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A collection of news articles and opinion pieces concerning higher education, teaching and technology. If you have any questions or comments, please email k.olmstead@utoronto.ca.

"Crisis? What Crisis?", University Affairs, August 28, 2012
Leo Charbonneau, of University Affairs' Margin Notes, noticed an ad in Walrus Magazine for their October issue on Crisis in Higher Education. This got him wondering which crisis were they referring to (and if one exists)?

"Renowned professors welcome new faculty with sage advice," U of T News, August 27, 2012
Award winning U of T professors - Karen Reid, Mark Kingwell, Zubin Austin, Yu-Ling Cheng, and Zubin Austin - offer words of wisdom to their newest colleagues.

"MIT to honour two professors transforming the world from Toronto," Globe and Mail, August 21, 2012
Joyce Poon, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been named one of the 35 innovators under 35 by MIT's Technology Review.

"Wikipedia course gets students' research online," Toronto Star, July 23, 2012
Steve Joordens, Department of Psychology, UTSC, leads a course involving students publishing their work on Wikipedia with great results.

"University of Toronto to offer online courses accessible by anyone, anywhere," Arts & Science News, July 17, 2012
"U of T Sings on to startup offering online courses," Globe and Mail, July 17, 2012
The Single Most Important Experiment in Higher Education, The Atlantic, July 18, 2012
The University of Toronto is the only Canadian institution to join Coursera, other institutions include Stanford and Princeton, to present massively open online courses (MOOCs).

"Supreme Court rules against copyright fees on music, videos, printed matter," Toronto Star, July 12, 2012
"Supreme Court scraps copyright fees on downloads," Globe and Mail, July 12, 2012
The Canadian Supreme Court has ruled on copyright fees for downloads used in the classroom.

Summer and the Course Redesign, Inside Higher Ed, June 29, 2012
Benjamin Rifkin, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the College of New Jersey, offers advice for instructors who want to take advantage of extra time during summer months.

"Teaching professors to become good teachers," University Affairs, June 26, 2012
In his Margin Notes column, Leo Charbonneau discusses "University Teaching: Meeting Challenges and Demands" a session presented by McGill, Dalhousie and Queen’s universities at this year's Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference.

"U of T linguist receives Molson Prize for helping preserve Canada's Aboriginal languages", Faculty of Arts and Science News, May 31, 2012
Keren Rice, Linguistics Department, Teaching Academy member, received the prestigious Molson Prize.

"How will our bricks-and-mortar universities survive?", University Affairs, May 30, 2012
Alan Slavin, professor emeritus at Trent University, thinks universities need to capitalize on their strengths in personal interactions to survive as online courses become more accessible.

"My Professional 'Eureka' Moment", Academic Matters, May 4, 2012
Steve Penfold, Department of History, University of Toronto, reveals the moment when he could admit to himself that he was a professor.

Zen and the Art of Metacognition: Quality-Based Discrimination, Peer Assessment & Technology, Academic Matters, May 4, 2012
Steve Joordens, Department of Psychology, UTSC, discusses the primacy of quality, technology and developing meta-cognition skills in students.

"An online for Canadian universities," Globe and Mail, May 22, 2012
Both Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have moved courses online (and available to everyone). When will Canadian universities follow suit.

Michael Wilson new U of T Chancellor, U of T News, May 14, 2012
Michael Wilson, former ambassador to the United States and federal Finance Minister, has been appointed as Chancellor for the University of Toronto. His term begins on July 1st, 2012.

Great teaching at U of T: tips from an expert with Prof. Ivan Silver, U of T News, May 4
Professor Ivan Silver, Department of Psychiatry and one of this year's President's Teaching Award winners, reveals his tips for teaching success.

Great teaching at U of T: teaching tips from an expert with Prof. Jim Wallace, U of T News, April 27
Professor Jim Wallace, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, on great teaching.

Great teaching at UofT: tips from an expert, UofT News, April 19, 2012
Karen Reid, Department of Computer Science, and a 2012 President's Teaching Award winner, offers tips for great teaching.

Celebrating great teaching at UofT, UofT News, April 19, 2012
Congratulations to the 2012 winners of the President's Teaching Award.

Faculty of Arts & Science: Outstanding Teaching Award Winners, April 18, 2012
The 2012 Outstanding Teaching Awards for 2012.

Council of Graduate School (US) Launches Project to Prepare Future Faculty to Assess Undergraduate Learning, Council of Graduate Schools, April 10, 2012
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has been awarded grants from the Alfred P. Sloan and Teagle Foundations for a new initiative to address the need for greater faculty expertise and engagement in the assessment of undergraduate student learning.

Master of Forest Conservation students learn the clear-cut truth, UofT News, March 14, 2012
A UofT class field trip connects classroom lessons to forestry practice.

Treating Higher Ed's 'Cost Disease' With Supersize Online Courses, Chronicle of Higher Education, February 26, 2012
Marc Perry writes about the online Open Learning Initiative offered through Carnegie Mellon University.

It's Not Academic Blog: Will Ontario keep apace or set the pace?, HEQCO, February 8, 2012
Fiona Deller, HEQCO Research Director, considers Ontario and the future of online education.

"Are office hours obsolete?", University Affairs, February 6, 2012
Moira Farr asks if office hours are obsolete in this age of social media and communications.

Harvard Seeks to Jolt University Teaching, Chronicle of Higher Education, February 5, 2012
A teaching and learning conference at Harvard University looks to research to improve teaching in higher education.

Website gives professors a way of connecting with prospective student, Inside Higher Ed, January 24, 2012
Know Thy Professor is a new website started by a student at Northwestern University that allows students to read about professors and their research before entering the classroom.

"MIT Mints a Valuable New Form of Academic Currency", Chronicle of Higher Education, January 22, 2012
MIT introduces their next resource in open education: MITx.

Study in Montreal, Stay in Montreal: Concordia and their GradSkillsPro Program, Concordia, January 23, 2012
Concordia has created a new program to help prepare graduate students for the work force, and to keep them within the Montreal community.

"Plugged into learning: Computers help students advance", Concordia News, January 16, 2012
Concordia University announces findings of 40-year retrospective examining technology in the classroom.

"Does Ontario really need three new universities," Toronto Star, January 14, 2012
Rick Miner, president emeritus of Sheridan College, questions the Ontario Government's decision to create three new higher ed institutions in response to employment and training needs.

"A modest proposal to recognize undergraduate teaching", University Affairs, January 9, 2012
Doug Owram, Deputy Chancellor and Principal, UBC Okanagan, considers teaching awards and focusing on teaching that offers recognition beyond the local level.

'Block plan' education finds new appeal among universities, Globe and Mail, Jan. 3, 2012
Some universities (mainly smaller campuses) are trying out block classes - one class delivered at a time - and many are happy with the results. There are some drawbacks but should more higher education institutions consider this model?

Prezi with a grain of salt, December 15, 2012, idelthoughts
Prezi is a popular tool with educators - for good reason - but how and when should we use it? Matthew Roberts, of idelthoughts (Instructional Design for eLearning), has a few suggestions.

Teaching and Learning in Large Classes at Ontario Universities: An Exploratory Study, HEQCO, December 6, 2011
This exploratory study highlights the challenges and opportunities that are unique to teaching large classes, and current strategies to address them. The report includes consultations with innovative faculty and teaching/learning support staff at Brock, Carleton, Lakehead, McMaster, Queen’s, Guelph, UOIT, Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier and York universities.

"The aims of education?", University Affairs, Speculative Diction, November 18, 2011
Melonie Fullick, in her University Affairs' blog Speculative Diction, looks at the world of higher education policy and practice.

"No quick fix for universities," Toronto Star, November 14, 2011
Constance Adamson, President of Ontario Confederation of University and College Faculty Association, writes that it is funding and not a focus of research over teaching that affects the quality of education.

"Socratic Backfire?: After student complaints, Utah professor denied job", Inside Higher Ed, November 7, 2011
A Utah Valley professor was denied tenure after students complained about his teaching style: he asked them questions even when they didn't have their hand up and had them work in teams. There was also a complaint that he couldn't teach because he is blind. Steven Maranville is suing the university.

"Experiment giving undergrads more face time with profs a hit", Globe and Mail, Oct. 28, 2011
A University of Calgary professor using small group learning techniques in her large first year class. She and her teaching assistant make sure to visit with each group and provide every student with coveted "face time". Not too surprisingly, they are receiving positive responses from the students.

"The 3M National Student Fellowships: Call for Nominations", October 2011
"For many years, 3M Canada has provided scholarships and awards for college and university students across Canada. Recently, the company decided to consolidate and leverage its support by strengthening its partnership with the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). A national award for students is not only a welcome complement to STLHE’s award programs, but it also marks an exciting beginning for students across Canada to distinguish themselves as part of a unique learning community."

"Universities get an F for failing undergrads," Globe and Mail, Oct. 21, 2011
In his Globe and Mail opinion piece, Jeffrey Simpson notes, once again, that some universities left teaching behind as class sizes grew but also acknowledges schools and university presidents who are working to make changes in the right direction.

"A Landmark Gift for Learning", Harvard Magazine, Oct. 18, 2011
Rita and Gustave Hauser have donated $40 million to Harvard University to support pedagogical initiatives and innovations in teaching and learning at the university. The money will be used on a number of initiatives over the next decade.

A video of the presentation is also available.

"Canadian universities must reform or perish", Globe and Mail, October 11, 2011
This Globe editorial calls for a reform in undergraduate education and it should start with teaching. "We can reward universities that value excellent teaching and emphasize it in tenure applications. Faculty compete for research grants. Why don't they compete for teaching grants?"

"Graduate programs for student services professionals grow more common", University Affairs, October 3, 2011
University Affairs examines the new trend of graduate schools looking at the business of education.

"Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An HETL Interview with Dr. Dee Fink", Higher Education Teaching and Learning Portal, October 3, 2011
Dr. Dee Fink, a higher education consultant, talks with HETL about the importance of moving from a content-centred to a learning-centred approach to teaching (and how we make this possible).

"Simplifying Teaching", The Scientist, May 25, 2011
Hannah Waters offers tips from faculty and instructors on 'how to make your teaching more efficient, effective and enjoyable without slighting your lab projects.'

"Professional Development for Grad Students", University Affairs, October 2011
Virginia Galt looks at various programs at Canadian Universities that prepare grad students for life beyond school and maybe beyond the 'Ivory Tower'.

"That's 'professor' uptight to you," Macleans, September 27, 2011
A private members-only group has been created in Facebook for faculty to vent their frustrations about over-demanding students. Instructors can write letters to students - addressed to either Johnny or Janey - in response to requests for higher grades or special exemptions.

"The Value of Great Teaching," UofT Magazine, Autumn 2011
In his President's Message for the Autumn 2011 issue of UofT Magazine, David Naylor writes about importance of teaching. Despite its size, UofT is committed to delivering a unique and personal experience for students and instructors. The university recognizes the value of great teaching and recognizes great teachers.

"It's writers v. professors in the latest war of words," The Globe and Mail, September 4, 2011
Although this article is all over the map, it does bring up a number of important questions concerning higher education and copyright. "It's the good guys vs. the good guys" is a very apt analysis.

"University should leave students stirred -- and shaken", Toronto Star, Sept. 19, 2011
Victoria College, University of Toronto, has an innovative approach to opening the classroom to more voices and ideas. Dean of Students Kelley Castle has designed non-credit (and free) courses for students and members of the community to discuss a variety of topics as a part of an Ideas for the World program.

"Heading back to school? Hope you've memorized the Copyright Act." Globe and Mail, August 17, 2011
With some universities and colleges deciding to not renew their agreement with Access Copyright, will students and instructors know how to navigate copyright laws? How will this move affect access to information? Will this mean that some information will not be readily available?

"Hang In There! Dealing with Student Resistance to Learner-Centered Teaching", Tomorrow's Teaching and Learning, June 30, 2011
Dr. Richard Felder discusses ways to respond to students who do not respond well to active learning techniques in the classroom.

"Ignorance is Bliss: Our education teaches us humility, empathy"

, UofT Bulletin, June 21, 2011
Professor Nick Mount, Department of English, delivered a commencement speech for the 2011 University of Toronto graduating class.
Thank you to the UofT Bulletin for this link.

"Academics, in New Move, Begin to Work with Wikipedia", The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 28, 2011
The Chronicle of Higher Education discusses the Association of Psychiatric Sciences invited Wikipedia to participate in their general meeting.

"Don't discard the librarians", Globe and Mail, May 21, 2011
Ian Brown discusses the importance of librarians in our digital world. Whether or not resources are digitized (and there is still a question about whether to digitize or retain the hard copies), we still need a trained librarian to guide us through all the information.

"University students fare better with interactive teaching, study finds", Globe and Mail, May 13, 2011
A recent study at the University of British Columbia, published in the journal Science, indicates that students fare better and have a more engaged response with interactive teaching.

"How to make huge university classes more meaningful", The Toronto Star, April 18, 2011

"UofT students devise clever fixes for Toronto's ills," Toronto Star, April 14, 2011

Nick Mount, Department of English, 3M Teaching Fellowship and President's Teaching Award winner, talks to Michael Enright of CBC Radio's The Sunday Report about teaching, academic integrity and encouraging students to be a part of the intellectual conversation of the classroom. LISTEN to the podcast.

"An ancient profession adjusts to the 21st century classroom," Globe and Mail, March 28, 2011

"E-Learning: Confusing Terminology, Research Gaps and Inherent Challenges," The Journal of Distance Education, Vol 25, No. 1, by Sarah Guri-Rosenblit and Begoña Gros

"Toward a Science of Learning", Inside Higher Ed, February 14, 2011, by Diane Chapman Walsh

"Working for peace, one student at a time," UofT Bulletin, February 8, 2011, by David Dunne and Carol-Ann Courneya

It's time to transform undergraduate education, University Affairs, December 6, 2010, by Pierre Zundel & Patrick Deane

More Colleges Are Using Hand-held Devices to Monitor and Engage Students, New York Times, November 15, 2010

Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction, New York Times, November 21, 2010

The October 2010 issue of the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning has four articles on the question of 'Net Generation,' 'Digital Natives' and the current students' approach to the use of technology in learning.

The latest issue of Academic Matters, the journal of higher education from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, deals with the topic, "Who Are Your Students". This issue includes an article by Steve Joordens, Department of Psychology, UTSC, called "You Can Lead Students to Knowledge, But Can You Make Them Think?"

Inside Higher Ed, "Preparing Professors to Teach": discusses the importance that certificate programs can play in graduate student development.

"A Dialogue for Engagement" from www.educause.edu. Five instructors (from American institutions) were asked to describe their experiences in increasing student engagement.

"How to make huge university classes more meaningful", The Toronto Star
April 18, 2011
A look at how universities, in particular, universities in Southern Ontario, are dealing with the increase in class sizes. This article discusses options available - including video lectures and podcasts - and the pros and cons on multiple choice exams.

"Toward a Science of Learning", Inside Higher Ed, February 14, 2011
This article from Inside Higher Ed, by Diane Chapman Walsh, discusses the possibilities of scientific research moving pedagogical studies beyond National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE) data.

"Universities aren't about teaching vs research, they're about teaching and research", Globe and Mail, September 30, 2011
Stephen Saideman, McGill University, discusses how and why teaching and research are inextricably linked.