Which Ed-tech books do you want for Christmas?

This year, I asked for a few books about the ways education is being transformed by information and social technology. They're listed on my latest Distance Education Skill Share blog entry. I'm interested if any of you have read them, but also which relatively new books you've read, or are looking forward to reading, for a fresh perspective on adult ed.

Jason Guard, MPA
Account Manager and GED and Distance Education Specialist
GED Academy and Essential Education
Direct:(800)390-9307
jason@passged.com
Twitter: @jkguard

 

Comments

Jason, 

That is a wonderful book list. I am curious if you are reading anything about the flipped classrooms?  That is becoming all the rage, so to speak -but I have not read any research that supports that particular instructional model. I have a book that I hope to read over break - Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day by Aaron Sams. 

I wonder what the thoughts are about flipped classes in the adult ed classroom? 
 

 

The 'flipped classroom' sounds a little like a fad diet for educators, but like any radical shift in routine, there are some philisophical provocations to be considered.  I won't get into my take on it, because there are probably other threads dedicated to the flipped classroom topic, but... Taken in moderation, flipping the classroom is an instructional technique that can accelerate learning and has the potential to develop self-sufficiency among those who're most ready to take advantage of independent study, assuming the material is compelling and instructive.  

In peeking at articles on the flipped classroom, I happened upon this blog's thorough and balanced assessment of the technique and then I see that the blog's authors have a new book out:

The Golden Climate in Distance Learning: The Secrets of Immediate Connection, Engagement, Enjoyment, and Performance, by Dr. Marina Kostina and Dr. William LaGanza.  Seems like a worthy addition to the Christmas wish-list, though it's cutting it a little close at this point, even for Santa.  And as for my book list, I added some annotations for each book in the hopes of getting discussion going over there.