Summer Reading? Looking for Tech and Education stuff.

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Permalink Reply by John Sowash on June 23, 2010 at 12:23pm

I would recommend the books below. They aren't specifically related to education, but the application can easily be made:

Wikinomics by Don Tapscott
The overall theme of the book is that more can be accomplished through collaboration than any single individual or company can achieve on its own. You'll get through the first few chapters quickly, it's basic, but good review. I got bogged down in the middle during the discussion of wikinomic principles in big business. I wasn't able to apply much of this to education/the classroom. The end is good though as it provides basic collaborative principles that apply to any situation.

The Long Tale by Chris Anderson
While this is essentially a marketing book the application to education is pretty clear. Our current educational system is a "hit market" that provides service to the "average" student. A more innovative approach is to service specific niches of student (gifted, autistic, those interested in science, math, music, etc) and provide them with the best possible education rather than watering down the whole system to serve the needs of everyone. Good, quick read with lots of interesting examples.

Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
I'm still wrestling with the conclusion of this book but it's a fascinating look at the factors that contribute to success. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just about hard work and determination.

Free: The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson
I'll include this book because its more interesting and entertaining than anything. I've often wondered if the current trajectory of giving things away for free can be maintained. According to Anderson, not only will it continue, Free will be the new standard price for many goods. Again, no direct correlation to education, but it'll prompt some questions about the cost and future of education.

Disrupting Class by Clayton M. Christenson
This is a book about disruptive innovation (a very interesting concept), specifically online learning. Christenson predicts that online learning will be the dominant form of education in the US within the next 20 years. I tend to agree with him.

That's my list! I hope there's something here that will interest you!

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Permalink Reply by Jacqui Murray on June 25, 2010 at 8:33pm

Disrupting Class--great book. I got so excited about it, I wrote a review on my blog and Amazon about it. I found myself agreeing with the author's common sense down-to-earth approaches to tech and ed.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Hallstrom on June 23, 2010 at 2:10pm

I am in class right now and we are using the book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom. Author is Will Richardson and it is published by Corwin. Excellent resource

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Permalink Reply by Paul George on June 23, 2010 at 5:56pm

Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools

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Permalink Reply by Gourab on June 24, 2010 at 1:00am

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