I was asked if I would cover the first book in the planned SAGE MobileStudy series - Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics, 4th edition. It's officially being released next month in both print and ebook formats. However, I found that MobileStudy and other innovations of the series were far less interesting and important than the author - so the just-released NewsBreak on the book instead focused on the author's approach not only to learning but also his relationship to his readers. In this age of social media, Andy Field, the author, has much to teach other academics.
From his experience and perspective, it was clear that textbooks as we have come to know them, are probably going to change massively - in many ways. Here at the University of Minnesota we are doing far more eReserves an linking from course Moodle pages to course materials. We are buying more ebooks as well - although the interfaces for many are still a major issue. Open Access is another key change-maker.
However, another key element is the author - his experience, expertise, approach to his subject and relationship to his audience. This is something that Andy Field excels at. He has his own Facebook Andy Field facebook-149856.htmlaccount, TwitterAndy field twitter-149859.html account, webpage - called Statistics Hell - and his own View imageAmazon page that links not only to his books but to his favorite heavy metal rock albums.
Not your average academic! But a truly successful academic at that! And one from which the rest of us can learn a great deal. For the article, I found ten major aspects of his example that I think are key for any academic writer today:
1. Texts are no longer limited to the printed (or e-printed) page.
2. Add value where it counts: Creating community
3. Using technology where it counts (mobility for students, teaching aids for faculty)
4. An author that is present, & approachable
5. Connections to the real world in terms of examples and and applications
6. Branding is key to the new altmetrics
7. Focus on the audience as much as the content
8. Embrace creativity and change
9. Accept criticism, as well as plaudits, as part of the game.
10. 'It isn't over 'til it's over' Always look for improvements and enhancements.
Take a minute to look at the article and then check out Field's credentials (which are impressive) as well as his use of social media. Engagement is one of the big themes of academe today - and Andy Field is way ahead of the rest of us on that one! Change is coming and Field gives us an excellent example of how to weather the change and come out a winner!
Enjoy!
Nancy -
ReplyDeleteThis is a good report and a very interesting example of all of the changes in academe. Thank you for that. However, most existing faculty have been trained and rewarded in very different methods - this may all be more evolutionary than coming too fast. Faculty aren't given the incentive or the time/support to develop these skills. With more and more pressure to get research, funding and do teaching, there is precious little time to explore these other options and possibilities.
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