Doug Ward


Blackboard announces some long-needed changes


Blackboard announces some long-needed changes

I’ll be blunt: Blackboard Learn has all the visual appeal of a 1950s warehouse.

In terms of usability, it’s like trying to navigate an aircraft carrier when you really need a speedboat.

Why we need to stress learning, not information


Why we need to stress learning, not information

Learning matters.

That may seem like a truism in the world of education – at least it should be – but it isn’t.

All too often, schools and teachers, colleges and professors worry more about covering the right material than helping students learn. They put information above application. They emphasize the what rather than the why and the how.

Classrooms matter. Technology matters. But …


Classrooms matter. Technology matters. But …

After a session at the KU Teaching Summit last week, I spoke with a faculty member whose question I wasn’t able to get to during a discussion.

Two tech giants take on learning management


Two tech giants take on learning management

Microsoft’s Office software has long been the standard in business and education.

A websites frontpage with kids looking into a deviceIn a webinar this week, though, Microsoft showcased an online amalgamation of its software that looks very much like a learning management system.

Spaces for learning within spaces for living


Spaces for learning within spaces for living

Self and Oswald halls are the first new dorms to open at KU in nearly 50 years (There was a link, but the page no longer exist).

The living spaces look much like what you’d expect from dorm rooms. The informal spaces, though, provide a modern, visually appealing take on informal, collaborative learning. (They are also great for just hanging out.)

The new dorms were open for tours late last week. Here is some of what I found.

A plea to ditch the education argle bargle


A plea to ditch the education argle bargle

By Doug Ward

In one of my favorite poems, Taylor Mali mocks sloppy writing, juvenile articulation, and the general inability to put together words in a meaningful way. That poem, “Totally like whatever, you know?,” was brought to life by Ronnie Bruce’s  animation (below), providing even more punch to Mali’s magnificent ending:

Because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker,

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