A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology: Working together to observe, question, design, prototype, and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings - 2nd Edition

Reviewed by Brandon Bell, Adjunct Professor, Tidewater Community College on 1/15/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text provides comprehensive explanations and relevant real-world examples, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of how various components of technology interact and operate cohesively. Additionally, the resource features an extensive index and a glossary, which serve to facilitate easy navigation and foster a clearer understanding of key concepts and terminology.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The textbook offers a comprehensive collection of current and pertinent content that is essential for the reader. Each section has been developed to ensure an impartial viewpoint, enabling learners to interact with the material freely and without the impact of biased perspectives. This commitment to neutrality is particularly noticeable in the chapters that explore the complexities of social systems as they relate to various constructs, including economics, politics, and critical issues surrounding race, class, and gender.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The materials included are current and reflect the latest information accessible in the field. Considerable effort has been invested in maintaining the long-term significance of the content, ensuring that it remains applicable and useful for learners. The text materials are carefully aligned with the overarching learning outcome objectives for the text.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is crafted in a manner that is both clear and accessible, ensuring that it can be easily understood by a diverse audience. The authors incorporate detailed explanations and relatable examples, the text effectively bridges the gap between technical language and everyday understanding, making it suitable for individuals with varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter.

Consistency rating: 4

The textbook demonstrates a high level of internal consistency regarding its terminology and the overall framework it employs. Its structured approach allows the reader to connect ideas seamlessly and enhances their learning experience by minimizing confusion related to varying terminologies or frameworks.

Modularity rating: 4

The textbook is crafted for flexibility, enabling educators to break it down into smaller, more manageable reading segments. Furthermore, the online version enriches the learning experience by including digital videos that act as supplementary materials. This blend of organized reading tasks and multimedia resources promotes a more engaging and interactive educational atmosphere.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The textbook is structured in a well-organized and coherent way, ensuring that each topic flows logically into the next. The arrangement of the text allows readers to easily navigate through the material, facilitating a better understanding of complex concepts.

Interface rating: 4

The material is offered in both physical and digital formats, making it accessible to all users. It is free from significant interface problems, providing a smooth navigation experience that enables readers to easily locate the information they seek without facing any barriers. All visual components are clear and effectively enhance the content.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text does not appear to have any obvious grammatical mistakes.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The content is designed to be respectful and considerate, ensuring that it does not contain any culturally insensitive or offensive elements. It incorporates examples that reflect a diverse range of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding among all individuals.

The text is well-structured and maintains clarity throughout its content. It effectively employs a diverse range of resources as supplemental materials, enhancing the overall understanding of the subject matter.