Below is a break-down on the books based from standards in graphics design, instructional design, and curriculum writing, as well as comments for classroom teachers, instructors and end-users.
graphics design: It looks like the book was put together using Microsoft Word with a glossy, card stock cover slapped over the pages. Overall look...very unprofessional. Here's why:
instructional design: There is a lack of structure/organization to these books, however, that is understandable since they are not true instructional guides. It is merely a collection of information on why you do something and a suggestion on how you might go about making something work.
curriculum/content: You might find some useful information in these books, but you will have to search as the visual layout does not give you much help in finding information efficiently or effectively. In addition, with the lack of instructional structure, you will find yourself time and again browsing though long question headings to see if you might find one that will provide you with a solution.
classroom teacher/instructor: As these books do not give any instructional guidance, and you can just as easily use an online forum to troubleshoot issues you might have, these books would not benefit a classroom teacher or instructor.
end-user/learner: As an individual wanting to learn more about these topics, I was extremely disappointed in what they offered. Again, the titles were misleading and I felt "duped" once I opened these books to gain new knowledge. If I was someone who had significant knowledge in these areas, considered myself an expert, and just had a few troubleshooting questions I needed answered, these books might not be so bad to have around. However, it is much easier, more convenient, and more cost effective to just search topics I need help with, or post questions I have to a community blog and get assistance from the people in that community.
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