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The Standard Deviants - Algebra Adventure (Learn Algebra Basics)
$19.98
This is the strangest educational video that I have ever seen. The creators use a character called Idaho Jones that is "modeled" on the screen adventurer Indiana Jones. It starts with a scene similar to the opening one of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Idaho is with a woman in a cave and has discovered a golden X. He replaces it with an algebra textbook, but it is too light, causing all the traps to be triggered. After he avoids the traps, a character modeled after the sadistic Nazi in the "Raiders" movie takes the X from him.
Throughout the remainder of the tape, there are occasional short segments of Idaho as he continues the search for the golden X. Since this is a low budget film, the acting, accents and special effects are all REALLY bad. I laughed in spite of myself. There are other characters used, including parodies of a Chinese guru, a real estate agent for Algebraic Properties Inc. and a stuffy scientist with the voice of a man with severe nasal congestion.
Underlying all of this amusing nonsense, there is some serious mathematics education going on. When they are concentrating on mathematics, the explanations are very good and the animation of the algebraic rearrangements makes them easy to follow. The first subject covered is a brief history of algebra and the concepts of relations and functions. While there are occasions when more complex functions are included, the concentration is on linear functions. They are graphed, described, rearranged and inverted, and all are visually displayed when explained. All of the properties of linear equations are covered, including their roots.
While I liked the way the mathematics was presented, the other stuff is so silly that I don't know how to evaluate it. There is no doubt that the tape can be used to teach high school and college students algebra. They will certainly get some laughs from it, I just do not know if the silliness will dominate the math. Humor is such a matter of personal taste that I wouldn't presume to say anything more than while I laughed, it was all of the groaner variety. One thing is certain; students will not consider the tape boring.

Published in Mathematics and Computer Education, reprinted with permission.

The Standard Deviants - Learn Algebra 2
$19.98
Not a stand alone Alegebra course but an excellent tool to reinforce what you've learned in class. Also, a perfect refresher for ACT's and SAT's.

Designing with Web Standards (3rd Edition)
$49.99
Overall good but I question the intended audience of this book. It seems to be directed at people who already know a lot about web design but then goes on to explain the basics. It glosses over a lot of the important issues and seems to ramble on and on about the trivial. The book doesn't really get started until part II. Part 1 could be 1/3 the current size if it didn't repeat itself every few paragraphs. I do like the philosophical/theory type of talk that Zeldman delves into but it just needs to be tightened up. Maybe in the 4th edition?

Anyway, part II is where the book really shines. He explains a lot directly and indirectly by which I mean he selects examples that give you specific code but that also give insight into comprehensive design decisions even when doesn't directly address them. Chapter 17 is a perfect example of this. It makes you really ponder your design decisions.

All criticism aside, I ordered the companion book "Developing with web standards" because I like Zeldman's third edition so much.

The Standard Deviants - Learn Biology
$19.98
Admittedly, this is not the most entertaining movie out there, but if you're watching a DVD called "Learn Biology", entertainment is not primarily what you're after, right?

I watched this movie as the base of my studying to pass a Biology placement test for my return to college. I was not looking for entertainment...I was looking for a video that would CRAM a semester's worth of general biology into my head in two weeks.

And that it did! I passed the placement test with apparently the highest score they've seen in a long time and am now heading to Anatomy & Physiology next semester. I was actually asked, "Are you already in the health or science fields? No? Then how did you get such a high score?" ***grin*** I didn't share my secret with them, but I am sharing it with you.

I watched the DVD, paused it constantly and took notes. Then I watched it again. And again. No, not the most exciting thing, but I achieved my goal of testing out of General Bio, and that was what I needed this DVD for.

I must admit that a better title for this DVD may be "Learn CELLULAR Biology" as that is all it focuses on. There is no discussion of the other aspects of Bio, like Evolution, Ecology, etc. But it does give a very thorough explanation of pretty much all facets of Cell Biology.

It's a great addition to anyone's efforts to learn biology, and I highly recommend it for its educational value!