational research but also corporate training, consultants, eLearning, virtual universities). Despite that, worthwhile and useful.