Tag: Recommended Text

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Academic Digital Reviewer

Recommended Reading for Blended Learning?

Below appears to be the list of texts that the University of Winchester has in its library in relation to Blended (or E-) Learning, and I would be interested to know what more up-to-date texts you have found useful? I’ll be back with more links…

  • Banks, S. Lally, V. & McConnell, D. (2002) Collaborative E-Learning in Higher Education: Issues and Strategies, SPIE Publications
  • Beetham, H. & Sharpe, R. (eds) (2007) Rethinking pedagogy for a digital age : designing and delivering e-learning, Routledge
  • Bielawski, L. and Metcalf, D., (2005). Blended e-Learning – Integrating Knowledge, Performance Support and Online Learning, HRD Press Inc, Amherst, MA, USA
  • Bonk, C.J. and Graham, C.R., (2005).  The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs, Pfeiffer, San Francisco, CA, USA.
  • Bull, J & McKenna, C (2003), Blueprint for computer-assisted assessment, Routledge Falmer
  • Burge, E. J. & Haughey, M (2001), Using Learning Technologies, Routledge Falmer
  • Conole, G. and Oliver, M.(ed) (2007), Contemporary perspectives in e-learning research: themes, methods and impact on practice, part of the Open and Distance Learning Series, F. Lockwood, (ed), RoutledgeFalmer.
  • Collis, B. & Moonen, J. (2001) Flexible Learning in a Digital World Kogan Page
  • Cross, J. (2007), Informal learning : rediscovering the natural pathways that inspire innovation and performance, John Wiley
  • Evans T. and Nation D. (2000) Changing University Teaching: reflections on creating educational technologies, Kogan Page
  • Garrison, D.R. (2003) E-learning in the 21st century : a framework for research and practice, RoutledgeFalmer
  • Jeffreys, M. (2001) E-learning : strategies for delivering knowledge in the digital age, McGraw-Hill
  • Koper, R. and Tattersall, C., (2005). Learning Design: A Handbook on Modelling and Delivering Networked Education and Training, Springer-Verlag,Berlin, Germany.
  • Macdonald, J. (2008) Blended Learning and Online Tutoring: Planning Learning Support and Activity Design, Gower
  • Maier, P. & Warren, A. (2000) Integr@ting Technology in learning and teaching, Kogan Page
  • Mason, R. & Rennie, F.  (2008) E-learning and social networking handbook : resources for higher education Routledge
  • McConnell, D. (2000) Implementing Computer Supported Cooperative Learning, Kogan Page
  • Murphy,D, Walker, R. & Webb, G. (2001) Online Learning & Teaching with Technology Kogan Page
  • Rice, W.H. (2006) Moodle : e-learning course development : a complete guide to successful learning using Moodle Packt
  • Salmon, G. (2000) E-Moderating: the Key to Learning & Teaching On-line, London, Kogan Page
  • Salmon, G (2002) E-tivities: the key to active online learning. Kogan Page.
  • Stephenson, J. (Ed.) (2001) Teaching and Learning Online London: Kogan Page
  • Squires, D, Conole, G & Jacobs, G (2000) The Changing Face of Learning Technology, Cardiff: University of Wales Press.
  • Steeples, C & Jones, C (eds) (2001) Networked Learning: perspectives and issues, Springer Verlag

Also, what key websites would you recommend for use within the PGCLTHE programme aside from http://www.alt.ac.uk/; http://www.jisc.ac.uk/?

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Digital Reviewer

Letting Go of the Words

Letting Go of the Words

Full Title: Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content That Works
Author: Janice (Ginny) Redish
Publisher: Morgan Kaufman
Date: 2007

“On the web, whether on the job or at home, we usually want to grab information and use it quickly. We go to the web to get answers to questions or to complete tasks – to gather information, reading only what we need. We are all too busy to read much on the web.

This book helps you write successfully for web users. It offers strategy, process and tactics for creating and revising content for the web. It helps you plan, organise, write, design and test web content that will make web users come back again and again to your site.

Learn how to create usable and useful content for the web from the master – Ginny Redish. Ginny has taught and mentored hundreds of writers, information designers, and content owners in the princples and secrets of creating web information that is easy to scan, easy to read, and easy to use.

This practical, informative book will help anyone creating web content to do it better.”

Buy from Amazon

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Digital Reviewer

Writing for Multimedia and the Web

Writing for Multimedia and the Web

Full Title: Writing for Multimedia and the Web: A Practical Guide to Content Development for Interactive Media
Author: Timothy Garrand
Publisher: Focal Press
Date: 2006 (3rd edition)

“Learning how to write for just one type of interactive media, such as web sites or games, is not enough – to be truly successful as an interactive writer or designer, you need to understand how to create content for all types of new media.

Writing for Multimedia and the Web is the most comprehensive guide available for interactive writing. It covers web sites, computer games, e-learning courses, training programmes, immersive exhibits, and much more. Earlier editions have garnered rave reviews as a writing handbook for multimedia and web professionals, as well as a classroom text for interactive writing and design.”

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Digital Reviewer

Producing for the Web

Whittaker 2000Whittaker, Jason, Producing for the Web, 2000

Whittaker is a lecturer in journalism, media and English in the UK, specilising in international journalism, and the academic slant can be seen in the book, which is quite theoretical. He doesn’t want to get too technical, but feels a good understanding of the history, structure, workings and limitations of the Internet are important so that designers can work within the limitations. Web production and management is now a career choice, rather than a hobby, and throughout the designer must remember that effectiveness is the most important aim.

Before a site is produced, questions should be asked: what do you want to achieve from it, are you prepared to put in the long haul to achieve not only the initial site, but the updates. The structure and homepage are important elements of design, with flexibility within designs to allow for different elements of content, whilst maintaining an overall consistent look. Whittaker approves of Bauhaus design, where form follows function, and “Less is More” is a motto. Although interactivity can be achieved through scripting and multimedia (he discusses various scripting languages currently available), these should not be used just because they are available, as they may interfere with the sites purpose, and users are not interested in the latest technology, but is good design which facilitates usability and content (can learn a lot from newspaper techniques).

Whittaker discusses the use of colour, and graphic optimisation, legal, regulatory and ethical issues, how to promote the site post-production, and how to optimise the site for good search engine rankings. He details building a site using Netscape Composer (although he feels there are many similarities with other editors), whilst stressing the need to understand HTML in order to fine tune the site. He stresses the need to test the site for technical and usability problems before uploading. A website accompanies this book. (January 2002)

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Digital Reviewer

The Non-Designer's Web Book

The Non Designers Web BookWilliams, Robin & Tollett, John, The Non-Designer’s Web Book, Peachpit, 2000

This book is now in its second edition, written by a pair from a graphic design background, who love to use Macintosh computers, and with a slightly wacky sense of fun. It is very good as a basic introduction to the Internet, how it works, and how to search it. The basics of making a site and what to consider before starting on the site itself, such as defining the audience and site goals, are considered in the initial chapters. There is a lot of practical information in the book, particularly with regard to preparing and optimising graphics for the web.

Tips are given for those who have never been involved in design, for instance, text alignment, page balance, etc., although they stress that designers have to let go of total control over the appearance of the site. Key areas of good and bad design are defined, the importance of a clear site ‘personality’, and the danger of a poor site is noted. The use of colour is discussed, they note that you can get involved in colour theory and psychology, but basically use your own judgment as to what looks good.

Aesthetic considerations are considered very important, but so are other elements, such as the organisation of materials within a site, navigation, and naming conventions. Differences between print and web media are considered, particularly download times, with the web considered cheaper, easier to update (an essential part of web design), and more interactive. Multimedia is considered as an option, but having a clean, attractive design and good information makes for a good site: simplicity is the key. Users can learn from other sites, although they must take care not to plagiarise.

The book also considers how to test the site, both technically, and for users, how to upload the site, and how to market the site once the initial site is complete. (January 2002)