Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning (7th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Nice update of a classic textbook
Review: As a co-author, I can report that Instructional Media upholds the tradition established by this textbook in 1982. It is aimed primarily at those who are at the entry level in terms of using media for education or training. It helps instructors decide what media to use for different teaching/learning situations, and gives practical tips on HOW to achieve the best effect when using technology. The book began with a focus on audiovisual media; the sixth edition retains the most relevant audiovisual content, but shifts focus toward computer-based delivery. What remains constant is the conviction that effectiveness of mediated instruction depends very much on what the instructor does...how the technology is integrated into the overall learning program.

Rating:
Summary: Nice update of a classic textbook
Review: As a co-author, I can report that Instructional Media upholds the tradition established by this textbook in 1982. It is aimed primarily at those who are at the entry level in terms of using media for education or training. It helps instructors decide what media to use for different teaching/learning situations, and gives practical tips on HOW to achieve the best effect when using technology. The book began with a focus on audiovisual media; the sixth edition retains the most relevant audiovisual content, but shifts focus toward computer-based delivery. What remains constant is the conviction that effectiveness of mediated instruction depends very much on what the instructor does...how the technology is integrated into the overall learning program.

Rating:
Summary: Light and introductory with the scent of apple pie
Review: I wasn't impressed with this book for two separate reasons. Firstly, the production standard struck me as almost 1960s' in style - black and white photos (nice 'grainy' look), big bulky monitors and a general aged format. It is peculiar I agree, but the book looks like it was written at least 30 if not 40 years ago. The second set of quibbles I have with the text is that it presume the reader is almost completely ignorant of any kind of presentation technology. This assumption may have been acceptable several decades ago but the universality of TV seriously undermines its value. Television is constantly exposting the public to new technologies. For instance, in the text there is a piece with graphic devoted to how to load a slide projector. How relevant is that to today's classroom? Moreover, any decent bit of kit comes with instructions. I accept that the authors wish to do a thorough hand holding with the reader, but the book assume too little exposure to technology which renders it advice mediocre in places. Possibly it should be retitled Instructional Media Technology for Complete Dummies. The bits on the web are small (literally bits) which is not a good sign. Overall, the book was lightweight - possibly I am being unfair as I am not looking for the technology it covers, but for review of current and future developments. In any event I regret buying the book as it doesn't fit my needs and I didn't like its presentation style. It is a tired book, more like jaded, that does not mesh well with the style culture of modern multimedia technology.

Rating:
Summary: Technology presented with clarity
Review: Pay no attention to one gentleman's "Apple Pie" comment about the step-by-step instructions included in this book. After all, not everyone is as technologically adept as he may be. If you have already mastered such technology, then this material is possibly too basic for you. But for the rest of us, one of the major benefits of this book is indeed the fact that the instructions have been so clearly presented!

If you are an educator, as I am, and you are looking to learn more about real-world technology as it applies to your classroom or learning center, then I HIGHLY recommend this book (8th Ed.).