Category Archives: Higher Education

What’s the Difference between a College and A University? (Part 2)

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Katrin Becker

Some time ago I did a bit on the differences (or some of them) between colleges and universities. I also did a comparison between them and high school. Somehow it disappeared, so here it is again. What are some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Becoming a University, Higher Education, Teaching & Learning | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Are students LESS tech savvy than they were 5 years ago?

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Katrin Becker

I am teaching a first year communications course for engineers. Most of the students seem to be making some real progress. As always, a few need very little guidance from me and others won’t listen to what I say no … Continue reading →

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Fail: How NOT to do user experience design (II)

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Katrin Becker

Perhaps I should be more forgiving of people who really don’t know how to use “technology” yet. I try very hard to do that – when it is someone like my mother who’s never really had any need or use … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Doing it Right on the Web, Fail, Higher Education | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Students fail at writing.

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Katrin Becker

Students failing because of Twitter, texting – Canada – Canoe.ca “Thirty per cent of students who are admitted are not able to pass at a minimum level,” says Ann Barrett, managing director of the English language proficiency exam at Waterloo … Continue reading →

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Fun with Google Docs (Part 1)

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Katrin Becker

OK, this is just too much fun. It also has the potential to shift how we work together in some interesting and fundamental ways. This is the first of a multi-part post outlining my experiences with Google Docs in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Distance Education, Doing it Right on the Web, Education, Educational Technology, General, Google Docs, Higher Education, Teaching & Learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My old alma mater confirms its rightful membership among the ranks of the despicable.

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Katrin Becker

It’s thoroughly disgusting when a University fires someone who has worked for them for more than 35 years. Their ‘crime’? Getting sick as a result of being abused at work. Despicable! (note: I am NOT talking about Mount Royal). What … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Bullying & Mobbing, Ethics, General, Higher Education | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

University of Calgary takes another lap around the metaphorical toilet bowl on its way down.

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Katrin Becker

I put this together some months ago, but in light of recent events, I felt like posting this now. The U of C is going through another round of DEEP cuts. The primary reason for the cuts, says Weingarten, is … Continue reading →

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How important is it for teaching faculty to actually know how to teach (and to actually care about the success of their students)?

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Katrin Becker

Thanks Mark for once again posting something that makes me think (and that gives me an opportunity to tough on a favorite topic: the importance of teaching quality in higher ed). Boredom vs. Failure Part 2: The New Demographic From Mark’s … Continue reading →

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