August 24th, 2010
Edublogger Review
A "mash-up" of postings from nine engaging educational
and e-learning bloggers.
Define “In the Discipline”
Source: http://suburbdad.blogspot.com/2010/08/define-in-discipline.html
By Dean Dad on August 24th, 2010
Who’s qualified to teach college level math?
This isn’t limited to math, but I’ll start there because
it’s concrete. Similar issues arise in any number of other
disciplines.
According to some in the math department, you either
have a master’s (or higher) in mathematics, or you do not.
Engineering isn’t math; computer science isn’t math; physics
isn’t math; mathematics education isn’t math. The folks who
hold this view claim that they’re upholding standards, and
preventing a slow but presumably inevitable slide towards
perdition.
At the topmost tier of the discipline, I suppose there may be
something to the argument. But I have a hard time with the
claim that a physicist or electrical engineer lacks the subject
matter expertise to teach College Algebra. It just lacks basic
plausibility.
The issue is real because sometimes the classes in areas like
physics or engineering don’t fill, and we have tenured faculty
who need to “make load” (meaning, have a full schedule).
When people can fill in gaps in loads with classes from other
disciplines, it’s easier to hire and keep them. When they can’t,
the economic burden of their light loads has to be made up
elsewhere.
I’ve seen similar issues in other disciplines. Does a Ph.D.
in comparative literature qualify someone to teach English?
Does a Ph.D. in American Studies qualify someone to teach
history? (Put differently, if we insist on disciplinary purity,
we couldn’t run, say, women’s studies. The faculty for that
teach primarily in departments like English, psychology, and
history. The enrollments don’t justify a ‘pure’ full-time hire.)
Depending on the rules of the regional accrediting agency,
local culture, past practice, and the issues that individual
departments have, I’ve seen each of these questions answered
in different ways.
The argument from ‘purity,’ I think, is based on fear of a
slippery slope. But it fails to acknowledge the often-arbitrary
nature of disciplinary boundaries -- quick, is “modern political
thought” history, philosophy, or poli sci? -- and the very real
economic costs of specialization for staffing. If the physicists
Published by: philosophyandrew
can only teach physics and nothing else, then I have to hire
no more than enough to cover the lowest likely enrollments
for the next few decades. If they can fill in gaps by teaching
math, then I can hire a little more aggressively and not worry
as much.
On the other side, I have to acknowledge that the fear of the
slippery slope isn’t entirely unfounded. I remember having
some teachers in high school who simply lacked subject matter
competence in what they taught. It led to some embarrassing
moments in the classroom. Gym teachers teaching Health
were always crapshoots, but it wasn’t limited to that; I clearly
recall my high school American History teacher trying to claim
that the Missouri Compromise was when Missouri was divided
in half. Um, no. Depending on how far ‘out of position’ an
instructor is teaching, the odds of content-matter screwups
can increase.
Wise and worldly readers, how does your campus draw
disciplinary boundaries? Can a physicist teach math? A comp
lit scholar teach English? Should they be able to? In the
absence of a really bright line from the regional accreditor, I’m
looking for a position I could defend that would respect subject
matter competence without reifying disciplinary boundaries
and/or locking unsustainable costs into place for decades to
come.
PKM Workshop – Toronto 13
November 2010
Source: http://www.jarche.com/2010/08/pkm-workshop-toronto-13-
november-2010/
By Harold Jarche on August 24th, 2010
Tweet
I’m offering a one-day course at the iSchool Institute
(University of Toronto).
“In the period ahead of us, more important than
advances in computer design will be the advances
we can make in our understanding of human
information processing – of thinking, problem
solving, and decision making…”
Herbert Simon, Economics Nobel-prize winner
(1968)
PKM is an individual, disciplined process by which we make
sense of information, observations and ideas. In the past it
may have been keeping a journal, writing letters or having
conversations. These are still valid, but with digital media we
can add context by categorizing, commenting or even remixing
it. We can also store digital media for easy retrieval.
The Web has given us more ways to connect with others in our
learning but many people only see the information overload
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August 24th, 2010
aspect of our digital society. Engaging others can actually
make it easier to learn and not become overwhelmed. Effective
networked learning is the difference between surfing the waves
or being drowned by them.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
* Understand the concepts and models underlying PKM
* Select Web tools for critical thinking
* Determine PKM methods and processes that will work in
their own context
* Begin to use some of the web tools that support PKM
PKM includes:
Personal Directed Learning – how individuals can use social
media for their own (self-directed) personal or professional
learning; and
Accidental & Serendipitous Learning – how individuals, by
using social media, can learn without consciously realising it
(aka incidental or random learning).
Prerequisite:
A current e-mail account
Basic understanding of how the Web works
Target Audience:
Knowledge workers, or anyone who wants to improve their
learning skills using Web tools
PLC3033-10F1
Sat. 13 Nov 2010
1 day (6 hours) – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Instructor: Harold Jarche
Fee: $250.00 ($250.00 U.S.)
Register
Latest NY Times Debate
Questions If Students Have
Too Much Free Time
Source: http://keptup.typepad.com/academic/2010/08/latest-ny-times-
debate-questions-if-students-have-too-much-free-time.html
By StevenB on August 24th, 2010
Classes begin this week at many college campuses around the
country. A recent report by two economists at the University
of California found that over the past four decades the time
college students spend in class and studying has decreased
substantially, from 40 hours a week in 1961 to 27 hours a
week in 2003. What are students doing with their time? Are
hours that might be spent in library carrels being diverted to
educational extracurricular activities? Or are students simply
enjoying more leisure because colleges demand less of them?
Read more at:
Published by: philosophyandrew
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/08/22/why-
are-college-students-studying-less
Project Oasis
Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211979
By ckeller on August 24th, 2010
The Project Oasis program was created to provide students
with places to interact, study, and gather between classes
and during extended breaks. Since 2003, the program has
transformed more than 20 underutilized areas on campus into
comfortable and supportive learning environments. These
informal learning spaces were designed and renovated with an
emphasis on improving lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics.
In addition to providing new, contemporary furniture and
finishes, each Oasis is adorned with artwork created by UIC
Art and Design students and alumni.
Learning, Innovatiuon and ICT
Source: http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=53165
August 24th, 2010
A 'lessons learned' report from that is at once enthusiastic
about new technologies and still conservative regarding their
role in the classroom. Recommendations include "A need for
envisioning future learning that is more efficient, equitable,
innovative and meaningful than it ever was in the past"
and "Adapt teacher education and training as to embrace
more open and flexible learning environments." Preface: "This
Report presents the outcomes of the ICT cluster that the
(European) Commission has set up under the Education and
Training 2010 programme as part of the Lisbon objectives set
for 2010."
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UC President Yudof Racks Up
Housing Bills While Seeking
Permanent Home
Source: http://keptup.typepad.com/academic/2010/08/uc-president-
yudof-racks-up-housing-bills-while-seeking-permanent-home.html
By StevenB on August 24th, 2010
The effort to resolve Mr. Yudof’s housing problems has taken
place while the U.C. struggles with one of the worst financial
crises in its history, including layoffs, student protests and
tuition increases. He chose not to live at university-owned
Blake House, the traditional presidential mansion, which
the university estimates requires $10 million of renovations
and repairs.Instead, Mr. Yudof, 65, moved with his wife
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August 24th, 2010
into a 10,000-square-foot, four-story house with 16 rooms,
8 bathrooms and panoramic views. He said he needed the
house, which rented for $13,365 a month. After the
Yudofs vacated the property at the end of June, Brennan
Mulligan, the landlord, informed university officials that he
intended to keep the U.C.’s $32,100 security deposit. Mr.
Mulligan requested an additional $45,000 to cover the repairs.
Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/
education/22bcyudof.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
University of Michigan
Published by: philosophyandrew
By StevenB on August 24th, 2010
Students wandering Christopher Newport University 's
campus next year looking for the bookstore won't find one. The
annual college tradition of buying and selling textbooks will
have to take place online for CNU students. The university
announced Thursday that it's shutting down its bookstore in
the David Student Union and launching a textbook website
instead. The change happens Jan. 1, 2011. The decision to
close the store is based on student buying patterns and the
proliferation of online competition. Read more at:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-nws-
cnu-bookstore-20100819,0,745171.story

Community Learning Centers

Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211976 Tips for Safe and Secure
By ckeller on August 24th, 2010 Social Networking
This university of Michigan web site provides a list Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211966
of "community commons" in each residence hall. These By ckeller on August 24th, 2010
comfortable spaces are reserved primarily for student study
and are conducive to both individual study and group work. Resources Title: Tips
Resource for
Center Safe
Better Way To Bring EDUCAUSE
and
Textbooks To The iPad Publications
Secure
Social
Source: http://keptup.typepad.com/academic/2010/08/better-way-to-
Networking
bring-textbooks-to-the-ipad.html
(ID:
By StevenB on August 24th, 2010
CSD5940)
Although electronic book sales have exploded, digital college
textbooks have been slow to get off the ground.Matt Topics:
Mac Innis, is trying to shake up the market with a
Origin:
new approach that taps into the iPad's strengthsHis
tech start-up, Inkling, is introducing its first four full- Type:
length interactive college textbooks using its software
platform, which is designed specifically for Apple's Abstract: This
iPad. Chapters will be $3.99 and books will start at Higher
$84.99. Read more at: http://online.wsj.com/article/ Education
SB10001424052748703791804575439522126865254.html? Information
mod=rss_whats_news_us Security
Council
resource
Meet Enterprise Conference includes
US-
Program Chair Mark Askren CERT
Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211967 recommendations
By drupal on August 24th, 2010 and
Meet Mark Askren, CIO at the University of Nebraska- suggested
Lincoln and chair of the 2011 Enterprise Conference Program steps
Committee, in the CIO Lounge. Mark wants to share plans to
for the May Enterprise Conference in Chicago and hear your use
thoughts on what would make it most valuable for CIOs and social
enterprise IT leaders. networking
in a
safe
Beginning Of The End For and
College Bookstores secure
environment.
Source: http://keptup.typepad.com/academic/2010/08/beginning-of-the-
end-for-college-bookstores.html

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August 24th, 2010 Published by: philosophyandrew

View
this
[Off 100 Green IT Tips
site] Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211953
resource: By ckeller on August 24th, 2010

• Login Resources Title: 100

or Resource Green
register Center IT
to post Tips
comments EDUCAUSE
(ID:
Publications
• 5 reads CSD5939)

Bookmark/ Topics:
Search this Origin:
page with:
Type:

Abstract: Computers
off.org
has
Unless otherwise noted, put
EDUCAUSE holds the together
copyright on all materials their
published by the association, 2010
whether in print or electronic 100
form. In certain cases the Green
work remains the intellectual IT
property of the individual tips.
author(s) (see Special
Circumstances). Content View [Off
from conference speeches, this site]
presentations, blogs, wikis resource:
and feeds reflect the
opinions of the author, and • Login
not necessarily those of or
EDUCAUSE or its members. register
to post
comments
Online Matching Brings • 9 reads
Compatible Dormmates Bookmark/
Together Search this
Source: http://keptup.typepad.com/academic/2010/08/online-matching- page with:
brings-compatible-dormmates-together.html
By StevenB on August 24th, 2010

While many colleges still insist on pairing roommates

themselves, either randomly or carefully, a growing number
are turning the choice over to students. Some universities have Unless otherwise noted,
contracted with matchmaking companies like Lifetopia and EDUCAUSE holds the
RoomBug, which offer secure Web-based services. Housing copyright on all materials
officials say that “roommate self-selection,” as the process is published by the association,
known, empowers students while cutting down on irksome whether in print or electronic
appeals to switch later on. But some worry that it robs young form. In certain cases the
adults of an increasingly rare opportunity for growth: exposure work remains the intellectual
to someone with different experiences and opinions. Read property of the individual
more at: author(s) (see Special
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/ Circumstances). Content
nyregion/22roommates.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss from conference speeches,
presentations, blogs, wikis
and feeds reflect the

4
August 24th, 2010 Published by: philosophyandrew
opinions of the author, and Bookmark/
not necessarily those of Search this
EDUCAUSE or its members. page with:

Be Prepared
Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211934
By ckeller on August 24th, 2010 Unless otherwise noted,
The first rule of incident management is to accept that you EDUCAUSE holds the
will have an incident. Use these five best practices to get your copyright on all materials
institution ready. published by the association,
whether in print or electronic
form. In certain cases the
Protecting Portables work remains the intellectual
Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211929 property of the individual
By ckeller on August 24th, 2010 author(s) (see Special
Circumstances). Content
Resources Title: Protecting from conference speeches,
Resource Portables presentations, blogs, wikis
Center (ID: and feeds reflect the
CSD5937) opinions of the author, and
EDUCAUSE not necessarily those of
Publications Topics: EDUCAUSE or its members.
Source:

Origin: Greening IT: How Greener IT

Type: Can Form a Solid Base For a
Abstract: As Low-Carbon Society
mobile Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211927
devices By ckeller on August 24th, 2010
proliferate The Greening of IT is a symptom of a much larger challenge
on for humankind - transitioning from economic childhood into
campus, maturity. Despite the emergence of large regional alliances
IT such as the EC, humankind remains incredibly fragmented;
staff and yet the need for global climate and energy policies
build is pressing. IT offers tantalizing technical solutions to our
lines emissions and growth dilemma: it can grow greener and help
of with the greening of other industries. This book explores this
defense potential.
to
secure
hardware Blogging in Education Today
and
information. (Part 4 – Administrator’s
View [Off
Blogs)
this Source: http://www.educause.edu/node/211909
site]
resource: By kwalsh1 on August 24th, 2010

This next phase in our series examining

• Login
or
how blogs are being used in education
register today looks at how school administrators
to post are using them.
comments
• 10 For the last few weeks we’ve been looking at current examples
reads of blogging in an educational setting. We’ve looked at teachers
blogging individually and in the classroom context, then
we looked at student blogs. This week we’ll look at some

5
August 24th, 2010 Published by: philosophyandrew
examples of how school administrators are utilizing blogs to
communicate with their consistituents.
School Presidents and Principals and other administrators
have been blogging for years, and the practice continues
to grow. Following are four examples of these types of blogs.
Sweet Briar College’s President’s Blog - Sweet Briar College
is located in the state of Virgina in the United States. On her
blog, President Jo Ellen Parker shares college happenings and
thoughts on such varied topics as: insights into the incoming
class of 2014, mixed emotions about college rankings like
Forbe’s and Princeton Review, and fond wishes for a retiring
college employee.