Odin L. Jurkowski

When deciding to purchase and read a book like this one, I usually ask myself, “What does this author know that I don’t.” As a reviewer, I would say thatin the areas of software and hardward…systems, devices, connections, policies, etc., our author knows the field and has kept up in his third edition. So, if you are a novice or are developing your knowledge of technology, then this book is likely to give you ideas so that you are a knowledgeable player at the system level. There needs to be, however, another book or series of articles that really examine closely what to do with all the hardware and software systems to really make a difference in teaching and learning. While covered briefly, a fresh approach is needed. This kind of book dates itself quickly so after a year or so, much has to be updated. So, if you want the basics, read this one quickly. And then seek other sources for learning through technology that will be your… (mer)

One of the problems of updating a book on technology that was published a number of years ago is that the entire mindset of the book is from the original perspective. Yes, you can add updates to each of the chapters, but the original perspective comes through. In 2010, there has been enough major change that the author needed to have thrown out the entire old manuscript and started from a 2010 perspective. We are now in the age of handheld computers, cloud computing, Web 2.0 tools, iPads, ebooks, and Google Apps for Education just to name a few sited in this book. Where is the teacher librarian as tech learning leader? Where is wireless 802.11n? Where is the new presence of Apple? Taking the advice of this author puts one squarely in the early 1990s with a peppering of newer technologies sprinkled around. Better to investigate the many technology titles published by ISTE and popular technology works done by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning and attending the ISTE annual conference. Pass this one by.… (mer)