Recent events have taught me a lot. In simple terms, any rocking of the boat will mostly end in tears. Here’s why: 1. Achieving forward movement or exciting new and effective ways of doing things by circumnavigating official channels will in the short-term get you recognition, as well as actual results. But just round the corner, punishment and ridicule await… Read more →
For a long time I’ve had the message that because we are the kind of institution that we are – beleaguered, slandered, vilified, out of control – these are the very things that we should be selling. Shouting from the roof tops. Eh? Er, sorry, run that by me again, will you? I mean Shabby Chic. Gritty. Authentic. At long… Read more →
The next moves in higher education could be critical to its future, but I see so much moribund thinking. I’m especially bothered by how our ‘subject area’ is taught – web applications, new media, social – or rather, not taught. But, the bigger picture is also really concerning, even to late-comers like me. Some colleagues are busy with their online… Read more →
For some time I have tried to alert a variety of folks about the oncoming deluge of new careers in digital, some of which aren’t that new at all nowadays. I recall adding a comment to a Times Higher discussion on careers and valid degree pathways, mentioning a few new job roles that might not be familiar to others partaking… Read more →
After some time trying very hard to do exciting things, take the initiative, act on vision and engage in general fun ideas, I have decided that for the most part, it is largely wasted time and effort. Sad. Even though some may wish that I did more, got more people involved (who want to be, damnit!), spread exciting vibes –… Read more →
I’m in the process of thinking up a bunch of culture changing ideas for our institution. Internal brand building, community cohesion, love-in, whatever you call it, it’s about bonding and support, shared value and self worth. I thought a lot about terms used for communities: family, brotherhood/sisterhood, network, hub, organisation, body, human body analogy, crowd, gathering, school, team, group… a… Read more →
Over time, it becomes very clear that most people do not want change. It smells funny, is disconcerting and most of all, threatens the status quo. If my life is already ‘ok’, they think, why would I want to shake it up? The known factor of an average life is far more preferable than the unknown factor. And the ‘average’… Read more →