Technology In Action, Introductory (6th Edition) (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author), Kendall Martin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In today’s technological age, computer literacy is important for everyone, and now learning the basics is easier than ever. A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student! Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media. The sixth edition has been updated to reflect the latest developments in computer technology. New interactive learning tools have also been added to enhance student engagement.

Student CD is included with every text, containing:

• Sound Bytes: Multimedia lessons that demystify computer concepts with audio and video presentations.
• Sound Byte Podcasts: The Sound Bytes are now also available as podcasts.
• Active Helpdesk Calls: Highly interactive, engaging, almost game-like media that places the student in the role of a helpdesk staffer answering computer technology questions from callers.

Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate; The History of the PC; Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts; Using the Internet; Ethics; Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play; Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management; Understanding and Assessing Hardware; Networking and Security: Hackers and Viruses; Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data; Mobile Computing; Digital Entertainment; System Hardware

  With an array of fun and engaging learning tools, Technology in Action teaches students computer fundamentals, from learning Microsoft Office to setting up their own home network.

About the Author

Three professors from Montgomery County Community College traveled with the Prentice Hall Information Technology team for over two years to uncover what students and professors today wanted and needed in an Intro to Computer Concepts text. After meeting with more than 1,000 students and instructors and developed Technology in Action. Due to overwhelming success, they recently published Technology in Action 6/e!

Alan D. Evans, M.S., CPA

Alan Evans is currently a faculty member at Manor College and Montgomery County Community College teaching a variety of computer science and business courses.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Rider University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Drexel University, and he is a certified public accountant.  After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized his true calling was education.  He has been teaching at the college level since 2000.  Alan enjoys giving presentations at technical conferences and meets regularly with computer science faculty and administrators from other colleges to discuss curriculum development and new methods of engaging students. 

 

Kendall E. Martin, Ph.D.
Kendall has been teaching since 1988 at a number of institutions, including Villanova University, DeSales University, Arcadia University, Ursinus College, County College of Morris, and Montgomery County Community College, at both the undergraduate and master’s degree level. Kendall’s education includes a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has industrial experience in research and development environments (AT&T Bell Laboratories) as well as experience from several start-up technology firms. At Ursinus College, Kendall developed a successful faculty training program for distance education instructors, and she makes conference presentations during the year.

Mary Anne Poatsy, MBA, CFP
Mary Anne is an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery County Community College, teaching various computer application and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. Mary Anne holds a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Mary Anne has more than nine years of educational experience, ranging from elementary and secondary education to Montgomery County Community College, Muhlenberg College, and Bucks County Community College, as well as training in the professional environment. Prior to teaching, Mary Anne was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Muncipal Bond Investment Banking department.

Product Details

• Paperback: 552 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 6 edition (January 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0132452618
• ISBN-13: 978-0132452618
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The coverage of ethics in many areas of the use of computers sets this book apart, February 17, 2008

By	Charles Ashbacher "([e-mail])" (Marion, Iowa United States([e-mail])) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Technology in Action, Introductory (5th Edition) (Paperback)

There are many books that could be used in the introduction to computers level of classes. They tend to be very similar, in topics, order and structure. While this book is more of the same, there is one feature that stands out, the coverage of ethics in the context of computing. Ethics and the proper usage of computers is a significant aspect of the computing culture for all of us, but it is more significant for the college student. The advent of the Internet has made it much easier to obtain information and harder to filter it for accuracy. It is now much easier to plagiarize; all you have to do is copy and paste. Fortunately, it is also easier for instructors to identify an act of plagiarism; there are websites that will do it for you. The digitization of music makes it easy to download and play music on MP3 players. This list could continue for some time.
There are several places in the book where ethical principles are related to the topic. It is to the credit of the authors that this coverage is not just a spouting of facts; the questions are designed to have the students think about the situation and reach their own ethical conclusions.
It is most unlikely that I will ever teach an introductory course in computing again. However, if I was to do so, I would take a hard look at this book, it is suitable for the course.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book for a class, March 19, 2009

By	M. Benloss - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Technology in Action, Introductory (5th Edition) (Paperback)

I needed it for a class, I am pleased with the content of the book and it will be very useful to me and my career.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for intro. concepts computer course, November 19, 2004

By	K. Vitiello "kurves" (Mass) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Technology in Action, Introductory (Paperback)

This is an excellent computer book. It has lots of picture to show you what they are talking about in the chapters. If you don't know anything about computers and want to learn more, this is the book for you. This book can literally help you pick out your next computer and be able to utilize it more efficiently. An excellent book for introductory college course. This book can be used by anyone. If you're interested in knowing more about how your computer works, this is the book for you. A+