EBOOK: The First Year At University: Teaching Students In Transition


Book Description

If academics are genuinely to develop as teachers throughout their careers, if they are to continue to produce innovations, they have to bring a scholarly orientation to teaching. This series will show them how to do that. It will teach them how to make credible cases for different forms of innovation, thus helping them to situate teaching centrally in their careers. It will also show them ways of solving students' problems and methods of helping their students to learn more effectively. THE FIRST YEAR AT UNIVERSITY Teaching Students in Transition The first year at university can be a very challenging time for students especially in a mass system of higher education. Many students are ill- equipped to cope with life at university and retention is now a critical metric for all universities. This has resulted in universities having to spend considerable time and attention on ensuring that the 'first year experience' is as positive as possible for all students. This book offers a range of practical strategies, underpinned by relevant research, which lecturers can implement when charged with working with first year students in order to ease their transition to higher education. These strategies affect not only the design of courses, teaching and assessment but also how teams of lecturers provide consistent support, and how this in turn is supported by strategic planning at an institutional level. The First Year at University is a practical resource that can be used by a wide range of lecturers including those undertaking the PGCE (Higher Education) as well as those on CPD courses on teaching and learning in higher education.




EBOOK: Study Skills for Psychology Students


Book Description

This practical handbook is an essential companion for psychology students. From day one of your degree, it will make all the difference. Based on the authors' extensive knowledge of psychology, it includes: Key approaches in psychology The best ways to study How to use IT effectively Producing excellent assignments and exams Helpful advice on statistical methods Tackling projects and dissertations An introduction to careers in psychology It contains exercises, tips, advice from students, and a glossary of commonly used terms in psychology. An accompanying website www.openup.co.uk/psychologysuccess has more information on psychology-related careers with up-to-date web links.




EBOOK: Learning Spaces: Creating Opportunities for Knowledge Creation in Academic Life


Book Description

“This is a timely and important book which seeks to reclaim universities as places of learning. It is jargon free and forcefully argued. It should be on every principal and vice-chancellor's list of essential reading.” Jon Nixon, Professor of Educational Studies, University of Sheffield The ability to have or to find space in academic life seems to be increasingly difficult since we seem to be consumed by teaching and bidding, overwhelmed by emails and underwhelmed by long arduous meetings. This book explores the concept of learning spaces, the idea that there are diverse forms of spaces within the life and life world of the academic where opportunities to reflect and critique their own unique learning position occur. Learning Spaces sets out to challenge the notion that academic thinking can take place in cramped, busy working spaces, and argues instead for a need to recognise and promote new opportunities for learning spaces to emerge in academic life. The book examines the ideas that: Learning spaces are increasingly absent in academic life The creation and re-creation of learning spaces is vital for the survival of the academic community The absence of learning spaces is resulting in increasing dissolution and fragmentation of academic identities Learning spaces need to be valued and possibly redefined in order to regain and maintain the intellectual health of academe In offering possibilities for creative learning spaces, this innovative book provides key reading for those interested in the future of universities including educational developers, researchers, managers and policy makers.




EBOOK: A Practical Guide to Using Second Life in Higher Education


Book Description

In recent years there has been increasing use of virtual worlds in Higher Education, particularly in Second Life. This practical handbook is a pedagogically-informed text that guides staff in the use of Second Life in the fields of further and higher education. The book has been designed to support teachers who want to use Second Life and provides both an overview and a detailed consideration of the opportunities this immersive world offers for teaching, learning, assessment and research. To assist readers, Maggi Savin-Baden has included: A glossary of terms Details of challenges and mistakes to avoid Examples of good practice Links to websites and other sources of help This book is designed both for those new to Second Life as well as those with experience of teaching in virtual environments. It will help teachers to progress from getting started with Second Life to developing their teaching within the environment.




EBOOK: Understanding University: A Guide to Another Planet


Book Description

Does university seem like another planet? Does everyone else seem to speak another language? What can you do to make the grade? If these are the kind of questions you are asking, then this is the book you need. After the excitement of being accepted, the reality of life at university or college can be daunting, but help is at hand. This practical book guides new students through the terminology used at university and shows you: what a student needs to know how to be accepted by students and lecturers how to get the best out of your institution and yourself how to communicate using appropriate language in higher education institutions how to learn the conventions of your specific subject area how to be confident and competent in your new world All new students find the move to university slightly bewildering, but with this book you can be one step ahead. The author has spent time talking to students across a broad range of different universities and uses her first-hand experience as a basis for the book. Understanding University provides a lifeline for new students in further and higher education offering everything from practical advice on studying, to explanations of frequently used terms. If you don’t know the difference between a seminar and a tutorial or want to know what ‘matriculation’ means, then this is where to start. Need a little assistance? Just open this book. And remember - you are not alone.




Learning in the Age of Digital Reason


Book Description

Learning in the Age of Digital Reason contains 16 in-depth dialogues between Petar Jandrić and leading scholars and practitioners in diverse fields of history, philosophy, media theory, education, practice, activism, and arts. The book creates a postdisciplinary snapshot of our reality, and the ways we experience that reality, at the moment here and now. It historicises our current views to human learning, and experiments with collective knowledge making and the relationships between theory and practice. It stands firmly at the side of the weak and the oppressed, and aims at critical emancipation. Learning in the Age of Digital Reason is playful and serious. It addresses important issues of our times and avoids the omnipresent (academic) sin of pretentiousness, thus making an important statement: research and education can be sexy. Interlocutors presented in the book (in order of appearance): Larry Cuban, Andrew Feenberg, Michael Adrian Peters, Fred Turner, Richard Barbrook, McKenzie Wark, Henry Giroux, Peter McLaren, Siân Bayne, Howard Rheingold, Astra Taylor, Marcell Mars, Tomislav Medak, Ana Kuzmanić, Paul Levinson, Kathy Rae Huffman, Ana Peraica, Dmitry Vilensky (Chto Delat?), Christine Sinclair, and Hamish Mcleod.




Chapter 27: Spatial Distribution of Species and Ecosystems


Book Description

Chapter 27: Spatial Distribution of Species and Ecosystems of the eBook Understanding Physical Geography. This eBook was written for students taking introductory Physical Geography taught at a college or university. For the chapters currently available on Google Play presentation slides (Powerpoint and Keynote format) and multiple choice test banks are available for Professors using my eBook in the classroom. Please contact me via email at [email protected] if you would like to have access to these resources. The various chapters of the Google Play version of Understanding Physical Geography are FREE for individual use in a non-classroom environment. This has been done to support life long learning. However, the content of Understanding Physical Geography is NOT FREE for use in college and university courses in countries that have a per capita GDP over $25,000 (US dollars) per year where more than three chapters are being used in the teaching of a course. More specifically, for university and college instructors using this work in such wealthier countries, in a credit-based course where a tuition fee is accessed, students should be instructed to purchase the paid version of this content on Google Play which is organized as one of six Parts (organized chapters). One exception to this request is a situation where a student is experiencing financial hardship. In this case, the student should use the individual chapters which are available from Google Play for free. The cost of these Parts works out to only $0.99 per chapter in USA dollars, a very small fee for my work. When the entire textbook (30 chapters) is finished its cost will be only $29.70 in USA dollars. This is far less expensive than similar textbooks from major academic publishing companies whose eBook are around $50.00 to $90.00. Further, revenue generated from the sale of this academic textbook will provide “the carrot” to entice me to continue working hard creating new and updated content. Thanks in advance to instructors and students who abide by these conditions. IMPORTANT - This Google Play version is best viewed with a computer using Google Chrome, Firefox or Apple Safari browsers.




Insight Guides Explore Vancouver & Victoria (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

Pocket-sized travel guides featuring the very best routes and itineraries. Discover the best of Vancouver and Victoria with this indispensably practical Insight Explore Guide. From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like Vancouver's Gastown and Stanley Park and Victoria's harbour and maritime museum, and further away gems like Grouse Mountain and Whistler, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking routes will save you time, help you plan and enhance your visit to Vancouver and Victoria. Practical, pocket-sized and packed with inspirational insider information, this is the ideal on-the-move companion to your trip to Vancouver and Victoria. - Over 15 walks and tours: detailed itineraries feature all the best places to visit, including where to eat along the way - Local highlights: discover what makes the area special, its top attractions and unique sights, and be inspired by stunning imagery - Insider recommendations: where to stay and what to do, from active pursuits to themed trips - Hand-picked places: find your way to great hotels, restaurants and nightlife using the comprehensive listings - Practical maps: get around with ease and follow the walks and tours using the detailed maps - Informative tips: plan your visit with an A to Z of advice on everything from transport to tipping - Inventive design makes for an engaging, easy-reading experience - Covers: Canada Place and the waterfront, False Creek and Yaletown, Chinatown and Gastown, Granville Island, Downtown, Stanley Park, Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach, University of British Columbia, Capilano and Grouse Mountain, Sea to Sky Highway, Victoria Harbour to Bastion Square, Victoria Harbour to Beacon Hill Park, Rockland and Gonzalez (Victoria), Saanich Peninsula, Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.




Ebook: Environmental Science: A Global Concern


Book Description

Environmental Science: A Global Concern is a comprehensive presentation of environmental science for non-science majors which emphasizes critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and global awareness. This book is intended for use in a one or two-semester course in environmental science, human ecology, or environmental studies at the college or advanced placement high school level. As practicing scientists and educators, the Cunningham author team brings decades of experience in the classroom, in the practice of science, and in civic engagement. This experience helps give students a clear sense of what environmental science is and why it matters in this exciting, new 13th edition. Environmental Science: A Global Concern provides readers with an up-to-date, introductory global view of essential themes in environmental science. The authors balance evidence of serious environmental challenges with ideas about what we can do to overcome them. An entire chapter focuses on ecological restoration; one of the most important aspects of ecology today. Case studies in most chapters show examples of real progress, and “What Can You Do?” lists give students ideas for contributing to solutions




Life on other Planets


Book Description

Life on other Planets: Is there life, and in particular human life, out there in the universe? Esoteric teachings affirm that life does indeed exist throughout the cosmos - even within our own solar system, on planets other than the Earth. The author's metaphysics investigations, together with his knowledge of the cutting edge of contemporary thought, have uncovered fascinating details of the history of our planetary neighbours. Life on the Moon reached fairly advanced levels of physical expression, and evidence for this contention lies waiting to be discovered, at deep subterranean levels. A greater question mark exists over the possibility of complex life having been present on Mars. The discovery of the remnants of microbial life on an ancient Martian meteorite will do little to resolve this quandary. A few drops do not make a monsoon . . . but they may foreshadow one! This book is not science fiction. There is a body of teaching on our planet, very ancient and frequently tested, termed the Gupta-Vidya in India, the Sibyl in ancient Rome, the Kabbala, Esoteric Buddhism, the Ancient Wisdom of the Gnostics, the Secret Doctrine of Theosophy, etc., which comments on the way in which nature and the cosmos unfolded. Many descriptions of cosmogenesis flow as a common current through these teachings. Because they are so often masked in mysticism, in symbol and glyph, in mythology and legend, they are not easy to unravel. Dr. Baker in a brilliant way, aided by images, charts and tables, presents these complex principles of Life in an easy to understand, yet very detailed fashion. Many scientific and esoteric references are quoted and several appendices are included which will help the reader through some sections of this work for which there are no simple analogies, equivalents or colloquialisms available in the English language. This book will change the way you think about life and the universe. It will provide glimpses of the true destiny of humanity . . . immortality!