G’day
The New Year shows promise in the rapidly developing area of the use of AI in education. It’s not the only kid on the block that should get some attention.. Facilitating learning is the core business of higher education[HE] and it shouldn’t forget the need to heed the student voice through effective feedback and monitoring the level of success in achieving learning outcomes. There are many tried and tested approaches to creating learning environments that respond in a flexible way to the needs of the increasingly divergent and tech savvy cohort of students attending HE institutions. If HE wants to survive it has to recognise the importance of student input into the nature of the resources and environment in which their learning occurs as well as ensuring feedback is acknowledged and the results of that feedback are evidence based.
Whatever technology throws at us, there will always be a role for those who work collaboratively alongside students to develop and hone their problem solving and critical thinking skills, enabling them to find pathways to success.
Learning is in the driver’s seat, Technology is turning the wheels!
That’s my opinion for today. Off to pick some giant tomatoes from the vegetables plot before the birds have feast. So far the biggest weighs in at 483g; it’s gonna be stuffed! Bit like me after trimming all the hedges
Summer has been relatively kind so far in NZ, although we have more than the usual high winds causing chaos in places.
In this posting there is an excellent report from JISC, an update on the work of Tony Bates highlighting and exploring some critical issues facing HE, in particular fiscal prudence or lack of it, a DIY wheel for universal design for learning, a free open textbook on aspects of STEM learning and teaching and the odd one out.
Embrace the year ahead and make a difference. 
1. The latest from the JISC stable : ‘Trends in assessment in higher education: considerations for policy and practice’
A timely report considering the rise and (supposed)rise) of AI and the associated digital jungle.
From Sarah Night [Director of digital transformation (HE)
HE and Research Directorate]: ‘The report explores emerging trends in assessment and feedback within the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. This report sheds light on the challenges, opportunities, and innovative approaches shaping the future of assessment practices, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the integration of generative AI technologies’.
Well worth reading as with all JISC reports, the digital is on the button:-)
2. Ethan Rollick gives us a considered opinion on which AI to use and why:
Which AI to Use Now: An Updated Opinionated Guide.
https://www.oneusefulthing.
[NB:This was produced before Deepseek popped up 
)It will be interesting to see what Ethan says next]
3. Tony Bates is well into his series of articles examining the various crises in higher education.
I found number 5 particularly interesting as much of what he says resonates with my own experience. Having a universal flexible fiscal framework which met the needs of all parties which was monitored and managed through objective collaboration, would be an ideal solution .
The real challenge is breaking the traditional moulds that exist in higher education.Those systems that provide the senior staff with an impenetrable wall of security around their particular way of managing their teaching and learning protocols and of those who report to them. They know what’s best .
One size will never fit all, however, when it comes to adopting and implementing change through learning technology and design, there has to be a way of creating a universal flexible template that enables effective and efficient use of finances whilst providing a solid framework which harnesses the potential of learning technologies and ensures the needs of both student and tutor are met.
Maybe a bit of a generalisation but what is suggested is a radical disruption of the accepted norm. What is , is, and whilst Technology and learning design are the predominant keys, trying to use them to help unlock the status quo is currently a hard road to hoe.
Unfortunately, HE institutions around the world in different countries operate differently; a standard operational framework doesn’t exist. So what might work in Canada, might not be appropriate in any other country. Fiscal prudence applied through change management in HE always means challenges for those operating the front line. and in general those operating the front line think they should have more money not less.
As for episode 6. I’d agree with Tony’s comments about unnecessary research (too much duplication in my opinion, let alone spurious projects)
Many researchers I have worked with expect the institution to provide monetary (Pronounced ‘Moneytree’) support for their work; a drain on finances that could be better used elsewhere.
Sit back and enjoy the series.It will make you think and maybe plot some local action…
4.Universal design for learning: DIY Template. A neat little template , easy to construct and very useful for planning and designing your student learning experiences
https://www.theudlproject.com/
5.Fostering Communities of Transformation in STEM Higher Education: A Multi-institutional Collection of DEI Initiatives. This open textbook is freely available online in multiple formats including PDF and EPUB.
From the Abstract “..This scholarly work examines transformative initiatives from Virginia Tech, Radford University, Trinity Washington University, and Towson University, showcasing their role as catalysts in cultivating inclusive excellence across diverse STEM disciplines”.
I have had a good read of most of this book and it is impressive. A lot of hard work must have gone into producing such an excellent textbook, what;’s more, it’s free.. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are an important part of education in a competitive global marketplace. This book will be your tutorial assistant when facilitating learning by your students
Odd one out: Project Gutenberg
The holidays are coming to an end (this side of the globe) but there’s still time to sit down, relax and read a good book before you get trampled by AI masquerading as students. Where better to go and download the best? Right here.
This page shows the top 100 downloads made each day. Staggering numbers
https://www.gutenberg.org/
Enjoy
Cheers
Richard
Richard Elliott
The Eternal Macademic
Auckland
New Zealand