Common Feedback for A6 Book Review

Thanks for your assignments!  Most of you have done a wonderful job and are able demonstrate clear understandings of the book you read.  Here is the list of books that our classmates reviewed.  If you are looking for good books to review, this list is a good start. These books are reviewed by current and previous students.

http://delicious.com/tag/ETC777bookreviewed

 

Many of your discuss “connection” or “Connectivism” in your reviews.  If we agree with this theory, the values of learning are located on whether we are able to connect important nodes.  So the role that teachers play in teaching would be to assist learners to make “connection.”  Agree?!

 

 

Here are some general feedback comments for your future reference.  Consider these comments and apply them to support your future book reviews.

 

·       Book review should be a commentary, not merely a summary.

·       Present a brief outline or synopsis, indicating the general topic, the chapters etc.

·       The bulk of your review should concentrate on your evaluation of the way the author(s) handled the issues discussed. What is (are) the overall thesis(es) -- the points of view or conclusion? what are your reactions? Did the book(s) enhance your understanding of the issues?

·       Discuss the author(s). What are his or her relevant qualifications and background (or lack thereof) for writing on this subject?

·       Apply appropriate additional references to support your commentary.

·       Discuss the points that you agree and/or disagree with the author’s.

·       Any important topics the author should include in the book?

·       Do you feel the author’s view “antiestablishment?” Does the author’s resolve provoke any intense and/or convincing thoughts?

·       Any bias in this book?

·       Any debatable arguments?

·       Has the book challenged you intellectually, increasing your knowledge in distance education, raising new critical questions?

·       Would this have impacts on your life, particularly on how people learning with technology?

·       What book on this subject still needs to be written? Your review should conclude with your personal critique.