Field Journal 006: Notes from the Week in Learning and Teaching

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Field Journal: Notes from the week in Learning and Teaching

This week was filled with curiosity and wonder for me. Between getting to attend Harvey Mudd College's (Re)Imagining Liberal Arts and STEM Education in the Age of Generative AI conference, participating in an Art Makers Club session with Lisa Bardot, and listening back to episode 623 with Rebecca Fordon, my mind is swimming with ideas...

Whatever state the Field Journal finds you in this week, may it bring some nourishment. You can access past issues and encourage colleagues to subscribe. What's something you've created recently that gave you joy? Bonus points if you send a photo.

Listened

Episode 623

Can't Stop, Won't Stop: Teaching with AI Tools

On the latest episode of Teaching in Higher Ed, Rebecca Fordon shared her experimentation with vibe coding to teach law students in her librarian role:

I think of being able to describe vibe coding as the kind of application or website that you want in just words, a narrative, rather than having to code it, or otherwise knowing coding language.

Don't miss checking out Rebecca's Can't Stop, Won't Stop: One Semester, Eight Vibe-Coded Teaching Tools post and let us know if it sparks any ideas.

Listen now →

Read

Woman smiles as she holds a sober AF coffee mug

Brené Brown

A celebration of sobriety

Gratitude for each decade

Systems thinking helps us consider the ways that our actions impact others. This reflection from Brené Brown reminded me of how important it has been for so many to hear her stories about sobriety. Brené writes:

My sobriety will always be the most important thing I do, because it allows me to fully love—and be loved by—the people who matter most in my life.

Tried

A New High Protein Breakfast

Convenience wins the day

After receiving a diagnosis in July of 2025, I was compelled to change my habits. Things are much better now, including that I get to find all sorts of new foods that support my health and nourish my body. I especially love anything that accommodates my need for convenience, including my new find:

Frozen Kodiak Protein-Packed Waffles

Wondered

What Rest Looks like

Noticing and walking

Last week, I wondered about what rest looks like, in different times of our lives. Right now, it looks a lot like noticing what's right in front of me and saying yes to our kids' invitations to walk, even when I really don't feel like it.

Bonni

Our son (14) is teaching us how to take photos from unusual angles. Here's a gorgeous view from the trunk of an orange tree in a grove near our home. The trick is to get your phone's camera as close to the tree trunk as possible (which in this case, meant turning the phone upside down). Then, adjust the angle, to get the effect you're looking for...

View of the branches, leaves, and fruit of an orange tree

Both kids also enjoy trying to spot a lone coyote, when we walk in the evenings. They didn't see one this time, but did enjoy the opportunity to go off the sidewalk for a bit, and then run back to rejoin me.

two kids run in the grass toward the camera/their mom

This week, I'm wondering:

What's something you've created recently that gave you joy?

Hit reply to share. I may include one or two responses next week. I'll use your first name, or if you prefer your response be anonymous, let me know in your reply.

Noted

A Quote

About our inner teacher

I'm going through a program offered by the Center for Courage & Renewal. At our first session, the facilitators shared these words from Howard Thurman:

There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.

More about Howard Thurman (photo: Addison N. Scurlock)

THIS WEEK ON TEACHING IN HIGHER ED

Denise Maduli-Williams shares how to engage learners in online courses.