Ken
@kenjeffery.bsky.social
University teaching and learning leadership, grateful uninvited guest on lək̓ʷəŋən land, OpenEd, critical pedagogy, graphic arts, sustainable and livable communities, bicycles, climate, eats plants, he/him.
Reposted by Ken
I think in part the higher education funding crisis and the LLM-teaching crisis actually strike at the same problem, which is that education doesn't work without a broad, society-wide sense that the *actual content* of education - not the credential - is valuable.
May 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM
I think in part the higher education funding crisis and the LLM-teaching crisis actually strike at the same problem, which is that education doesn't work without a broad, society-wide sense that the *actual content* of education - not the credential - is valuable.
Post your favorite Star Trek character. Wrong answers only.
November 15, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Post your favorite Star Trek character. Wrong answers only.
Reposted by Ken
We call on BCI + BC Public Sector Pension Plans to drop their ~$81.54M stake in Tesla. Far worse than Tesla’s litany of labour + safety issues, its CEO and 13% owner is a raging fascist threatening the US, Canada, and others. Pensions will be worthless if brownshirt billionaires kill democracy. 1/x
Elon Musk's speech in Germany raises concerns about his increased political meddling abroad | CBC News
Elon Musk's comments at a rally for Germany's far-right AfD party last weekend have raised concerns about the billionaire’s escalating political interference in foreign countries — including Canada.
www.cbc.ca
February 3, 2025 at 6:52 AM
We call on BCI + BC Public Sector Pension Plans to drop their ~$81.54M stake in Tesla. Far worse than Tesla’s litany of labour + safety issues, its CEO and 13% owner is a raging fascist threatening the US, Canada, and others. Pensions will be worthless if brownshirt billionaires kill democracy. 1/x
Reposted by Ken
Whether they're blaming vaccines and Tylenol, or selling dubious "remedies," what they're really doing is promoting the perception that families (and especially mothers) can prevent and treat Autism. And thus also the perception that people with Autism and their families don't need social support.
September 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Whether they're blaming vaccines and Tylenol, or selling dubious "remedies," what they're really doing is promoting the perception that families (and especially mothers) can prevent and treat Autism. And thus also the perception that people with Autism and their families don't need social support.
Reposted by Ken
My job as a professor is not to create a serviceable worker. My job is to help foster thoughtful citizens or community members.
If that sounds fanciful it’s bc corporate interests have spent decades framing how we talk about education so they don’t take the heat for immiserating labor conditions.
If that sounds fanciful it’s bc corporate interests have spent decades framing how we talk about education so they don’t take the heat for immiserating labor conditions.
Do not accept the premise that education is to blame for abysmal jobs outcomes.
“The fantasy economy's framing of economic inequality… focuses exclusively on education…deflects attention away from decades of public policies and changing business practices that have…contributed to stagnating wages”
“The fantasy economy's framing of economic inequality… focuses exclusively on education…deflects attention away from decades of public policies and changing business practices that have…contributed to stagnating wages”
August 18, 2025 at 5:48 PM
My job as a professor is not to create a serviceable worker. My job is to help foster thoughtful citizens or community members.
If that sounds fanciful it’s bc corporate interests have spent decades framing how we talk about education so they don’t take the heat for immiserating labor conditions.
If that sounds fanciful it’s bc corporate interests have spent decades framing how we talk about education so they don’t take the heat for immiserating labor conditions.
During this time of economic uncertainty when CEOs only can rake in a measly dozen-or-so million, we all need to do our part and work the first hour of every day for free.
August 17, 2025 at 8:30 PM
During this time of economic uncertainty when CEOs only can rake in a measly dozen-or-so million, we all need to do our part and work the first hour of every day for free.
Reposted by Ken
This has always been clear: plant-based meat alternatives are better for the planet and, at least compared to red meat, better for your health. That this is not widely accepted is the product of meat industry disinfo, science illiteracy, and some very stupid journalists.
www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/h...
www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/h...
Eating this ultraprocessed food may be good for you and the planet, experts say | CNN
Plant-based meats have been viewed at times as ultraprocessed and possibly unhealthy. But some experts believe they deserve a second look.
www.cnn.com
July 23, 2025 at 12:36 PM
This has always been clear: plant-based meat alternatives are better for the planet and, at least compared to red meat, better for your health. That this is not widely accepted is the product of meat industry disinfo, science illiteracy, and some very stupid journalists.
www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/h...
www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/h...
Reposted by Ken
"Across BC, ‘cyclists dismount’ signs have metastasized as cautious engineers rush to absolve themselves of liability for the substandard cycling facilities they design. While these signs may please lawyers, they ignore a fundamental reality: everyone ignores them."
bettercolumbia.ca/2025/06/27/d...
bettercolumbia.ca/2025/06/27/d...
Dear engineers: stop making cyclists dismount - Better Columbia
In far too many places across the province, engineers continue to rely on the same old ineffective tricks to paper over their own inadequate designs.
bettercolumbia.ca
June 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
"Across BC, ‘cyclists dismount’ signs have metastasized as cautious engineers rush to absolve themselves of liability for the substandard cycling facilities they design. While these signs may please lawyers, they ignore a fundamental reality: everyone ignores them."
bettercolumbia.ca/2025/06/27/d...
bettercolumbia.ca/2025/06/27/d...
I honestly can’t ever see myself visiting the United States again in my lifetime. How sad :(
June 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I honestly can’t ever see myself visiting the United States again in my lifetime. How sad :(
Crumpler is selling off a whole bunch of classic bags that have been sitting around a warehouse, so I just had to get another messenger bag, this one circa 2001.
I think I’m getting to the point where the correct number of messenger bags to own is n+1.
I think I’m getting to the point where the correct number of messenger bags to own is n+1.
June 21, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Crumpler is selling off a whole bunch of classic bags that have been sitting around a warehouse, so I just had to get another messenger bag, this one circa 2001.
I think I’m getting to the point where the correct number of messenger bags to own is n+1.
I think I’m getting to the point where the correct number of messenger bags to own is n+1.
Finding out just how many companies with a digital login won’t allow you to change your email address.
June 17, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Finding out just how many companies with a digital login won’t allow you to change your email address.
Reposted by Ken
the mainstream media has been steadily buying into the idea that science and academia are somehow "captured" by left and liberal ideologues, rather than the more obvious explanation that measured analysis leads people away from reactionary thought
June 12, 2025 at 2:08 AM
the mainstream media has been steadily buying into the idea that science and academia are somehow "captured" by left and liberal ideologues, rather than the more obvious explanation that measured analysis leads people away from reactionary thought
Reposted by Ken
Again, I implore those GenAI-evangelists who claim to be well-meaning to read an introductory-level text on educational psychology. Therein they will find learning requires effort (e.g., desirable difficulties) that can be supported and optimized (e.g., cognitive load theory) but not replaced.
June 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Again, I implore those GenAI-evangelists who claim to be well-meaning to read an introductory-level text on educational psychology. Therein they will find learning requires effort (e.g., desirable difficulties) that can be supported and optimized (e.g., cognitive load theory) but not replaced.
Have you ever had someone tell you something half a dozen times and you still don’t ’get it’?
Learning requires challenge, there aren’t any shortcuts.
Learning requires challenge, there aren’t any shortcuts.
"Part of our task in the face of generative AI is to make an argument for the value of thinking – laboured, painful, frustrating thinking."
activehistory.ca/blog/2025/06...
activehistory.ca/blog/2025/06...
On Generative AI in the Classroom: Give Up, Give In, or Stand Up
Edward Dunsworth Two approaches dominate discussion about how professors should handle generative “artificial intelligence” in the classroom: give up or give in. Give up. Faced with a powerful new …
activehistory.ca
June 11, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Have you ever had someone tell you something half a dozen times and you still don’t ’get it’?
Learning requires challenge, there aren’t any shortcuts.
Learning requires challenge, there aren’t any shortcuts.
Because everyone knows the Fraser Institute is a bastion of balanced and ethical research that would never skew results to support their biases! /s
The Toronto Sun acknowledges that the Fraser Institute’s ‘Tax Freedom Day’ may be ‘incorrect and misleading’
Experts say Tax Freedom Day is a ‘deeply flawed and highly misleading gimmick’
Experts say Tax Freedom Day is a ‘deeply flawed and highly misleading gimmick’
The Toronto Sun Acknowledges that the Fraser Institute’s ‘Tax Freedom Day’ May Be ‘Incorrect and Misleading’
Tax Freedom Day is a ‘deeply flawed and highly misleading gimmick’, experts say
pressprogress.ca
June 6, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Because everyone knows the Fraser Institute is a bastion of balanced and ethical research that would never skew results to support their biases! /s
Reposted by Ken
Every college leader should take note of why Ono got rejected by UF's Board: despite his craven and public abandonment of his previous DEI advocacy, they still thought he was too "woke." The lesson: no amount of self-abasement or eagerness to sell your community down the river, will ever be enough.
Santa Ono did a complete heel turn to accept the Florida offer, and now that he's been rejected, there won't be the triumphant final chapter in the memoir he's already written in his head. His legacy instead will be one of shameless ambition and brazen hypocrisy. Couldn't happen to a better guy.
June 4, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Every college leader should take note of why Ono got rejected by UF's Board: despite his craven and public abandonment of his previous DEI advocacy, they still thought he was too "woke." The lesson: no amount of self-abasement or eagerness to sell your community down the river, will ever be enough.
Reposted by Ken
“Being a loyal member of Team Trump is like sitting beside a flatulent French bulldog, repeating, ‘My dog did not fart. It must have been you.’”
@steveburgess53.bsky.social advises. #uspoli #cdnpoli
@steveburgess53.bsky.social advises. #uspoli #cdnpoli
Please Advise! Are Canadians Being Mean to Trump? | The Tyee
The US ambassador to Canada thinks so, says Dr. Steve. He’s wrong.
thetyee.ca
June 3, 2025 at 2:24 PM
“Being a loyal member of Team Trump is like sitting beside a flatulent French bulldog, repeating, ‘My dog did not fart. It must have been you.’”
@steveburgess53.bsky.social advises. #uspoli #cdnpoli
@steveburgess53.bsky.social advises. #uspoli #cdnpoli
Reposted by Ken
If they were "safe drivers" we wouldn't need speed cameras.
Speed cameras should be activated only when schools are in session and neighbourhoods are busy, not after school hours, on weekends or during school holidays, writes Mike Farwell.
Stop treating safe drivers like the children you’re purporting to protect
Speed cameras should be activated only when schools are in session and neighbourhoods are busy, not after school hours, on weekends or during school holidays, writes Mike Farwell.
www.therecord.com
May 28, 2025 at 12:32 PM
If they were "safe drivers" we wouldn't need speed cameras.
Reposted by Ken
ICYMI: My thoughts on the economics of post-secondary education in the age AI. Tl; dr: the death of the essay is going to change the production function in a lot of disciplines, making meaningful assessment a lot more expensive.
higheredstrategy.com/the-cost-imp...
higheredstrategy.com/the-cost-imp...
The Cost Implications of AI in Postsecondary Education | HESA
I have been noodling for a while on the question of how the use of Artificial Intelligence is likely to … Continued
higheredstrategy.com
May 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM
ICYMI: My thoughts on the economics of post-secondary education in the age AI. Tl; dr: the death of the essay is going to change the production function in a lot of disciplines, making meaningful assessment a lot more expensive.
higheredstrategy.com/the-cost-imp...
higheredstrategy.com/the-cost-imp...
Reposted by Ken
What Kenneth Roth and others reduce to "identity politics" is always an effort by a particular oppressed group to be afforded the rights, privileges and protections enjoyed by a society's dominant groups.
It's the very promise of liberalism, no more, no less.
It's the very promise of liberalism, no more, no less.
How Progressives Are Unwittingly Aiding the Rise of Autocracy
Dictators get an unlikely boost from the left’s identity politics.
foreignpolicy.com
May 21, 2025 at 10:22 AM
What Kenneth Roth and others reduce to "identity politics" is always an effort by a particular oppressed group to be afforded the rights, privileges and protections enjoyed by a society's dominant groups.
It's the very promise of liberalism, no more, no less.
It's the very promise of liberalism, no more, no less.
Reposted by Ken
“And so the Greeks send me this horse, we’re talking about one of the most beautiful horses you’ve ever seen. So big. So strong. Normally they keep this kind of horse for themselves but they were such big fans they said sir, please take our big wonderful horse we’ll even bring it to your house”
May 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
“And so the Greeks send me this horse, we’re talking about one of the most beautiful horses you’ve ever seen. So big. So strong. Normally they keep this kind of horse for themselves but they were such big fans they said sir, please take our big wonderful horse we’ll even bring it to your house”
It’s literally enshrined in law, the right to self-determination. Good grief how are we even still having these conversations?
#LandBack
#LandBack
“Today we stand united. We’re not going anywhere. And if you feel that you have problems with First Nations, YOU could leave.”
May 7, 2025 at 6:52 PM
It’s literally enshrined in law, the right to self-determination. Good grief how are we even still having these conversations?
#LandBack
#LandBack
Can confirm. This is next level.
I think this is the first time I've lived walking distance from a grocery store and I'm out of my mind about it. I'll walk there several times a day. Oh did I forget to grab something? No big deal I'll simply Walk To The Store
May 4, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Can confirm. This is next level.
Reposted by Ken
"If you or any other Canadians are not happy living on Treaty lands, they are free to apply for citizenship elsewhere."
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation issues a scathing rebuke of Danielle Smith's talks on a national unity crisis.
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation issues a scathing rebuke of Danielle Smith's talks on a national unity crisis.
May 1, 2025 at 3:29 AM
"If you or any other Canadians are not happy living on Treaty lands, they are free to apply for citizenship elsewhere."
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation issues a scathing rebuke of Danielle Smith's talks on a national unity crisis.
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation issues a scathing rebuke of Danielle Smith's talks on a national unity crisis.
Reposted by Ken
One thing that I was thought was revealing about the divisions within Canada:
When Carney acknowledged Poilievre's hard work on his campaign in his victory speed, the crowd of Liberals cheered.
When Poilievre mentioned Carney in his concession speech, there was loud booing.
When Carney acknowledged Poilievre's hard work on his campaign in his victory speed, the crowd of Liberals cheered.
When Poilievre mentioned Carney in his concession speech, there was loud booing.
April 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
One thing that I was thought was revealing about the divisions within Canada:
When Carney acknowledged Poilievre's hard work on his campaign in his victory speed, the crowd of Liberals cheered.
When Poilievre mentioned Carney in his concession speech, there was loud booing.
When Carney acknowledged Poilievre's hard work on his campaign in his victory speed, the crowd of Liberals cheered.
When Poilievre mentioned Carney in his concession speech, there was loud booing.