Our Digital World: Introduction to Computing

Today’s post secondary students tend to be highly connected. They engage with a variety of technologies in a typical day, including text messaging, e-mail, and social networking. Our Digital World: Introduction to Computing combines online activities and textbook resources to create an innovative hybrid learning product that appeals to contemporary students who want to do rather than only read. Its engaging writing style captures the excitement of cutting-edge technology developments and inspires students to explore topics and related ethical and security issues through videos, online research, and hands-on activities. For instructors, this approach offers flexibility in adapting course material to student needs and to course venues, from traditional lecture to online instruction, or a combination.

Connect with students through this exciting new product!

• Offers a student-centered, hands-on approach to learning essential computing concepts.
• Integrates collaborative activities, blogging, wikis, and podcasts throughout the chapters.
• Provides extensive instructor support, including PowerPoint presentations with audio and a robust learning management system for scheduling assignments and tracking student participation in online course structures.
• Core content activities, including videos and Flash movies, are available on DVD for students with limited Internet access.

"You know you have something pretty good when a student wants to keep using it after the class is over! I think we have a winner!"

-Scott Blanchard, Rockford Career College

Contents:
1. Digital Technologies: Exploring a Wealth of Possibilities.
2. The Internet: Gateway to a World of Resources.
3. Computer Hardware and Peripherals: Your Digital Toolbox.
4. System Software: The Control Center of Your Computer.
5. Applications Software: The Key to Digital Productivity.
6. Communication and Network Technologies: Connecting Through Computers.
7. The Social Web: Opportunities for Learning, Working, and Communicating.
8. Digital Defense: Securing Your Data and Privacy. Glossary.
Index.

John Gordon is an editor at Minnesota Public Radio, where he is responsible for social media and mobile content strategy and execution. He’s a recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business.

Karen Lankisch is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati-Clermont College. She teaches a variety of courses in the Business Information Technology Program. She has a PhD in Education with a concentration in technology and adult learning.

Nancy Muir is the Director of Content Development for Look Both Ways, a provider of online safety education and consulting services. Nancy has written a number of technology and business books and is the author of a regular column on Computers and the Internet at www.Retirement.com. Denise Seguin has served on the faculty of Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, since 1986, where she has taught Introduction to Computers courses and a variety of software applications to learners in postsecondary Information Technology diploma programs and Continuing Education courses. Denise has co-authored a number of Computer textbooks for Paradigm Publishing.

Anita Verno is an Associate Professor of Information Technology at Bergen Community College and IT Department Chair. Her 33 years of professional experience cover software design and development, teaching in IT/CS, and development of curricula/degrees for high schools and colleges.