Author: George Roberts

Excellent, in-depth critique of nuclear power in light of Fukushima via The Automatic Earth

In my view, nuclear power represents an unjustified faith in the power of human societies to control extremely complex technologies over the very long term. Any activity requiring a great deal of complex and cooperative control will do badly in difficult economic times. Also, no human society has ever lasted for as long as nuclear … Continue reading Excellent, in-depth critique of nuclear power in light of Fukushima via The Automatic Earth

Teaching and research are correlated but the link is loose and highly nuanced by para-academic factors #pcthe

There has been an excellent discussion on the SEDA maillist on the links (or not) between teaching and research. Hunt it down in the February archive here: re: PhDs and Learning and Teaching https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=sedaMy contribution makes less sense out of context, but I want to post it for my own purposes: As a relatively recent … Continue reading Teaching and research are correlated but the link is loose and highly nuanced by para-academic factors #pcthe

Is an evidence-based knowledge economy such a good thing?

I used, occasionally, to travel in Russia during the 1990s. I had a few good friends there. Acquired a taste for spirits and saunas, but that is a later part of the story. In Russia in the 1990s it became clear to me that in Soviet times, access to middle class comforts must have depended … Continue reading Is an evidence-based knowledge economy such a good thing?

The Social Science Centre description #pcthe

The Social Science Centre will offer credit bearing courses in Sociology, Politics and Philosophy, programmes not currently available as part of the University of Lincoln’s portfolio. A key aspect of the Centre is that students would not pay any tuition fees. The Centre would be community based, utilising already existing public spaces in Lincoln, e.g., … Continue reading The Social Science Centre description #pcthe

Digital Humanities and the #alt-ac track – but why need it be centered around the “academy”

the #alt-ac label speaks to to a broad set of hybrid, humanities-oriented professions centered in and around the academy, in which there are rich opportunities to put deep — often doctoral-level — training in scholarly disciplines to use. Recent #alt-ac conversation online additionally tends to focus on the digital humanities, a community of practice marrying … Continue reading Digital Humanities and the #alt-ac track – but why need it be centered around the “academy”

Bookstart was/is good for publishers & writing/reading industry, too @jockox3

It is hard to show causality in respect of literacy programmes. But, it is not necessary to show that all govt programmes always work in order to suggest that this particular cut showed a particular direction of travel for this particular government. Have all arms deals led to peace? Are they being cut? Looks like … Continue reading Bookstart was/is good for publishers & writing/reading industry, too @jockox3

Davecormier/Books/Educational Technology and the Adult Learner – WikiEducator #pcthe

Educational Technology and the Adult Learner via wikieducator.org This might be a useful resource for a seminar that my tutorial group is planning in the new year. They are wondering about how and if learning technologies, particularly VLEs and their discussion forums can lead to greater inclusion of students, particularly when the students are working … Continue reading Davecormier/Books/Educational Technology and the Adult Learner – WikiEducator #pcthe