The E-learning Reader

Editors De Freitas (Serious Games Institute, University of Coventry, UK) and Jameson (University of Greenwich, UK) collect classic and contemporary essays and extracts on learning theory, in order to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the impact of today's digital technology in education. The collection seeks to rekindle the debates between constructivism versus instructionism and learner-led versus tutor-led learning. The section on experiential learning and play presents papers from Dewey and Piaget to later research through 2012. The section on developmental learning begins with work by A.S. Neill and J. Rousseau, then discusses students' technology experiences through 2010. Classic and modern researchers from B.F. Skinner through 2009 offer perspectives on instructional design, while papers from the '80s and '90s, and the 21st century offer perspectives of cognitive learning tools, including the use of contemporary social and participatory media. The final section of papers on social interaction begins with work by Paulo Freire and goes on to address the forms of social capital and possibilities for dialogic communication in a market-driven information age. The book will be of interest to educators, researchers, and policy makers. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Sara de Freitas is Professor of Virtual Environments and Director of Research at the Serious Games Institute, University of Coventry, UK.Jill Jameson is Director of Research and Enterprise and Reader in Education Research at the School of Education, University of Greenwich, UK.