Technology in Action (3rd Edition) (Go Series for Microsoft Office 2003) [Paperback]

Alan Evans (Author), Kendall Martin (Author), Mary Ann Poatsy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131878824 | ISBN-13: 978-0131878822 | Publication Date: February 13, 2006 | Edition: 3

For introductory courses in computer concepts or computer literacy often including instruction in Microsoft Office. A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today's Student! Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A Computer Concepts Text Focused on the Way You Experience Technology Today!

 

As a student of today’s world, you have a great comfort level with the digital environment. Your are intrigued by the exciting things technology can do for you rather than learn about the history of computers.

 

Technology in Action takes a unique approach and teaches technology the way you actually experience it in real life. The topic sequence covers concepts using a spiraling approach between chapters in order to mirror the typical learning experience. The question-and-answer presentation of the material throughout the text will hold your attention by engaging you in a constant dialogue with the authors. And the unique companion media enables you to interact with technology as you are learning the key concepts.

  

Would you rather just read about technology, or interact with it?

Technology is exciting, and your course material should be, too.  With Technology in Action, you are not expected to learn by simply reading a textbook; instead, we invite you to explore the interactive multimedia tools that accompany your textbook.  

 

What will you find on your Student CD or in your myitlab course?

Active Helpdesk Calls — These highly interactive, almost game-like media place you in the role of a helpdesk staffer, answering computer technology questions from callers

·         These reinforce the material covered in the textbook in a fun and engaging way.

·         Help is there if you need it.  You can ask your “supervisor” for help, and be directed to the exact portion of the textbook if you are stuck.

Sound Bytes — These multimedia lessons demystify even the most complex computer concepts with audio and animation or video presentations. 

·         Experience a Virtual Computer Tour or learn more about Blogging and Installing a Home Network.

·         The Sound Bytes are also available as Podcasts!

 

What about additional study aids?

On the dynamic Companion Website available at www.pearsonhighered.com/techinaction you will find many items that will help you to succeed in this course, including:

·         Online Study Guide

·         Crossword Puzzles

·         an End of Chapter Summary

·         Key Terms and Objectives

·         Web Resources

·         Jeopardy Game!

 

 

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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 2/e!

Alan D. Evans, M.S., CPA
Alan is currently the director of computer science for Montgomery County Community College. Alan’s parents instilled in him a love of education at an early age. After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized his true calling was education. He  has been a teacher and an administrator at the collegiate level for the past five years. Alan makes presentations at technical conferences and meets regularly with computer science faculty and administrators from other colleges to discuss curriculum development. Currently, he is researching computer literacy standards for college freshmen.

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: 375 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3 edition (February 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131878824
• ISBN-13: 978-0131878822
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,576,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "Introductory", October 17, 2006

By 

C. Cullen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Technology In Action- Introductory (2nd Edition) (Go Series for Microsoft Office 2003) (Paperback)

Be careful - there is an introductory (only goes to ch. 9) and a complete edition. I'm writing this because I did not pay attn and just realized (half way through my course) that I have the wrong one. Didn't want anyone else to make the same mistake...

5 of 5 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 (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Introductory Technology in Action (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.

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+