A personal review of;

Warren, A., Brunner, D., Maier. P. & Barnett, L. 1998 Technology in Teaching and Learning: An Introductory Guide. Kogan Page; London - 138 pages. Illustrated with diagrams, tables & screen grabs. £19.99

&

Maier, P., Barnett, L., Warren, A. & Brunner, D. 1998 Using Technology in Teaching and Learning. Kogan Page; London - 132 pages. Illustrated with diagrams, tables & screen grabs. £19.99

Completed Feb 1998

Thois review appeared in Health Informatics Journal 4(1) p55

These two books have the same format are by the same authors and are extensively cross referenced therefore I reviewed them together.

These texts by staff of the Interactive Learning Centre at the University of Southampton are aimed at anyone within the Higher Education Sector considering the use of Technology in teaching and learning, and are therefore applicable to staff in Medical, Nursing and Health faculties, but the content can be equally useful for staff in trust training departments and independent education providers delivering education for the health sector. Useful information is covered both for face to face teaching and distance learning, particularly related to the use of Internet technologies. The second book looks in more detail at social and organisational changes which are influencing teaching and learning methods, with passing references to educational theory.

Both books are nicely laid out and as well as acting as text books but also include activity sections and practical guides, which include estimates of the effort involved in using particular technologies. The extensive contents lists are useful in enabling the reader to reach particular sections relevant to them, particularly as no index is provided.

Book 1 starts with an introductory exercise asking the reader to assess their own level of technological capability and follows this with discussion of computer software and hardware, with guides to how to use them. The rest of the book focuses on Internet technologies; getting connected, JANET and finding and using material from the World Wide Web, ftp, gopher etc. There is also an extensive section on communication using computers; email, mailing lists, Usenet newsgroups computer and video conferencing.

Although primarily aimed at the Higher education lecturer the increasing ability of NHS staff to use these facilities via NHS net will make it relevant to anyone involved in education in the health sector.

The second book examines the present and potential use of technology to support flexible, life-long learning following changes in student numbers and political and student expectations. Practical examples are given ranging from use in lectures, to assessment and distance learning via the Internet. The collaborative nature of modern education is discussed with examples of the ways in which students can be encouraged to collaborate using email and conferencing technologies.

These books provide a practical hands-on guide for any teacher who is looking at technology to provide possible solutions for some of the changes which are occurring in education today. It is up to date and fairly easy to read, avoiding the worst of the jargon. Books of these types can not replace practice and experience with technology, however they can assist in the selection of appropriate approaches, and initial learning about their use.

I can be contacted Rod@RodSpace.co.uk

Page Created: 11.2.98

Last Updated:3.9.03