Open Books

This book presents the various "world-views" behind the immediate battles over ecological issues in a way that brings them alive. It shows why understanding and working through our most basic beliefs concerning what we ought to do (and be) is so important if we are to learn to "tread more lightly on the earth" before it is too late. It is a wonderfully readable introduction to ecological ethics and a rousing call to thoughtful action.

A member of my family has started tertiary study almost 10 years after completing secondary school and this is one of the recommended texts. I was intrigued by his description of the contents, and thought I would read it for myself. I am so glad I did: even those of us doing less formal learning can benefit from some of these suggestions.

While the book is Australian and draws on Australian experiences, I believe that what is written would apply to all senior secondary and tertiary students. Learning independently is the key to successful study at these levels, and enabling students to recognise how they learn and identify barriers to success is important. The book emphasises that there is no one way to learn and offers a comprehensive range of techniques to help in formal education.

Note: A fourth edition of this book was published in 2006, and expands on the third edition. The third edition is still widely available.

The Table of Contents for the fourth edition:
List of tables
About the authors
Thanks
Preface to the fourth edition
Read this first!
1. You
2. Planning when and how you study
3. Becoming an independent student
4. Asking your own questions
5. Learning and remembering
6. Choosing and analysing a topic
7. Researching a topic
8. Using libraries and other information sources
9. Reading
10. Listening to lectures
11. Participating in discussion groups
12. Developing your writing
13. Writing essays
14. Writing scientific reports
15. Using conventions
16. Learning from evaluation
Appendix: Discrimination: Sexist language and attitudes
Quotation sources
Student learning reference books
Index

Worth considering if independent study is part of your own life plan, or those of family members. A welcome addition, as well, to libraries.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

In The Surprise, the GypsyBridge Friends series of children's books builds on its impressive start in The Vine and The Gift. The concept for the series initially surprised me and I had to sleep on that surprise before I understood all of my reactions. I can't remember ever having to think a lot about a children's book before. Since then, I've come to be very enthusiastic about the concept.

The Surprise is a four-part resource. First, it's a story told as a parable about a child, Sally, and her friends, Dick, Jane and Tom. Second, it's a Bible lesson using the parable. Third, it's a play lesson with reusable materials. Fourth, it's a series of teaching suggestions for parents (located behind the materials).

But to say that understates the versatility of this book. Most such books pretty much can be used only as a picture book and then as a reader at a beginner level. The Surprise can be used at three levels: a picture book; then as a book where the child has the material read aloud to her or him; and then as a reader that is appropriate for about third grade with over 2000 words in it.

Here's the parable. The four children are neighbors in a seemingly adult-bereft world. God and Jesus are around . . . but not visibly. As the book begins, Sally is excited that signs of Spring are all around. Sally thinks that Spring celebrates Easter, a happy time. Her friends are not so enthusiastic. Dick points out that Easter is not about Spring. Tom points out that Easter is not about flowers. Dick and Tom become grumpy with each other over Spot's having gotten dirty in the Spring mud. Sally cannot get anyone interested in Easter. What is Easter about? Pretty soon everyone is unhappy and even the color starts to fade from the town. They decide to think about the real meaning of Easter. Dick gets his Bible and hands it to Tom. "Easter is about Jesus breaking open the gates of death when God raised him from the dead . . . ." "It's about . . . victory over the power of sin and death." The children realize that they can choose to let Jesus give them His power to stop doing bad things, and they will be forgiven for their sins.

The parable's lesson is from Corinthians 15:54-55. "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The parable is nicely explained in this context by having the color return to the town. They realize "It's Easter everyday in our lives."

The book's activity involves Dick's Drawing. There is an outline of a butterfly that can be used as a template to outline this symbol of the Resurrection so colorful details can later be added on paper.

Visually, the book will be very appealing to most children. It uses computer-generated animation methods similar to those in the movie "Toy Story." Since it's about children, they will find the material relevant. Also, there are two girls and two boys so there's a chance to relate to a same-sex character. One of the characters, Tom, appears to be African-American which encourages racial openness.

When I was young, I enjoyed the comic-book versions of the Bible that were distributed in Sunday School. These made the stories come to life for me. Unfortunately, there were no similar materials when I was younger. The GypsyBridge Friends fill in that gap in an imaginative way. Now every day can bring a Sunday School lesson for preschoolers and beginning readers!

After you have been reading this delightful book with your child from a while, I suggest that you remember to describe Easter to your child more often so that Easter can be alive every day in your family!

Great book for those wanting those 'inside tips' on "How to Open Your Own Store" - Mr. Antoniak provides all the answers to your questions and then some...and then some more!

Especially recommended for young readers ages 5 to 12, Habari Gani?/What's The News? is a picture book artfully written by Sundaira Morninghouse and charmingly illustrated by Jody Kim. The theme is the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa and how seven year old Kia and her family celebrate from December 26th to January 1st. "Habari Gani" is the greeting as each day of Kwanzaa unfolds and the seven principles of Kwanzaa emerge within the fabric of Kia's family and community. Habari Gani?/What's The News? will prove to be a very popular addition to school and community library African-American, multicultural, and ethnic holiday collections.

108 haiku, each a gem , followed by a short comment. The topics range from karma(a white lotus---/the monk decides/to cut it !) to justice(reflected/in the sword's blade/soft summer clouds), and each makes you think and reflect and , with luck, go 'Ah. I see." Good selections, both ancient and modern, as well as cultural, both Japanese and Western. A wonderful book.

I have been a consumer (ie student) of Distance Learning for many years. My lecturers (and their HOD) would certanly have benefited had they read this book first.
Even though I am not present in the classroom, I still need a willing teacher to interact with. This fact is often overlooked by faculty heads.
The writing style is informal but there is obviously some deep thought that has gone into the book. Applicable to more than just Tourism Studies.

This is an excellent textbook as well as reference on OSI Reference Model and related standards. The OSI Model is presented in detail. Various protocols for wide area networking, like HDLC and X.25, are explained in depth with clear illustrations. This book provides in depth analysis of computer communication technologies. I will recommend this book to anyone, who is seriously interested in computer networking.

This book presents an up-dated view of almost all important areas of DE. It is clearly written and includes lots of ideas and guidelines for students, researchers and practitioners. Authors are opinion leaders in the area and provide a synthesis of an incredible amount of research findings. A must for instructional designers, tutors, administrators and policy makers.

This book which I read 3 years ago ,has been an influence into both mine and my wifes lives. The book is factual, very gripping ,humourous at times but overall a very indepth view of a man who after two failed marriages set off at the age of 49 to find peace and see the world. His knowledge of sailing was very limited but over time experienced more of the elements the Oceans of the world have to offer than you could ever imagine.After many years at sea Les summarises what being alone actually means. I understand that Les has sailed around the world three times now,the first trip took twelve years which most of this book is about.The second trip none stop, during the last month as he was returning back to the uk he was living on rice mixed with toothpaste to enhance its flavour. This is a true story of a humble man ,living on a limited budget but had the most wonderful experiences of which most people /sailors only ever dream about ,he endured the oceans at there worst which is well documented in the book Hands Open. A book if read will stay with you for ever.