Multimedia Books

First published in 1991, this is a gem that should be one of the first readings of anyone contemplated the sacred and the scary aspects of how humans, machines, and software are being changed by emerging information technologies. While there is a lot of focus on "cool tools" and all the paraphenalia of "virtual reality" qua artificial sensation and perception, the rock bottom foundation of this book can be found in Howard reflections on what it all means for the transformation of humans, business, and society in general.

In 'The Virtual University: an action paradigm and process for workplace learning', Teare, Davies and Sandelands outline a coherent vision of what is possible, backed up by real examples of what they are achieving today.

The book manages to sketch out the big picture of the learning society within the context of a rapidly changing, uncertain world. It presents an inclusive, 'open systems' model of personal and organizational learning. But it's not just a theoretical model, as is ably demonstrated by the creation of Our University for Industry - hospitality worldwide, among other experiences related.

The use of electronic communications media is discussed, but this is not a book for the techno-heads, it's for educationalists and in-company senior training and OD specialists. And it's for everyone seeking to develop themselves on an ongoing, 'lifelong' basis.

It follows on nicely for me in the tradition of 'The Knowledge Game' and 'Our Enterprise School of Management' by Gordon Wills, and all works by Reg Revans e.g. 'The ABC of Action Learning'.

I enjoyed it and feel I have benefitted from finding the time to read it cover to cover!

Claire Huntley Contributing Editor: Technology Strategies Editorial Advisor: Global Anthological Journal of Action Learning

Some of the advantages of this program are the immediate examples and re-enforcement of all the topics. The authors take advantage of the technology of a CD-ROM and supply the reader with brilliant pictures, videos or charts on each page of complimentary text. By clicking on highlighted words and phrases within the paragraphs, a student can immediately find the definitions or interesting facts of the words instead of wasting time by looking it up in a glossary. Also within the text are questions that are answered at the click of a mouse button. This acts much like the questions a lecturing instructor may suddenly give to a class in order to keep the students thinking about the subject.

Another important advantage of the CD's text is the use of interactive exercises and charts. This program provides numerous little games that re-enforce the lessons or give interesting information relating to the text. For example there are games in which the player must quickly find shelter from a sudden lightening storm and a tornado. There are other games in which the player must determine the appropriate altitude for certain types of clouds and other things in the atmosphere like airplanes, auroras, space shuttles and satellites. The interactive charts and diagrams provide a way for the student to examine the material at his or her own pace. As the student clicks along, the chart or diagram is drawn and interesting facts about each step of the drawing is given. In this way, the formation of hail is described and state weather statistics are learned as well as the symbols on the weather chart. These interactive games are a clever way to teach and help students memorize information.

The appendices that are linked to related lessons usually provide more complex information for the curious and the more advanced students. By assigning or not assigning these sections an instructor can modify the amount and type of information to the class level. These appendices give detail to the chapters as well as provide more videos, questions, pictures, charts and interactive exercises. Most of the appendices relate to the basic lessons but, there are a few that act as additional lessons and discuss in detail topics like El Nino, ozone and how to use the internet for more information on weather.

Besides the text and appendices, the CD-ROM provides additional software and information for student projects. One project it suggests is the Backyard Weatherstation. This section gives complete instructions on how students may inexpensively set up their own complete weather center, and teaches them how to make observations and record them.

The user-friendly interface provided by the Weather WorkStation, allows all students to experience immediate success. It is the next best thing to being outside and having the weather change on demand for teachers. However past all the flash and sizzle, lies the real meat of the software, the text. At an astounding 300,000 words per CD, the amount of info within the set of millimeter high platters boggles the mind. Even more amazing is how accurate, detailed, and beautifully written the chapters are. The way the text is composed an eight-year-old, with modest vocabulary and reading skills could understand it and an expert would not grow bored.

Overall, the product successfully conveys its lessons, stimulates an interest in the course and encourages young scientists.

Loretta A. Leist, research staff member, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Miami, FL 33149-1098. Review also available in the Journal of College Science Teaching, December 2000/January 2001, Volume XXX, Number 4