Books and Magazines I would recommend

Most of these books can be ordered on-line. Where possible I have included post or online addresses, otherwise try

http://www.amazon.com 
http://www.bn.com/ 
check out the prices for all sites, sometimes it is cheaper to get the book from overseas then from here! Don't forget to check the exchange rate.

Computers in New Zealand Schools

 

Computers in New Zealand Schools Volume 18, Number 1

 Full of articles written by teachers, ICT consultants, Advisers, University and College of Education Lecturers. Well worth the subscription of $47.50 per year. Contains case studies, software evaluation, papers on current issues in ICT and more. It is published three times a year. Enquiries for subscription
University of Otago Press
P.O. Box 56
Dunedin
New Zealand
Email: university.press@otago.ac.nz

For more information http://www.otago.ac.nz/press/journals/computersnzschools/

New Zealand NetGuide

 

 Comprehensive monthly magazine on the latest Internet sites. Costs $3.35 and is available in all book stores and Supermarkets. Includes information on the latest news, shareware, software, some tutorials and a Help desk page. Downloads of freeware and shareware software are available.

For more information go to http://www.netguide.co.nz/

Learning with technology. A Constructivist Perspective. Written by David Jonassen, Kyle Peck & Brent Wilson. Published 1999 by Merrill. Prentice Hall.

Jonassen, Peck and Wilson discuss how ICT best enhances learning. They argue that students do not learn from teachers or technology but from thinking which mediates learning based on a constructivist theory of knowledge being constructed rather than transmitted. They contend that ICT can foster and support learning if they are used as tools that help learners to think.

 
Information Technology and Authentic Learning. Realising the potential of computers in the primary classroom. Information Technology and Authentic Learning: Realising the Potential of Computers in the Primary Classroom  Edited by Angela McFarlane. Published 1997 London & New York: Routledge

Several contributors to this book discuss how to use ICT in the classroom to develop authentic learning. There are practical ideas and articles that look at developing children's problem solving, developing graphing skills, writing etc. Within the texts theoretical issues of the use of ICT is discussed.
How teachers learn Technology best

 

  Written By Jamie McKenzie. Published 1999 Bellingham, Washington: FNO Press. Available from http://fno.org

McKenzie discusses the search for successful strategies and the answers that have been found through twenty years of attempts to integrate ICT into classrooms. He writes in two parts the first looks at why and how teachers should use ICT, the second looks at professional development models for teachers. This book is very readable and highly recommended.
Teaching with Technology.Creating Student-Centred classrooms. Teaching With Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms  Written by Judith Sandholtz, Cathy Ringstaff, & David Dwyer. Published 1997 Teachers College: Columbia University.
Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) is a collaborative research project between universities, schools and Apple Computer Inc which collected data over a period of 10 years. They were seeking an answer to what happens to students and teachers when you introduce ICT into an already crowded curriculum. They found that there was changes to teaching and learning styles affected ultimately by the use of computers in the classroom. The research closely looked at the impact of technology on the participants own teaching practice. This is very interesting reading  as it is very clear to see how individuals developed over a time frame.
Computers, Curriculum, and Cultural Change. An introduction for teachers. Computers, Curriculum, and Cultural Change: An Introduction for Teachers  Written by Eugene Provenzo, Arlene Brett, & Gary McCloskey. Published 1999.London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Provenzo, Brett & McCloskey (1999)discuss how to use computers in educational settings. They focus on three themes
(i) how computers are redefining our culture and society and school work
(ii) the idea of using the computer as a tool for increasing efficiency and productivity in curriculum
(iii) how computers can be used as a means of enhancing our intelligence. There are loads of practical ideas and useful internet sites.
Learning with Computers. Issues and applications in New Zealand.   Edited by Kwok-Wing Lai and Bruce McMillan. Published 1992 Dunmore Press.
Looks at issues related to the use of computers in the classroom. All the contributors share the similar ideas of cognitive, collaborative development of students in a learner centred environment.
Words have Wings. Teaching and Learning with Computer Networks   Edited by Kwok-Wing Lai. Published 1996 University of Otago Press.
Looks at networking and Internet usage in schools. Discusses issues arising from these initiatives.
for more information http://www.otago.ac.nz/press/booksauthors/otagoauthors/kwokwinglai.html
Failure to Connect. How Computers Affect our Children's Minds - and What We Can do about it. FAILURE TO CONNECT: How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds -- and What We Can Do About It  Written by Jane M. Healy. Published 1998 Touchstone.
Healy challenges the use of computers with children, particularly children under 7years old. She discusses software, the use of and type that schools and parents  buy for their children. She makes valid points about how computers are not being well used by teachers and parents with children and offers suggestions for how schools should integrate computers into the classroom. This is a challenging and thought provoking read. It will make you want to think about what you are doing with computers.
Nothing's Impossible. Leadership Lessons from inside and outside the classroom. Nothing's Impossible: Leadership Lessons from Inside and Outside the Classroom  Written by Lorraine Monroe. Published 1997 PublicAffairs (Perseus Books Group)
Lorraine Munroe has been a teacher, Principal and an Administrator. This is an inspirational read about how to be a leader in the most difficult circumstances. Munroe runs by the Munroe Doctrine which is scattered through the book with sayings like 'when you work in a place where your efforts are belittled, save yourself-leave! But until you leave, continue to do impeccable work. Otherwise, you become like your detractors.' or daily reflection on your efforts and outcomes will improve both.' She writes of her life and experiences that have made her the person she is today. Her work with lower socio-economic schools and under-achieving students is documented with her beliefs of mediocrity is not accepted and discipline and creativity in the classroom can transform learning.
Computers in the Classroom. How Teachers and Students are using Technology to transform learning. Computers in the Classroom: How Teachers and Students Are Using Technology to Transform Learning Written by Andrea R. Gooden. Published 1996 Apple Press.
Gooden case studies 6 schools and how they have used computers to transform learning of students, teachers and the wider communities. The case studies range from primary to secondary school. The experiences consist of establishing a student magazine, creating a database of local folk history, reporting on computer greenhouse effect, mastery in computer skills for the next century, tracking weather patterns and a myths and legends programme.
The Children's Machine. Rethinking school in the age of the Computer The Children's Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer written by Seymour Papert. Published 1993 BasicBooks
Author of Mindstorms and Creator of Logo. He discusses how computers can and have changed education. Uses some interesting analogies to describe how different people learn. Papert assesses  resistance to change and has some interesting insights into how teachers are culturally influenced by change.
     

 


 

 

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