Lots to Talk About

After my posting on Monday I have been been thinking about various topics I could write about. Several thoughts have come to mind over the last few days. These thoughts have come at random times and in random places, like in the subway, walking the dog, in the middle of meeting (of course I never stopped listening to the others in the mtg ;-) .

Since I instinctively think about process I was trying to figure out a way to manage these random thoughts so I could blog about them at a more convenient time when I could actually dig into the issue (and make sure I actually kept listen in those mtgs :-) . My solution was to start saving topics on my blog, but not make the posting public until I could spend some time elaborating on my thoughts. Nothing like creating another to do list!

At some level I knew there was lots to blog about, but it was interesting to see list grow. Seeing the topics on the screen allowed me to free my mind of trying to remember the topic and start thinking more about the topic. I'm excited to dig deeper into the issues in the coming weeks and months. Here are topics I have come up with so far:

• Connecting in-class learning to out-of-class learning. Put another way how can theory (in class) be applied (out of class) to benefit the learning process. In "college speak" it would be finding ways that student affairs can collaborate with academic affairs.
• Over the past decade in higher education their has been increased talk of creating a positive "student experience." I have also noticed that other fields have been talking about creating a positive experience for their target audiences. For instance, business want to create a positive customer experience. Seems many people are seeking the "elusive experience" that customers, users and learners want.
  
• Perhaps connected to the "experience" concept is the way higher education integrates students into post-secondary schools. Many terms are used to explain and communicate the practices that are used, such as transition, integration, retention and orientation to name just a few.
• Assessment of higher education activities seems to be growing rapidly as governments, parents and students demand results.
• Technology has always been a factor in higher education and the term covers many issues. Understanding how technology can be used outside the classroom to enhance service and develop community are just two of the areas that interest me.

Trying my hand at blogging

A few months back I started using Google Reader to track several websites that published stories and news on education, especially on colleges and universities. It didn't take me long to discover that the bulk of the blogging and news about higher education originates in the US. This was not surprising because the US is the world leader in research and their is more then half a century of Americans studying their colleges and universities.

Canadians have put far less effort into understanding colleges and universities. In fact, when referencing research on higher education many Canadians rely on US studies for background information. This is ironic considering many Canadians view our educational system as superior to the US model.

The media has been highlighting for several years now that we are in a "knowledge economy" and people must go to college or university in order to get a good job. If that is the case, then it is more important now then ever before that we have a deep understanding of the role and impact of Canadian colleges and universities. My hope is to use this blog to contribute to the discussion and encourage others to contribute as well. Let the discussion begin.