On the latest episode of Teaching in Higher Ed, I enjoyed the way Flower admitted to online teaching not always being her preference, but also that it is necessary for truly equitable education. Flower shared about her experience in on-campus classes:

We conclude with the recommendations segment, with me passing on a classic Muppet clip from my friend Jim Darlack (Thor: God of Thunder Gets a Library Card) and Flower helping us get our groove on with a danceable song (Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz & De La Soul).

I read this book well before writing this week's Field Journal. But just wanted to make sure you didn't miss getting to read it, as well. As Michelle Pacansky-Brock explains so perfectly about The Joyful Online Teacher:

​The Joyful Online Teacher: Finding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes​

This app appears when you select text, giving you instant access to useful actions. PopClip is a Mac utility that adds a floating action menu whenever you select text, making common actions like copy, paste, search, and share faster. It’s especially useful if you work with text a lot and want quick, mouse-driven shortcuts. Windows users might like SnipDo for a similar utility. Want to learn more about my experimentation? See my blog post:

​Trying Out PopClip​

MARY

I foster dogs, most from not great beginnings, so endings are somewhat common in my life. What I've learned to do to ease the sadness of saying goodbye is to spend some time with each precious critter on their last night and thank them for the joy they've brought me through their trust, their love, and their remarkable ability to grow and adapt.

It's never easy to say good-bye, but I'm so grateful to each of them for being a part of my story as they begin the next chapter in theirs.

P.S. There's one dog I didn't say good-bye to because when a Chihuahua has claimed you, you don't ask questions. That's her, Fiona, on the left with current foster Mimi on the right.

SUSAN

I have had a number of colleagues retire recently, and although I'm getting close to that age, I'm not planning on retiring any time soon. But it has certainly made me think about my ending career-wise, and the one thing I keep coming back to is that I want to retire before people start saying, "Is she STILL here?!" I hope I'll know when it's time, but in case I don't, I have tasked some younger colleagues with telling me before I become that person.

KATHY

Endings can also be beginnings.

Although I retired about a year ago, and my days take on a different shape now, I am still busy. One activity (full time work) ended, but I have tried to use that opening to begin many other activities. My exercise time is now what I "schedule," and I still set goals for myself regarding some part-time work projects, some long awaited books to read, and some additional hobbies such as baking and knitting. I am also working to maintain relationships with some of my former colleagues, and even though that looks different as well, it is possible to keep in touch with those people who add value to my life.

I won't use the "one door closes and another opens" cliche, but my advice is similar--seek out the openings and opportunities that can start after an ending.

This week, I'm wondering about curiosity. Let's be clear. Not a day goes by that I'm not curious about curiosity, but this week I hope to hear from you regarding it.

What's something you've been getting curious about, lately?

The more random, the better. Feel free to include a picture, like Mary did, above. Hit reply to share your thoughts. I may share one or two next week, with your first name, or anonymous if you would rather. Just say so in your reply.

Our son sent me a link to the DeFlock website the other day, along with an image from an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) in our neighborhood. From the DeFlock about us page:

Reminded me of past conversations with Autumm Caines. I saw that she and Sarah Silverman authored an article quite relevant for the Teaching in Higher Ed Community:

​Back Doors, Trap Doors, and Fourth-Party Deals: How You End up with Harmful Academic Surveillance Technology on Your Campus without Even Knowing​