New Media, Old Medium

I love my laptop. I do. But I have one hard and fast rule about laptop usage. I don’t take my computer to bed with me. There is just something about slipping under the covers with a good book that helps me unwind after staring at a screen all day.

That isn’t to say that I leave my interest in new technology behind when I shut down for the night. In fact, some of my favorite books read over the last couple years have been ruminations on the way new media is changing communication. Here are a couple of my favorite books addressing new technology:

Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies

Written by researchers at Forrester, Groundswell examines the power of social networks to get people the information they need. This book uses engaging case studies to show that the real value of social media is that it facilitates relationships.

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More

Have an obscure hobby? Are you trying to track down the perfect holiday present for the classic movie buff in your life? Isn’t it great that you can track down just about anything on the Web? Chris Anderson’s book discusses why selling small quantities of specialty items on the Web can be big business.

The Wisdom of Crowds: Why the Many Are Smarter Than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business, Economies, Societies and Nations

Although it was published more than five years ago, The Wisdom of Crowds by 2008 NECC keynoter James Surowiecki still presents one of the most compelling arguments for open access and smartmobs.

I’m going on vacation soon and looking for a new book to read on the plane. What’s your favorite treatise on new technology?

Also, as you may have heard, ISTE Books is offering 20% at the ISTE Bookstore (on top of the ISTE member discount) until Jan. 4, so now is the time to stock up on any ISTE offerings you may have your eye on. Make updating your classroom technology expertise one of your New Years resolutions.

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