Hi! I'm Bonni Stachowiak. Host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
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Field Journal 003: Notes from the Week in Learning and Teaching
Published about 20 hours agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
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Hello Reader,
This week, it's all about joy. A new book, all about joyfully teaching online, from a joy-filled person, Flower Darby. I share some joy from a re-discovered app. As usual, I do some wondering and then get horrified by something our son shared with me that felt way too literally and figuratively close to home. π³
Listened
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Episode 620
The Joyful Online Teacher with Flower Darby
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:
Iβm a former jazz dance teacher and choreographer, and the performative aspects of teaching in person energize me, renew my professional soul, and bring a spring to my step like nothing else does.
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:
Flower Darby explodes the myth that asynchronous online teaching canβt be rewarding or inspirational. This book recognizes the various ways asynchronous online teaching is demeaned in the public eye and centers the experiences of joyful online teachers. Cheers to finding your fizz!
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. Itβs 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:
What's important to consider, as endings inevitably come?
This section is an opportunity for us to interact; an invitation to notice and wonder together. Each time I write, I'll share something I'm wondering about and then ask you to reply. Last week, I wondered about endings and here's what a few of you had to share:
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.
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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.
Noted
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This week: A Map-Based Website
DeFlock: Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in our communities
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:
Our mission is simple: to shine a light on the widespread use of ALPR technology, raise awareness about the threats it poses to personal privacy and civil liberties, and empower the public to take action. ALPRs are increasingly being deployed by law enforcement and private companies without the public's full understanding or consent, and they collect vast amounts of data on our movements, often without any real oversight.
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:
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