Customer Reviews

Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning (7th Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.).

This book is more for the individual that has almost zero knowledge of technology and its use in the classroom. I already knew just about everything presented in this book. Though, it's difficult to fault the authors and the book itself simply because technology advances and changes at such a blinding fast speed that the task of staying updated is quite formidable, if not near impossible. It's not like a history or perhaps a math textbook.

I used it for a class I took but I barely consulted with it other than to cite it once or twice. Think hard before purchasing.

My class is using the tenth edition but I saved 100 and risked it with this book this term. It worked out great, some things are moved around but the titles are the same and material the same. If your looking to get this book for class to save money it worked for me.

note: this is book comes with a FREE helpful CD
and the 10th edition asks you to pay 30.00 online so if your using online(our class did not) you can just pay online and still use this edition.

The book is in good condition and cost less than 5 dollars including shipping. That price for a textbook cannot be beat.

I have been using this text book since the beginning of this semester (Fall 2011). The information in the book is excellent; however, even through Amazon the price is outrageous. If the price seemed a little more reasonable I would have given it 5 stars. It's unfortunate that textbook publishers charge so much money for their products. I'd love to find out what justifies their prices at least then I might understand their logic. Meanwhile, the information in the book is really good and it is made even better by my professor's classes.

This is for a current class so I haven't gotten through it but it looks like it will help me learn about current technology and many of the issues that will crop up.

I learned a lot using this book. The ASSURE Model used in the book was helpful. It has detailed lesson plans for teachers, media specialits and ITS. The pictures are up to date and the information is accurate. I used this book with my masters program and sold it! Guess what I am working on my Doctorate in ITDE and need this book again!!! The book is worth the money--I really regret selling it.

Many technology books are outdated by the time they are published. I am pleased to say that this book methodically moves through effective instruction and then how to use technology to aid it. I will be using this book as a reference for some time to come.