Exploring Extreme Programming
I spent last weekend at a small retreat led by Don Pedi, an expert in traditional fiddle tunes played on mountain dulcimer. (See References.) We spent about three days doing a little tai chi, learning traditional tunes, asking questions, jamming, Continue reading Learning with an Expert
Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, by Geoff Colvin. Portfolio, 2008. Where does talent come from? Nature or nurture? A study of music students found no difference in starting point, but that practice made the Continue reading Review – Talent is Overrated (Colvin)
Instructional Design Strategies and Tactics, Cynthia B. Leshin, Joellyn Pollock, Charles M. Reigeluth. Educational Technology Publications, 1992. Certain instructional patterns are worth repeating. These authors use a very structured approach to instruction, complete with job aids to support it. As Continue reading Review – Instructional Design Strategies and Tactics
Creative Training Techniques Handbook, Robert W. Pike, Human Resource Development Press, 2003. This is a wide-ranging book on training. It reads like a brain-dump, with lots of nuggets from an experienced trainer. (That’s both an advantage and a disadvantage.) I Continue reading Review – Creative Training Techniques Handbook
Developing Technical Training: A Structured Approach for the Development of Classroom and Computer-Based Instructional Materials, Ruth Colvin Clark. Addison Wesley, 1989. Clark provides a framework for thinking about content and performance. On one dimension is “Apply vs. Remember”; on the Continue reading Review – Developing Technical Training
Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation, Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger. Cambridge University Press, 1991. Learning is a social activity, not a pouring of knowledge from one person to another. The thesis of this book is that when people want to Continue reading Review – Situated Learning
Digital Game-Based Learning, Marc Prensky, McGraw-Hill, 2001. Prensky argues that the new generation of learners has a new way of learning from exposure to MTV and video games, but teaching hasn’t kept up. He describes aspects of games and how Continue reading Review – Digital Game-Based Learning
Training Games: Everything You Need to Know About Using Games to Reinforce Learning, Susan El-Shamy. Stylus Publishing, 2001. Describes some theory indicating how games help learning, classifies games a few ways, and considers electronic games. Considers the mechanics of playing Continue reading Review – Training Games