Book Description
What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment?
Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have greatly revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum.
Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, Understanding by Design, 2nd edition, offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.
Download Description
What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment? Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum. Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, Understanding by Design, Expanded 2nd Edition, offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.
Customer Reviews:
UGH!.......2007-09-29
This was a required text book for a graduate class. It is one of the most poorly written text books I have ever had to read!
Potentially useful to some; many "but"s for most........2007-06-11
Whether the human mind is capable of understanding the process of understanding is a philosophical conundrum that has occupied the time of great thinkers from the pre-Socratics to the modern-day exponents of the theory of the mind. It is against this background that McTighe and Wiggins, respected American education researchers and theorists, attempt to say important things about understanding to teachers hoping to improve their lessons and their lesson planning.
Their book sets out to do this largely by attempting to clarify some pragmatic trivia in a well ploughed field. Unfortunately, the reader is soon furnished with ample evidence that McTighe and Wiggins are patently out of their depth in this field. Their definition of understanding is an extremely poor one - "that a student has something more than just textbook knowledge and skill - that a student really `gets it.' " - although, to be fair, their definitions of assessment and curriculum are much sharper and better considered, and remain useful even outside the context of this book.
What the two researchers can achieve is the definition of a series of facets that they themselves create - the Six Facets of Understanding. One is immediately reminded of Bloom's taxonomy here, but McTighe and Wiggins claim that their research supports the notion that this rubric is valuable for teachers seeking to deepen the understanding of students in their classes.
Typically, for this type of book it is the anecdotal evidence they cite which remains in the mind. There is a tradition of made up anecdotal evidence being perfectly acceptable in American education research - as long as it describes patterns of behaviour that are empirically evident in schools. I have strong reservations about the validity of making up classroom scenarios, but it is possible that this fictional anecdotal approach can occasionally be useful in clarifying areas of learning that are hazy. My problem with this book is that if McTighe and Wiggins are relying upon empirical data to persuade the reader to accept their facets of understanding rubric, then they themselves are recognizing only one of many possible definitions of what understanding is.
In my view, the six facets allow the teacher or assessor to assert that the participator in a lesson influenced by Understanding by Design has been advanced further along an arbitrary linear spectrum called "Understanding" than might otherwise have been the case. No more and no less.
The book is, therefore, mainly an explanatory footnote to the six facets rubric. It's a useful rubric for accomplishing some pragmatic classroom tasks, but it has nothing new to say about understanding.
If you plan lessons that may broadly be described as
* open ended
* based on standards
* containing clear criteria for student success
* include different ways to ensure student enthusiasm
* flexible enough to accommodate the "teachable moment"
* accessing the higher echelons of Bloom's taxonomy
* integrating skills
then the likelihood is you won't learn anything new from reading Understanding by Design. If you don't already do the above, Understanding by Design may be a useful tool towards self-improvement as a teacher.
New Backwards design model.......2007-05-19
There is really nothing new in this book as far as the design of the model of learning and classroom structure.Is is merely a new way of looking at Backwards design. That being said, if you have no experience working with backwars design, it is interesting to see how it changes your outlook on education.
Understanding, we get it!.......2007-05-10
This was the main textbook in my Curriculum and Instruction class, and it's okay, but VERY redundant. It says to start your lesson by deciding what you want your students to learn (well, duh!) and then don't let a bunch of nice-to-know-but-not-really-important facts get in the way (I guess that's what comes from the SOLs and stuff). And it hammers home the idea that students can LEARN something without really UNDERSTANDING it, which seems a little obvious to me.
All in all it's not a BAD book, but Id recommend something by Robert J. Marzano instead. We also used "Classroom Instruction that Works" in our class, and it was much better -- easier to read, not as boring or textbook-y, and more practical application type stuff.
Great book to read and apply.......2007-05-07
I am in an administration certification course and it was recommended reading, but not required. I am really glad I bought it and read it. It is very practical and useful! I highly recommend it for anyone in education!
Book Description
This exceptional, full-colour Autodesk Maya Press title - produced by Autodesk, the software's creators - uses Sony's full-length animated "Open Season" for the book's all-new hands-on tutorials for Maya 8. By following the step-by-step tutorials, readers will learn the Maya interface and the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects using real-world production files from a full-length feature film. The DVD provides further reinforcement with instructor-led tutorial videos and other resources for extended learning.
With this book readers will:
- Become familiar with the Maya User Interface
- Work in 3D space
- Model with NURBS (Spline)
- Model with Polygons
- Set Keyframes and Motion Paths
- Learn to use Trax Non-linear animation
- Apply Forward and Inverse Kinematics
- Deform surfaces
- Set cameras and lights
- Create Shaders and Textures
- Discover rendering techniques
- Explore particles and Dynamics
- Begin to use MEL (Maya Embedded Language)
Customer Reviews:
Great step by step.......2007-08-31
This book is an amazing beginner book. Within the first few lessons you have an understanding of how to use maya and the Projects are excellent.
I have learnt so much from this book.
Follow it page for page and you will be able to master Maya
Helpful Book.......2007-08-10
This book is well structured and easy to use for reference. It is set at a good level for beginning learning. If you want a book that goes more in depth about more advanced things in Maya, this might not be for you. This book contains a good foundation for learning, but does not go in depth when it comes to critical processes such as skin weights.
An Excellent Way to Learn Maya.......2007-08-07
I purchased this book recently for a 3D animation class I am taking at school, and I have found it to be an excellent way to learn Maya. Although this book is for Maya version 8, I use version 8.5 and have noticed only very minor differences (nothing to worry about).
This book is in full color, which makes the screenshots easy to follow. The introduction starts out with a general overview of all aspects of Maya, which helped me to understand better how things worked together from the very beginning. Each of the five major projects in the book focus on reproducing elements from Sony Picture's CG movie Open Season, as shown on the book cover. These projects are completely new from the Maya 7 version of this book. It was kind of cool to create things that were used in a real movie.
I felt the learning curve was pretty well thought out. The writers of the book realize how complex the Maya software is, and they give you instructions on how to perform certain tasks several times before expecting you to remember on your own. The book also comes with a supplementary DVD which contains lots of extras, including the completed Maya files from every chapter in the book, just in case you get stuck or want to skip ahead.
This book is an excellent learning tool for someone new to Maya, or perhaps an intermediate user who wants to more fully understand how to use the software.
for beginner.......2007-07-23
this book shows very easy way to study maya program.
colorful and thoughful.
Excellent resource.......2007-07-08
Learning Autodesk Maya 8|Foundation +DVD
by Autodesk Maya Press is an excellent guide to the wonderful world of 3D animation using the Maya 8 software. The authors guide you through the complete process involved in working on an animated feature film and the hands-on projects provide you with an excellent opportunity to develop the skills to work at a major studio.
George Leslie Hicks
Hicks Animation Studios
Book Description
Almost everyone can "see" in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light.
Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the "chosen few" but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.
This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.
* New edition of a best-selling title
* Updated to include digital
* All new artwork, and a totally revised and expanded text
* All-new section on color as a design element
* Written by one of Amphoto's bestselling authors
Customer Reviews:
Exactly what I needed.......2007-08-15
I purchased this book earlier this summer and couldn't be more pleased with the information it contains. I needed some inspiration to "see" things differently to make my photographs more dramatic. Bryan's writing and assignments in this book really changed the way I look at the composition of a scene and the way I see colors and how they compliment each other. My photos have improved A LOT since applying some of the principles written about in this book.
Good deal.......2007-08-10
I found the information in the book worth money I paid. I love photography but something was missing in getting appealing result with my photos. This book fills some holes in my amateur knowledge and also opened my mind to different thinking and approach. Good examples of right and wrong, nice recommendations. Specialy I live author's good sense to explain observation techniques with everyday and real life situations.
I'm still not done, searching for another book.
book.......2007-08-02
good experience, did not speed in sending and prefered no shippimg. I deal with Amazon and they always take care of me
Nice balance of creative & technical advice.......2007-07-26
This book delivers on its promise to teach you how to see the world in ways that will lead to better photos. The examples (photographs and commentary) are inspiring and the author provides enough details about technique so you know how he took the picture but you're not overwhelmed. It is an enjoyable read and I like to go back and look at the examples again and again. I only wish the book were longer, I was sorry when I finished it.
Absolutely worth it!.......2007-06-20
I've been shooting for a few years now and felt I needed something to take me to the next step. While this isn't a 100% solution to that problem it definitely is a huge step in the right direction. This book has opened my thinking to different ways of composing, and in general really helped me to see the bigger picture while shooting. All of the 100+ photos in the book give the details of the exposure which is a huge help in and of itself.
Highly recommended for the avid hobbyist to semi pro and even down to the mom or regular guy/girl who just want to take better pictures.
Book Description
In Learning Web Design, author Jennifer Niederst shares the knowledge she's gained from years of web design experience, both as a designer and a teacher. This book starts from the beginning-- defining the Internet, the Web, browsers, and URLs -- so you don't need to have any previous knowledge about how the Web works. After reading this book, you'll have a solid foundation in HTML, graphics, and design principles that you can immediately put to use in creating effective web pages.
In the second edition, Jennifer has updated the book to cover style sheets and reflect current web standards. She has also added exercises that help you to learn various techniques and short quizzes that make sure you're up to speed with key concepts. The companion CD-ROM contains material for all the exercises in the book, as well as trial versions of Fireworks® MX, and HomeSite™ 5; Adobe ® Photoshop® 7, ImageReady® 7, and BBEdit 7.*
Learning Web Design, 2nd Edition:
- Covers the nuts and bolts of basic HTML and style sheets, with detailed examples of formatting text, adding graphic elements, making links, creating tables and frames, and using color on the Web.
- Explains whether to use GIFs or JPEGs for different types of images, and includes important tips on optimizing graphics for web delivery.
- Provides dozens of web design do and don'ts, to help you make good web design decisions and avoid common beginner traps.
- Contains hands-on exercises throughout the book that allow you to try out new techniques along the way.
Unlike other beginner books, Learning Web Design leaves no holes in your education. It gives you everything you need to create basic web sites and will prepare you for more advanced web work. If you are interested in web design, this book is the place to start. After finishing it, you'll be ready for the author's bestselling companion reference, Web Design in a Nutshell.
* Fireworks and HomeSite are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Adobe, ImageReady, and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Customer Reviews:
Be sure to get the 3rd Edition!.......2007-09-13
Hi. This is Jennifer Robbins, the author of Learning Web Design. If you are interested in this title, I highly recommend that you get the Third Edition which is now available. A LOT has changed in the way web sites are built since the second edition of the book was published, and I'd hate for anyone to be getting out-of-date information. Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to (X)HTML, StyleSheets, and Web Graphics
Amazing!.......2007-03-15
For those looking to start web design this is the book to get. It says illustrated but it should say illustrations on every page. Very very illustrated. One of my favorite things about this book is after every chapter(when HTML is disscused)it provides an appendix showing you the html tags you just learned. Useful as a reference. This book does not leave you hanging. It teaches you every thing you need to create and understand basic websites. About half the book introduces you to html tags and the other portion is about web graphics. Jenn's style of writting is not boring but is often humerous and cozy. I have created 4 websites after reading this book. Buy this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent resource to get a website up and running.......2007-01-10
I needed to understand how domain names and webhosting worked, plus design, program, test, and implement a website quickly. This book was perfect -- extremely well-organized, with a good Table of Contents and index, excellent examples and helpful (but not overwhelming) reference tables. The book had sufficient detail that I could get graphics loaded and use some CSS to make my text look more professional. I launched a good-looking, no-frills site for a club without any fancy animation, and got it up and running in a less than a month of evenings and weekends. The demo software (BBEdit) was invaluable to getting me started. Good treatment as well of issues with .gif, .jpeg, and .png files, and I feel that I can still learn more from this text should I want to make the site more sophisticated. The discussion of tables was especially clear. I recommend this book for anyone, even if you've never designed your own site or written a lick of html. Those wanting to do online forms to allow users to submit data will need to learn Javascript.
Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML.......2006-11-10
This is this first "How To" book I ever read cover to cover. It works. It is well written, and breaks concepts down without making you feel like a "dummy". It's perfect for a novice like me.
So many things that were a mystery to me were explained. I now can do rollover buttons, animations, add music, etc. But most important is the Web design concepts this book drives home. It teaches how to make a balanced, well structured, and most importantly, user friendly web page. I highly recommend this book.
A good introduction.......2006-08-11
Although I have not plowed through this entire book yet, it is shaping up as one of the books I've been looking for to tie up all the different threads that now make up the task of creating a good website. I may never actually create my business website all on my own, but at least I will have familiarity with the various tools that are currently being used so I can intelligently discuss and understand what the professionals are recommending. One of the toughest parts of learning any new technology these days is the constant improvement and changes going on. It's impossible to guess what may become standard and what may be obsolete by the time I finish the book. Books like this at least give an average person like me a fighting chance to keep as current as possible without continuous formal education.
Book Description
In e-Learning and the Science of Instruction authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer— internationally recognized experts in the field of e-learning— offer essential information and guidelines for selecting, designing, and developing e-learning courses that build knowledge and skills for workers learning in corporate, government, and academic settings.
Customer Reviews:
E-Learning and the Science of Instruction.......2007-01-03
(My first language is Spanish, so excuse any misspells) I have been working on delivery management, and now development, of online courses ind Guatemala since 1999, for a private university, international training organizations and government. Among all my research to learn about the topic and improve my work, this piece of literature is among the very best. It bases its conclussions on research results, it places the human being (who is the target of e-learning programs) in the center of the process and, based on that, and other aspects, it provides valuable information on what works and what doesn't, concerning teaching methodologies for online teaching and/or training programs. Though, it does not concentrate or cover management systems for e-learning program delivery, another very important issue for successful distance programs. The book is great, simple and clear. Bright!!
Valuable resource........2006-11-11
Ruth Colvin Clark continues to put out valuable resouces for those interested in multimedia education. This would be a valuable addition to any library.
Great for eLearning Designers and Reviewers.......2006-08-01
With many years of experience in building eLearning and educational software I was looking for a reference to back up my "I know it when I see it" thoughts on good and bad courseware. This book met or exceeded my expectations. I like that the chapters are shorter and that the observations are backed up with study results. The References section is a valuable collection of eLearning studies in itself. There are also useful checklists included with the book.
There are some newer technologies such as Wikis and Blogs that are not covered in the book, but since the authors focus on proven techniques with studies to back them up it's unlikely such technologies would receive a lot of coverage at this point.
If you're responsible for designing or reviewing courseware this is a very good nuts-and-bolts reference.
A book that every person in this field need to use.......2005-06-04
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction is a must have for anybody that is already a pro, or just starting out at designing web-based instruction. The authors give outstanding guidance for every step of the way, from explaining theories to the best way to set up your web site. It shows excellent illustrations of what to do, as well as what NOT to do. This book is a tool that every one in the business shouldn't be without.
Excellent practical book for practitioners.......2005-05-16
I have been designing and developing e-Learning for 6 years and this book has been wonderful to help remind me of some basics, teach me a few things, and give excellent practical advice as I continue developing. I am not one to read textbooks or non-fiction but I find this writing style very easy to read and I am able to easily apply the concepts. If you have never developed e-Learning but are studying the topic in school, this book may come across as dry and hard to read. Hold on to it and pick it up after you've been developing for a year or so and I'm sure you'll find it as useful as I have.
Book Description
A complete guide to successful learning using Moodle, focused on course development and delivery and using the best educational practices. This unique book gives you more than just a guide to the Moodle software; it uses Moodle as a route to better teaching, more motivated students, and more successful courses. Moodle E-Learning Course Development shows you how to use Moodle as a tool to enhance your teaching. It will help you analyse your students' requirements, and come to an understanding of what Moodle can do for them. After that you'll see how to use every feature of Moodle to meet your course goals. The social constructionist learning philosophy is at the heart of Moodle: we all "construct" knowledge through interation with one another and with learning materials in a social way. Moodle E-Learning Course Develelopment will show you how to add static learning material, interactive activities, and social features to your courses so that students reach their learning potential. Whether you want to support traditional class teaching or lecturing, or provide complete online and distance learning courses, this book will prove a powerful resource throughout your use of Moodle.
Customer Reviews:
So far, not so good........2007-10-01
My first complaint is that the author abandoned their demo site only a year after publication, so you won't be able to refer to many of the examples in the book. Second complaint, the installation instructions aren't clear or helpful, except for the suggestion to refer to the moodle.org web site instructions. Maybe if I ever get moodle running, the rest of the book will be useful.
A valuable resource for all Moodle users.......2006-11-02
As a long-time Moodle user and trainer, I read Moodle E-Learning Course Development with a critical eye. I work with many Moodle users who are looking for manuals or printed resources and it is important to me that the options I offer are well-written and accurate. On a personal level, I also wondered if, as an experienced Moodler, the book could hold my interest.
Overall, I found that William Rice's Moodle book is a good addition to my collection of Moodle resources. The book held my attention and I found myself highlighting various passages as I picked up new ideas and information. Since reading the book, I have started offering it as a potential resource to my training participants.
Moodle E-Learning Course Development has a number of strengths that make it a worthwhile investment. It is generally easy to read and follow. Most of its sections had information and screenshots that allowed the reader to follow along, step-by-step. While there are some sections dedicated to the more technical aspects of Moodle, they are not overwhelming, rather their inclusion simply makes this book a more well-rounded resource for Moodle users.
The sections on the Lesson module and the Workshop module, two of the most complex Moodle modules are especially well-written. Each setting in these two modules is described in detail. Furthermore, the screenshots throughout the text to accompany instructions are an important component of any well-written technical resource.
The final positive I will highlight is that the examples used throughout the book are applicable to a wide range of Moodle implementations; K-12 schools, businesses, universities, and individuals will all find the examples are general enough to apply to their own situations. I especially liked some of the suggestions geared toward developing your site to promote and drive business; such as in those situations when a person is using Moodle to offer classes for a fee to the Internet community.
While the book has many strengths, there are several weaknesses as well. The first is one that challenges all print materials, especially in regard to technology, and that is the book is slightly out-of-date. Fortunately, many of the components of the book will still hold true despite the version changes. The second weakness is that the screenshots, while useful, lacked any graphics (arrows, etc.) to help the reader identify the parts of the screen being referenced. I also thought that a few of the transitions in the book were difficult to follow; I found myself wondering where the author was headed. Finally, there are a few places in the book where I disagreed with the author about the function of a particular setting or feature. Some of these disagreements may be the result of differences in the version of Moodle, but there are one or two places where the author didn't quite seem to completely grasp the feature being described.
User documentation is a generally acknowledged trouble spot for many open source projects like Moodle and William Rice has made a valuable contribution to the Moodle community. New and experienced Moodlers alike will benefit from William's efforts.
A Complete Introduction on Using and Managing Moodle........2006-10-14
A Complete Introduction on Using and Managing Moodle.
Moodle: E-Learning Course Development is a complete guide to using and managing Moodle. It introduces all aspects of Moodle from technical issues on how to install, backup, restore, where to edit PHP codes, to pedagogic issues on how to put in contents - resources and activities. Each chapter is independent for your reference, but is also developed from simple to advanced control of Moodle system. The book is well-organized with no difficult technical terms or complicated explanation for any teacher who want to use Moodle.
Although some teachers are afraid of the technical issues, such as MySQL database, installation, backup/restore, it is worthwhile to have the necessary technical ideas that will help you to design and manage your course. The book offers the minimal knowledge of server, Php, database for teachers to understand the Moodle system, and then to know how and when to use different tools provided by Moodle.
The book also gives its readers detailed instruction of how to create and mange a course. While there are many options in the Moodle system, the book tell you when and how to use different options. The book categorizes course materials into 3 categories: Static Course Material (text pages, web pages, links to web, file directories, label), Interactive Course Material (assignment, choice, journal, lesson, quiz, SCORM, survey), and Social Course Material (chat, forum, glossary, wiki, workshop). All these are tools to add Resource and Activity in Moodle system. Besides explaining how to add these materials, the book tells you in what occasion to apply the material. For some complicated materials, such as Lesson, Workshop and Wiki, the author gives a very good instruction on how to set up and when to use them. A fly in the ointment is without demonstrative examples. Thus, the readers should not just read, but have to experiment each adding tools by themselves.
The last three chapters are useful for teachers to manage a more inviting course in Moodle including 1) changing or editing theme, logo, header and footer; 2) analyzing students' logs and grades; 3) installing other modules and different ways of backuping Moodle system. These are powerful tools and safety of a Moodle system that teachers should know if they want to have complete control of Moodle.
Moodle is a free course management system which is especially good at social interaction. This system is even better than the commercial WebCT and Blackboard. Teachers should not wait for their institute to install a course management system for them, but begin to follow the instruction of this book to persuade your institute to set up a Moodle or even install a Moodle by yourself. It is a time of open source. Join open source club, and open your mind.
An excellent introduction to Moodle.......2006-09-29
Whether you are a teacher or a site administrator, you will find this book to be an indispensible companion during your first school year using Moodle -- and probably long afterward. I was fortunate to start teaching with Moodle around the time this book came out. When I scanned the table of contents, I was dismayed to discover that approximately half of the book seemed to have nothing to do with me. After all, teachers don't install, configure, or extend Moodle, and teachers (at least at my school) can't create new courses or course categories. As it turned out, I couldn't have been more wrong. As teachers, we are profoundly affected by the decisions made by our Moodle administrators during Moodle setup, as well as the procedures they use to administer the system. Inevitably, we come to realize that we cannot avoid knowing the information in chapters 2, 3, 7, and 9. Fortunately, the author's explanations are clear and do not require a technical background. He illustrates everything using an example site called "Wilderness Skills" which carries through the book.
The author devotes the middle section of the book to chapters covering static, interactive, and social course material. Here, teachers will find excellent introductions to each of Moodle's standard resource and activity types. Readers should not expect more than just enough information to whet their appetites and get them started. For example, the author devotes only ten pages to the single most complex activity in Moodle, the Workshop. While the material in those ten pages is valuable (I referred to it frequently when setting up my first Workshop), a full treatment of Workshops could easily fill fifty pages. In all fairness, the Workshop module is facing revision and any author who devotes too much space to it (or any other feature of open source software) risks obsolescence. Mr. Rice seems to have struck just the right balance here.
The book is remarkably free of error, has a good index, and has been extremely well edited. If you are looking for a book on Moodle, this is definitely the one to buy.
Book Description
Teachers struggle every day to bring quality instruction to their students. Beset by lists of content standards and accompanying "high-stakes" accountability tests, many educators sense that both teaching and learning have been redirected in ways that are potentially impoverishing for those who teach and those who learn. Educators need a model that acknowledges the centrality of standards but also ensures that students truly understand content and can apply it in meaningful ways. For many educators, Understanding by Design addresses that need.
Simultaneously, teachers find it increasingly difficult to ignore the diversity of the learners who populate their classrooms. Few teachers find their work effective or satisfying when they simply "serve up" a curriculum--even an elegant one--to students with no regard for their varied learning needs. For many educators, Differentiated Instruction offers a framework for addressing learner variance as a critical component of instructional planning.
In this book the two models converge, providing readers fresh perspectives on two of the greatest contemporary challenges for educators: crafting powerful curriculum in a standards-dominated era and ensuring academic success for the full spectrum of learners. Each model strengthens the other. Understanding by Design is predominantly a curriculum design model that focuses on what we teach. Differentiated Instruction focuses on whom we teach, where we teach, and how we teach. Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe show you how to use the principles of backward design and differentiation together to craft lesson plans that will teach essential knowledge and skills for the full spectrum of learners.
Connecting content and kids in meaningful ways is what teachers strive to do every day. In tandem, UbD and DI help educators meet that goal by providing structures, tools, and guidance for developing curriculum and instruction that bring to students the best of what we know about effective teaching and learning.
Customer Reviews:
Great service.......2007-07-30
Received on first day of estimated interval for delivery--brand new book, as promised. Thanks!
Pretty self explanatory to me!.......2007-02-02
The information within the text seems to be pretty self-explanatory... not cutting edge. But, the charts and figures are helpful in the planning process!
Combining Differentiated Instruction with Backwards Design.......2007-01-10
If you like Tomlinson and McTighe's previous works individually, then this is the book for you! This short, easy-to-read piece explains how differentiating instruction and planning with UBD work so well together. It's a perfect marriage!
Must read for all teachers.......2006-12-12
As a first year teacher I have found this book extremly helpful. I highly recommend it.
Not Really An Integration.......2006-06-25
Each well-known separately in educational circles--McTighe as one of the developers of UbD and Tomlinson as the guru of differentiated instruction--they have come together to write a book that is an attempt to meld their philosophies. In that, they are at best partially successful.
Though I am a supporter of much of the work of both of these authors, I found little new here that hasn't been said better elsewhere. On top of that, I didn't really find this book to be a melding of their ideas. It was more an experience of two people explaining their own thing in alternate stretches of prose with only a modest attempt at linking them together.
For someone not familiar with either author's earlier work, this could be a valuable introduction. On the other hand, I would point a reader to their individual work before suggesting this one.
Book Description
The surge in the number of online training sites has created an unprecedented demand for experts who know all aspects of Web-based training (WBT) site design. Written by bestselling author William Horton, this book provides the hands-on and practical guidance that trainers demand. Packed with over 100 examples, this well-illustrated guide walks you through every phase of designing WBT, from analyzing your course requirements and assessing the needs of potential students to designing a course for a global audience.
You'll find out how to combine elements into effective and interesting learning sequences, discover how to overcome any technical hurdle that may arise, how to offer materials that motivate learning, and how to use Web technologies to create 21st-century alternatives to traditional courses.
Praise for Designing Web-Based Training
"Horton has done it again! He's addressed the cutting-edge problem of Web-based training design with his pragmatic, research-based approach. His work is task-oriented and down-to-earth. He doesn't waste our time with excessive educational philosophy. In short-comprehensive overview, practical advice, engaging presentation."-Robert E. Horn, Author, Visual Language: Global Communication for the 21st Century
"As each new media wave is adopted for instructional pur-poses, there is a lag in effective exploitation of the unique features the medium brings for supporting learning. Designing Web-Based Training bridges the gap by providing a rich and detailed reference."-Ruth Clark, EdD, President, Clark Training & Consulting
"Designers have been seeking guidance on how to exploit the Web's distribution potential while combining it with powerful instructional programs. Horton provides structure, stimulation, and substance in this important book. Web-based training is definitely what is happening now. Designing Web-Based Training will be a de facto classic in the field." -Gloria Gery, Principal, Gery Associates, Author, Making CBT Happen
The companion Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/horton/ features:
* Design guidelines
* Live versions of many examples from the book
* A course shell and sample lessons
* Links to helpful references
Customer Reviews:
Value of the Book.......2007-03-08
I found the book to be very informative if you are a developer of web-based training. It gave a lot of good ideas that you can copy, especially about standards and best practice. It was certainly worth the money to me.
Perfect Crash Course on Web-Based Training.......2006-08-01
If you are new to web-based training, stepping into a new web-based instructional design position, have been teaching or developing web-based training but suspect that there is a better way to do it, or you simply want to establish a solid foundation in building engaging online learning envrionments, this book must be on your shelf. I am a higher education instructional design consultant and I find this book to be an excellent ongoing resource. Not only is it full of specific and practical tips, but the content is organized into dozens of useful tables and charts. Chapter 6, "Activate Learning" is an especially useful chapter, providing lists of potential learning activities and explaining some of the reasons to choose one learning activity over another.
This is a book that emaphsizes matters of pedagogy and instructional design rather than the technical side of things. Among books with a similiar empahsis I place it among the top 10%.
Long on tips. Weak on theory........2003-02-28
This book contains a collection of web design tips which are in the main useful but not earth shattering. Where the book fell down, for me at least, was in the area of theory. It is weak here, and that can be a major problem if you want to conduct a scientific evaluation of the work using the umpteen heuristics suggested by the author. I doubt that there is enough information in the text to adequately help one frame an evaluation of a course, let alone put one together.
The book really has very little to say on instructional design methodologies. The reader is told to bear X, Y and Z in mind and then thrown a few sample scenarios (with screen shots). In many ways this is the tenor of the whole book: a vast and never ending list of do's and don'ts and qualifications to those do's and don'ts. I have to demure from the consensus among the other reviewers and adopt a minority position because quite frankly compared to other eleraning books, I found this one almost unreadable. The book is fullof particularities that are never adequately situated within a theoretical framework. It just seems like bad science to base so many recommendations on induction.
To be fair, it's good stuff in places, and frequently relevant, but can you retain it? Who wants to read a several hundred page long list of tips?
In terms of theory, balance and scientific worth a far better book, for my money, is by Alessi and Trollip.
Excellent e-learning overview.......2003-01-21
I am a corporate trainer who seeks to convert much of his highly successful classroom-based training to the Web. This book was EXACTLY what I was looking for and met my very demanding criteria for a 'how-to' book.
It succeeds in that it:
1. Takes the reader step by step by step through all of the big-picture considerations (and several subtle but important nuances) one must undertake to create an e-learning program from scratch, or convert an existing training program to one that can work on the Web
2. Is written clearly, concisely and simply - - an absolute rarity in a world of technology handbooks that are muddled and/or require the reader to already have a Ph.D. in computer science to understand.
3. Introduced me to small and large ideas that I had not considered but that made perfectly common sense when I thought about them.
This book made me a disciple of William Horton, and gave me the confidence that if I wanted to, I could transform my classroom training to the Web yet avoid a lot of errors I would have committed had I not read this book.
Great, Great Book.......2002-03-26
Most of the book covering e-learning are too much based on northamerican politics and standards since that's the reality for authors but, Horton's ideas and guidelines can be applied virtually in any country. He english is very to understand, he does not use word taken from slangs, or any "strange" word.
Chapter Organization is very good, every chapter can be read as whole unit, without going backward and forward reading other chapters because ideas are completely developed within a chapter.
Horton, is my fav. author on e-learning topics.
Average customer rating:
- Outstanding book, especially for statisticians
- Great wish it had more n option inverse problems
- Great Book As Far As It Goes
- A must have...
- Good value text on a spread of interesting and useful topics
|
Information Theory, Inference & Learning Algorithms
David J. C. MacKay
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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Similar Items:
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Probability Theory: The Logic of Science
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Elements of Information Theory (Wiley Series in Telecommunications and Signal Processing)
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Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning (Information Science and Statistics)
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Learning Bayesian Networks
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An Introduction to Information Theory
ASIN: 0521642981 |
Book Description
Information theory and inference, often taught separately, are here united in one entertaining textbook. These topics lie at the heart of many exciting areas of contemporary science and engineering - communication, signal processing, data mining, machine learning, pattern recognition, computational neuroscience, bioinformatics, and cryptography. This textbook introduces theory in tandem with applications. Information theory is taught alongside practical communication systems, such as arithmetic coding for data compression and sparse-graph codes for error-correction. A toolbox of inference techniques, including message-passing algorithms, Monte Carlo methods, and variational approximations, are developed alongside applications of these tools to clustering, convolutional codes, independent component analysis, and neural networks. The final part of the book describes the state of the art in error-correcting codes, including low-density parity-check codes, turbo codes, and digital fountain codes -- the twenty-first century standards for satellite communications, disk drives, and data broadcast. Richly illustrated, filled with worked examples and over 400 exercises, some with detailed solutions, David MacKay's groundbreaking book is ideal for self-learning and for undergraduate or graduate courses. Interludes on crosswords, evolution, and sex provide entertainment along the way. In sum, this is a textbook on information, communication, and coding for a new generation of students, and an unparalleled entry point into these subjects for professionals in areas as diverse as computational biology, financial engineering, and machine learning.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding book, especially for statisticians.......2007-10-02
I find it interesting that most of the people reviewing this book seem to be reviewing it as they would any other information theory textbook. Such a review, whether positive or critical, could not hope to give a complete picture of what this text actually is. There are many books on information theory, but what makes this book unique (and in my opinion what makes it so outstanding) is the way it integrates information theory with statistical inference. The book covers topics including coding theory, Bayesian inference, and neural networks, but it treats them all as different pieces of a unified puzzle, focusing more on the connections between these areas, and the philosophical implications of these connections, and less on delving into depth in one area or another.
This is a learning text, clearly meant to be read and understood. The presentation of topics is greatly expanded and includes much discussion, and although the book is dense, it is rarely concise. The exercises are absolutely essential to understanding the text. Although the author has made some effort to make certain chapters or topics independent, I think that this is one book for which it is best to more or less work straight through. For this reason and others, this book does not make a very good reference: occasionally nonstandard notation or terminology is used.
The biggest strength of this text, in my opinion, is on a philosophical level. It is my opinion, and in my opinion it is a great shame, that the vast majority of statistical theory and practice is highly arbitrary. This book will provide some tools to (at least in some cases) anchor your thinking to something less arbitrary. It's ironic that much of this is done within the Bayesian paradigm, something often viewed (and criticized) as being more arbitrary, not less so. But MacKay's way of thinking is highly compelling. This is a book that will not just teach you subjects and techniques, but will shape the way you think. It is one of the rare books that is able to teach how, why, and when certain techniques are applicable. It prepares one to "think outside the box".
I would recommend this book to anyone studying any of the topics covered by this book, including information theory, coding theory, statistical inference, or neural networks. This book is especially indispensable to a statistician, as there is no other book that I have found that covers information theory with an eye towards its application in statistical inference so well. This book is outstanding for self-study; it would also make a good textbook for a course, provided the course followed the development of the textbook very closely.
Great wish it had more n option inverse problems.......2007-07-16
This is fantastic book. Really takes an intuitive approach to the material. The explanation of occam's razor is worth the price of the whole book. Highly recommended.
Great Book As Far As It Goes.......2006-03-27
I have used this to get a good background in the topics covered, especially inference theory, and in general I found it to be great book which fills a market gap. The only sins I see are sins of omission. I personally would have enjoyed seeing a more task driven organization. I seem to need these methods periodically but I never seem to need the same method twice. Also, many of the techniques are heavily iterative, i.e., monte carlo, neural networks, etc. This is fine but much of what I do is in the context of simulations where 100,000 step iterative methods don't work so well because of resource constraints. Historically, that has been the problem with many of these methods. They are useful for relatively small domains but don't necessarily work that well for "real" problems. That is probably why more task oriented books are not available. Of course the author is following the outline of the current research into the subject manner which in turn is largely determined by "interesting" and "doable" problems. The real progess in this field will come when the problems are formulated more by what is needed in the nontraditional domains of application. A good example of a useful compression (and identification in some cases) technique that is not covered is Principal Component Analysis. Technically, it is in none of the technique domains covered in this book, but it would have been nice to see some of the methods in the book compared with PCA. The author does make the statement at one point that image recognition is an interesting problem for which the method being discussed at the time is used. Nevertheless, this is a great overview of the subject manner and is very entertaining. That in the long run probably explains the problem: it is a textbook.
A must have..........2005-03-01
Uniting information theory and inference in an interactive and entertaining way, this book has been a constant source of inspiration, intuition and insight for me. It is packed full of stuff - its contents appear to grow the more I look - but the layering of the material means the abundance of topics does not confuse.
This is _not_ just a book for the experts. However, you will need to think and interact when reading it. That is, after all, how you learn, and the book helps and guides you in this with many puzzles and problems.
Good value text on a spread of interesting and useful topics.......2005-02-20
I am a PhD student in computer science. Over the last year and a half this book has been invaluable (and parts of it a fun diversion).
For a course I help teach, the intoductions to probability theory and information theory save a lot of work. They are accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds (they understand them and can read them online). They also lead directly into interesting problems.
While I am not directly studying data compression or error correcting codes, I found these sections compelling. Incredibly clear exposition; exciting challenges. How can we ever be certain of our data after bouncing it across the world and storing it on error-prone media (things I do every day)? How can we do it without >60 hard-disks sitting in our computer? The mathematics uses very clear notation --- functions are sketched when introduced, theorems are presented alongside pictures and explanations of what's really going on.
I should note that a small number (roughly 4 or 5 out of 50) of the chapters on advanced topics are much more terse than the majority of the book. They might not be of interest to all readers, but if they are, they are probably more friendly than finding a journal paper on the same topic.
Most importantly for me, the book is a valuable reference for Bayesian methods, on which MacKay is an authority. Sections IV and V brought me up to speed with several advanced topics I need for my research.
Book Description
Finally, homeschoolers have a comprehensive guide to designing a homeschool curriculum, from one of the country's foremost homeschooling experts. , Rebecca Rupp presents a structured plan to ensure that your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it, from preschool through high school. Based on the traditional pre-K through 12th-grade structure,
Home Learning Year by Year features:
The integral subjects to be covered within each grade
Standards for knowledge that should be acquired by your child at each level
Recommended books to use as texts for every subject
Guidelines for the importance of each topic: which knowledge is essential and which is best for more expansive study based on your child's personal interests
Suggestions for how to sensitively approach less academic subjects, such as sex education and physical fitness
Customer Reviews:
Good Guide.......2007-08-25
This book offers a good guide for someone new to homeschooling or maybe interested in the idea. If you are not certain what your child will need or where to begin this book will get you started.
Awsome Reference!!!.......2007-07-23
If you want to build your own curriculum or just want to know what your kids need to know for each grade than this is your book!
Great Book For Homeschoolers.......2007-06-23
I have read a lot of books on homeschooling. This book is by far one of the best books for educating your children at home. It breaks everything down not only by subject, but also by grade. There are many great resources and ideas given in this book. If you are new to homeschooling or would like a idea of what is taught grade by grade, this is the book for you. Thank you so much to this great author.
Home Learning.......2007-04-10
I first checked this book out from the library after deciding to pull my children from the public school system. I loved the book so much that I bought it. It lists everything that children should know by grade level and even gives some resources...and some are free! Some of the resources listed can be found at the local library, which also adds up to free!Without this book I would be lost on what my children should be learning. This book has made all of the difference in my children's learning schedule. If you are homeschooling this book is great!
Must have for any homeschooler.......2007-03-31
I have been home schooling for three years and never really thought about using any guides or books to assist me. However, with my two eldest entering middle school stage and my youngest just starting out, I realized that I needed help! This book is exactly what I needed. It helped me to see what my kindergartener was suppose to know before she began first grade level and also gave me a great bench mark for where my older children should be.
Added to that, I have spend many wasted hours on-line and in bookstores trying to find suitable text and workbooks which are appropriate for home school settings. Many times I have wasted money by buying books or teaching tools which I think will be useful, only to find that they are not. I know that this will never happen again now I have this book as my guide. It gives recommendations for text-books, workbooks and curriculum, appropriate to grade level. In September, I have two children going into grade 8, one into grade 4 and one into first grade. This book is solely responsible for making me absolutely prepared for the whole school year for the first time since I began home schooling! If you are a homeschooler, new or experienced, this book is definitely required reading!
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