Blurring realities: Indistinguishable human and machine creations

A digital art piece showcasing the convergence of traditional higher education and futuristic AI. It depicts a person stepping from an open book, symbolizing conventional learning, through a luminous, code-lined portal into a digital space. Classic university buildings flank the portal, while above, digital and educational elements merge, with neural networks and technological devices floating in the sky. This represents the theme 'Entering the Matrix: When Human and Machine Creations Become Indistinguishable' for a blog post header.

Explore the nuances of AI integration in higher education and the digital realm, highlighting the necessity for conscious engagement with indistinguishable AI involvement. Addressing the blend of AI-generated and human content, the author advocates for visual cues to make AI’s role discernible, underscoring transparency in an increasingly machine-generated world.

Finding time: Writing for InsideOCULA

A vibrant 16-bit pixel art header depicts a person seated at a desk, gazing out of a window that showcases a dual scene. On the left, a winter landscape with falling snow and a snow-covered pine tree creates a serene atmosphere. To the right, the scene transitions to a warm, spring environment with cherry blossoms and a setting sun. The desk is cluttered with scattered papers and books, a calendar with pages flying off, and a computer screen, suggesting a busy work schedule. The image captures the balance of a writer's life, reflecting seasonal changes and the flow of time.

This post narrates a journey from losing touch with the cherished hobby of writing to rediscovering its joy at the OLA Super Conference. An invitation to contribute to InsideOCULA rekindles a love for writing, offering insights into balancing work with the pursuit of creativity.

Inside my tech bag: Unveiling the power of RODE Wireless GO II

A stylized blog header image depicting a vintage library setting with wood bookshelves full of books. In the center, a modern, detailed illustration of a microphone (Yeti styled) sits atop an open book, symbolizing the fusion of traditional learning and contemporary technology. Surrounding the microphone are various icons and doodles representing audio and recording equipment, signifying the microphone's utility in different scenarios. The image has a decorative border reminiscent of art deco style, with vertical bars on the sides that suggest sound level indicators. The color palette consists of deep wood tones, black and gray for the microphone, and light blue accents, creating a professional and academic atmosphere.

Discover how the RODE Wireless GO II isn’t just a gadget—it’s a revolution in teaching technology. Compact yet powerful, this microphone system transforms any space into a stage for clear, professional audio capture, enhancing my presentations and ensuring no student misses out, no matter where they are.

Mastering NVivo: Unveiling the cornerstones of effective teaching

A vibrant and colorful illustration for a blog header featuring a central laptop screen displaying 'NVivo' software, surrounded by an energetic assortment of educational icons like books, graduation caps, gears, light bulbs, and DNA strands. Below the screen is a richly stacked array of books, signifying a foundation of knowledge. The playful and dynamic design is set against a light blue background, symbolizing a blend of technology and education.

Reflecting on teaching NVivo to graduate students, a task filled with challenges and revelations. Discover how laying a solid foundation in NVivo’s complexities is crucial for success in qualitative analysis. Join me as I delve into the importance of strong pedagogical approaches and the plans to revolutionize NVivo education, ensuring students are well-equipped for their research endeavors.

The debate around ChatGPT in academic peer-review

An artistic blog header image depicting a conceptual blend of classical and digital learning. The left side of the image presents a traditional library with rows of bookshelves and an open book on a desk, lit by warm, glowing lights. Transitioning to the right, the scene morphs into a digital realm with several laptops open, displaying futuristic, holographic data and codes, illuminated by cool blue light that emanates from a central, bright source at the end of the library's aisle. The image represents the merging of time-honored academic research with modern artificial intelligence technologies.

Explore the growing concerns and debates around ChatGPT’s role in academic peer-review processes. This insightful piece delves into real-world examples of AI-generated content being submitted without attribution, raising questions about the effectiveness of current review systems and calling for heightened vigilance to preserve the integrity of academic publishing.

Letting go: An exploration of conversation in presentations

Colorful 16-bit pixel art illustration of a busy tech office environment with diverse employees engaging in conversations and working on computers, surrounded by bookshelves and floating icons representing creative and tech-related concepts

In this post, I explore the ideas behind an upcoming conference presentation I am working on for the Ontario Library Association Super Conference. Our session will harvest the power of conversations. This post explores the ideas behind letting go, embracing spontaneity, and navigating the bumps in lively, peer-to-peer discussions.

A use case for ChatGPT: Creation of a dataset for use in NVivo training

16-bit illustration of an NVivo training environment with multiple characters analyzing data on large computer displays, charts, and graphs, with a ChatGPT mascot assisting

Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing instructional design, with a unique approach using the classic characters of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to teach NVivo software. Dive into the creative use of ChatGPT for scriptwriting, fostering diverse perspectives in learning, and enhancing the educational experience with generative AI tools.

Teaching philosophy series: Summarizing the lessons of my teaching philosophy

In the “Summarizing the lessons of my teaching philosophy” section, I reflect on the lessons I have learned throughout my academic and professional journey, which have shaped my teaching philosophy. I emphasize the importance of embracing one’s identity and unique perspective, fostering enduring connections between educators and students, and remaining open to self-reflection when venturing into uncharted territory. My philosophy is fundamentally shaped by my personal journey through higher education, which has driven my unique approach to teaching and information literacy.

Teaching philosophy series: Reflection is required for learning

In the “Reflection is required for learning” section I emphasize the importance of reflection in my teaching philosophy. I believe that continuous metacognitive growth is essential for personal and professional development, and I achieve this through reflective writing and research. I utilize blogging platforms to share and reflect on my work, delving into fleeting thoughts and ideas that emerge throughout my day. I apply this philosophy in the classroom through discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and online spaces, promoting a culture of reflection and continuous learning.