Have You Been Reading More?

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Have You Been Reading More?
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In May 2011, I wrote a blog post that discussed the importance of reading. In it I quoted the U.S. Labor Department, ”According to the U.S. Labor Department, business people who read at least seven business books per year earn over 230 percent more than people who read just one book per year.“ Well, I have certainly done my share of reading in the past year. I have tried to support my reading habit with book reviews in this blog.

Over the past year, I have written 12 book reviews spanning four major topics: Evernote, game design and gamification, leadership, and learning in a digital age.

Evernote

Evernote is one of those power tools that I am relying more and more upon. These couple of books have helped me develop a strategy for using Evernote.

Evernote: The unofficial guide to capturing everything and getting things done. 2nd Edition

Daniel Gold, the author of Evernote: The unofficial guide to capturing everything and getting things done. 2nd Edition*, has managed to write a book that ties Evernote and Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity* together.
Evernote for Lawyers: A Guide to Getting Organized & Increasing Productivity

Evernote is simple to use; there are countless ways to import information into Evernote but mastering its capabilities is keeping me occupied. Fortunately, I ran across a great book to help me tame this powerful tool. David Ward of The Attorney Marketing Center has written a book called Evernote for Lawyers: A Guide to Getting Organized & Increasing Productivity*.

Gamification and Gaming

These couple of books have helped peel another layer of the onion back in terms of understanding gamification and game design.

Theory of Fun for Game Design

Theory of Fun for Game Design*
 is a deceptively educational book on the topic of fun and game design. Less on game design and more on fun.
The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education

Karl Kapp has just released his book, The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education*. Kapp explains the concept of gamification and why people play games, the research behind gamification, key gaming elements, how to apply game mechanics to problems and domains, and examples of games used in the real world.

Leadership

These two books have provided me with more insight into running an organization and getting things done while working with others.

Turn the Ship Around!: How to Create Leadership at Every Level*

Marquet became the commander of one of the worst submarines in the Navy. By using some rather unorthodox methods of leadership, at least by Navy standards, he was able to lead his men from worst to first in two years.
Six Thinking Hats*

The book focuses on a different method for conducting meetings.

Learning in a Digital Age

Finally, these books discuss the importance of learning and the use of technology to learn. The majority of them point to the future where learning is a mobile device away.

10 Ways to Be a Better Learner*

For a short quick read, this book provided a lot of great tips for being a better learner.
Mobile First*

Very simply, Wroblewski points out that mobile devices are being purchased at a staggering rate, outpacing computers and laptops, and users are increasingly using mobile devices to access the internet anytime and anywhere.
 The Mobile Academy: mLearning for Higher Education

If you are interested in background information on the next major wave to hit higher education, you may want to read The Mobile Academy: mLearning for Higher Education* by Clark Quinn. Quinn does a solid job of walking a reader through all the key points necessary to adequately address issues revolving around mobile learning (mlearning) in a academic environment.
Social Media for Trainers: Techniques for Enhancing and Extending Learning

Many trainers and educators are now examining or using social media tools to support their work in the classroom. When starting to learn about new tools, there is often a steep learning curve; you must not only learn how to use the features of the tool, but you must also figure out how to use it in an educational setting. Jane Bozarth’s book, Social Media for Trainers: Techniques for Enhancing and Extending Learning*, will help you get a jump start on the second problem… how to use the tools in an educational setting.
The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age*

This book really spoke to me because it reinforces my thoughts on learning and professional development. The authors were quick to point out that we have entered an age where we can learn virtually anything, anywhere, and anytime. They also actively supported the ideas presented by Dewey and Lindeman — learning is a social activity.
Google+ for Business: How Google’s Social Network Changes Everything*
The title is a little deceptive because I believe this book would be enlightening for everyone interested in how to get the most out of Google+.

What have you been reading? What recommendations do you have for me?

  • In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means that if you purchase this item through my link I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
    Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!
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3 thoughts on “Have You Been Reading More?”

  1. Sharon Cowen

    HI Stan – I had “The Connected Educator” as a text book for a class. I agree with your comments. I found it to be a helpful resource. I just finished “The Dragonfly Effect: Quick, Effective, and Powerful Ways to Use Social Media to Drive Social Change” by Jennifer Aaker and Andy Smith. Good read.
    Sharon Cowen

    1. Stan Skrabut

      Thanks for the note. I have not read “The Dragonfly Effect” yet; however, it is on my to read shelf. Right now, I am reading “How to Read a Book” but Adler and Van Doren. I wished I had read it about three degrees ago.

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