Pete Orford
@peteorford.bsky.social
English Lecturer and Course Director of the MA in Charles Dickens Studies. 'The Life of the Author: Charles Dickens' available to buy at https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-life-of-the-author-charles-dickens/pete-orford/9781119697459
Reposted by Pete Orford
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning
Abstract. The effects of using large language models (LLMs) versus traditional web search on depth of learning are explored. A theory is proposed that when
academic.oup.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Reposted by Pete Orford
In about three years the entire university pivot to AI curricula and schools and programs is going to be so deeply embarrassing. We will all pretend it never happened and I will be standing there, looking at people with a mirror in my eyes. This is all so embarrassing.
October 17, 2025 at 12:16 PM
In about three years the entire university pivot to AI curricula and schools and programs is going to be so deeply embarrassing. We will all pretend it never happened and I will be standing there, looking at people with a mirror in my eyes. This is all so embarrassing.
Reposted by Pete Orford
Every decade, university administrators excite themselves over the prospects of firing all the faculty and 95% of the staff.
Early 2020s: LLMs
Early 2010s: MOOCs
Early 2000s: Wikis
Early 2020s: LLMs
Early 2010s: MOOCs
Early 2000s: Wikis
In ways that we haven't fully internalized, LLM discourse is reanimating key features of 2004ish Wikipedia discourse.
Wow. Just wow.
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
October 16, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Every decade, university administrators excite themselves over the prospects of firing all the faculty and 95% of the staff.
Early 2020s: LLMs
Early 2010s: MOOCs
Early 2000s: Wikis
Early 2020s: LLMs
Early 2010s: MOOCs
Early 2000s: Wikis
Reposted by Pete Orford
We’re on our way to Dickens Day 🎉
Awake and at the train station stupidly early? Ah, it must be Dickens Day. I'm off to London to hear a range of speakers talk all about "Dickens and Art". I'm especially looking forward to the coffee!
#DickensDay
#DickensDay
a young boy is holding a bowl with a spoon in it in front of a group of children .
Alt: A scene from David Lean's Oliver Twist in which Oliver is holding a bowl with a spoon in it in front of a group of children. We're told he is asking for gruel, but oh what the young scamp wouldn't give for a cup of coffee
media.tenor.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:40 AM
We’re on our way to Dickens Day 🎉
Awake and at the train station stupidly early? Ah, it must be Dickens Day. I'm off to London to hear a range of speakers talk all about "Dickens and Art". I'm especially looking forward to the coffee!
#DickensDay
#DickensDay
a young boy is holding a bowl with a spoon in it in front of a group of children .
Alt: A scene from David Lean's Oliver Twist in which Oliver is holding a bowl with a spoon in it in front of a group of children. We're told he is asking for gruel, but oh what the young scamp wouldn't give for a cup of coffee
media.tenor.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Awake and at the train station stupidly early? Ah, it must be Dickens Day. I'm off to London to hear a range of speakers talk all about "Dickens and Art". I'm especially looking forward to the coffee!
#DickensDay
#DickensDay
Reposted by Pete Orford
The basic structure of so much commentary, some in the guise of academic study, reduces to:
(1) generative AI products are detrimental to the goals of education
(2) therefore, the goals of education must change.
Without the tacit axiom that AI has authority behind it, that just doesn’t follow.
(1) generative AI products are detrimental to the goals of education
(2) therefore, the goals of education must change.
Without the tacit axiom that AI has authority behind it, that just doesn’t follow.
October 9, 2025 at 12:45 PM
The basic structure of so much commentary, some in the guise of academic study, reduces to:
(1) generative AI products are detrimental to the goals of education
(2) therefore, the goals of education must change.
Without the tacit axiom that AI has authority behind it, that just doesn’t follow.
(1) generative AI products are detrimental to the goals of education
(2) therefore, the goals of education must change.
Without the tacit axiom that AI has authority behind it, that just doesn’t follow.
Reposted by Pete Orford
Just to say that teachers do an incredibly difficult job, with all the right intentions, and can be the defining influence on a young person's life. They are the exact opposite of poisoners because good teaching provides the antidote to so many dangers
Nigel Farage says UK teachers are ‘poisoning our kids’ and predicts strikes as PM
Nigel Farage says UK teachers are ‘poisoning our kids’ and predicts strikes as PM
Exclusive: Reform UK leader, speaking at event for private US college, also claimed the ‘Marxist left’ controls education
Nigel Farage has predicted teachers would go on strike within weeks of a Reform UK government, and accused them of “poisoning our kids” by telling them that black children are victims and white children oppressors.
The Reform UK leader set out his view on British schools in an event for a private US Christian college in Michigan, claiming the “Marxist left” was “now in control of our education system”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Just to say that teachers do an incredibly difficult job, with all the right intentions, and can be the defining influence on a young person's life. They are the exact opposite of poisoners because good teaching provides the antidote to so many dangers
Honestly? If Badenoch is condemning something, that's pretty much the highest endorsement for doing it.
This makes me so angry. These people view all life as training for lifelong servitude/work. There's no room for interest, enjoyment, and culture in their bleak vision of education. At least she'll never be in power to see it through. Though Reform are probably worse.
October 8, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Honestly? If Badenoch is condemning something, that's pretty much the highest endorsement for doing it.
Reposted by Pete Orford
A meme for the modern university...
September 29, 2025 at 8:44 PM
A meme for the modern university...
Reposted by Pete Orford
*cough* Higher Education *cough*
the post office is a public service. it doesn’t need to make money. public transit doesn’t need to make money. the library doesn’t need to make money. some things exist for the public good and we desperately need lawmakers to stop thinking about them in terms of capitalism. these are not businesses.
September 26, 2025 at 7:39 AM
*cough* Higher Education *cough*
Academia can be demoralising at times. But today I read the first draft of my book (and liked it a lot more than I thought I would), examined a very good phd viva (which passed) and am now reading with a pint while I wait for the train back. So yeah, academia-wise, it's a good day.
September 18, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Academia can be demoralising at times. But today I read the first draft of my book (and liked it a lot more than I thought I would), examined a very good phd viva (which passed) and am now reading with a pint while I wait for the train back. So yeah, academia-wise, it's a good day.
Victorianists - a little bit of silly joy in all the gloom: take a moment today to vote for this gorgeous Lego set idea of the Great Exhibition so we can all get it for Christmas! beta.ideas.lego.com/product-idea...
September 17, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Victorianists - a little bit of silly joy in all the gloom: take a moment today to vote for this gorgeous Lego set idea of the Great Exhibition so we can all get it for Christmas! beta.ideas.lego.com/product-idea...
Oof, this one hurts. And also means I have to update my Paradise Lost slide where I compare the devils at the Stygian Council to Gollum, Loki, Hulk and Iago the parrot from Aladdin (I long since abandoned the comparison of Adam and Eve to Peter Perfect and Penelope Pitstop)
September 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Oof, this one hurts. And also means I have to update my Paradise Lost slide where I compare the devils at the Stygian Council to Gollum, Loki, Hulk and Iago the parrot from Aladdin (I long since abandoned the comparison of Adam and Eve to Peter Perfect and Penelope Pitstop)
Reposted by Pete Orford
One of the things that really grinds at the “elite” is that RAE/REF has shown for 30 years that research excellence really IS spread far beyond their narrow vision. They absolutely HATE it.
You what now? Who gets to define 'hobbyist'? The REF 'funds' research.
Anti-intellectual, utilitarian, ignorant approach from the UUK president.
Anti-intellectual, utilitarian, ignorant approach from the UUK president.
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ .
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
September 12, 2025 at 7:51 AM
One of the things that really grinds at the “elite” is that RAE/REF has shown for 30 years that research excellence really IS spread far beyond their narrow vision. They absolutely HATE it.
Reposted by Pete Orford
The last REF found that 98% of UK research was either "internationally recognised", "internationally excellent", or "world-leading". If you think low-quality research is the noteworthy challenge in UK higher ed right now, you are wilfully looking in the wrong direction
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ .
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ - Research Professional News
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:53 AM
The last REF found that 98% of UK research was either "internationally recognised", "internationally excellent", or "world-leading". If you think low-quality research is the noteworthy challenge in UK higher ed right now, you are wilfully looking in the wrong direction
Reposted by Pete Orford
We want robust, enormous research that is SUCH good research, you already know how important and right and insightful it is before you even start it. We want research so predeterminedly world-changing that there is hardly any point actually doing the research at all.
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ .
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ - Research Professional News
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:11 AM
We want robust, enormous research that is SUCH good research, you already know how important and right and insightful it is before you even start it. We want research so predeterminedly world-changing that there is hardly any point actually doing the research at all.
Editing hack that's always helped me:
1. Go through your draft and number each paragraph on the document
2. Write the numbers and a short descriptive title of each paragraph on separate pieces of paper.
3. Move the papers round and test out better narrative flows for your argument
4. Now edit!
1. Go through your draft and number each paragraph on the document
2. Write the numbers and a short descriptive title of each paragraph on separate pieces of paper.
3. Move the papers round and test out better narrative flows for your argument
4. Now edit!
September 11, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Editing hack that's always helped me:
1. Go through your draft and number each paragraph on the document
2. Write the numbers and a short descriptive title of each paragraph on separate pieces of paper.
3. Move the papers round and test out better narrative flows for your argument
4. Now edit!
1. Go through your draft and number each paragraph on the document
2. Write the numbers and a short descriptive title of each paragraph on separate pieces of paper.
3. Move the papers round and test out better narrative flows for your argument
4. Now edit!
Reposted by Pete Orford
I’m reasonably confident that Starkey doesn’t even know what he means when he says “technical education”, except that he thinks it’s something good enough for oiks.
David Starkey is back, apparently spoke at the Reform UK conference.
'Starkey would also like to see Reform reverse former prime minister John Major’s decision in 1992 to allow polytechnics to become universities and oblige the restored polytechnics to focus on technical education.'
'Starkey would also like to see Reform reverse former prime minister John Major’s decision in 1992 to allow polytechnics to become universities and oblige the restored polytechnics to focus on technical education.'
Is it time for universities to engage seriously with Reform UK?
A sector described by a leading party figure as a ‘conveyor belt for communism’ is understandably wary of Nigel Farage’s latest right-wing populist project. But Reform UK persistently tops opinion pol...
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:08 AM
I’m reasonably confident that Starkey doesn’t even know what he means when he says “technical education”, except that he thinks it’s something good enough for oiks.
Reposted by Pete Orford
✨Call for reviewers ✨
There are lots of new Victorianist books this autumn, and we're looking for reviewers at the @bavs-uk.bsky.social newsletter.
It’s the perfect opportunity for Victorian scholars to read the latest releases and publish a review.
Full details here 👇
bavs.ac.uk/newsletters/
There are lots of new Victorianist books this autumn, and we're looking for reviewers at the @bavs-uk.bsky.social newsletter.
It’s the perfect opportunity for Victorian scholars to read the latest releases and publish a review.
Full details here 👇
bavs.ac.uk/newsletters/
» NewslettersBAVSNewsletters | BAVS
bavs.ac.uk
September 10, 2025 at 10:31 AM
✨Call for reviewers ✨
There are lots of new Victorianist books this autumn, and we're looking for reviewers at the @bavs-uk.bsky.social newsletter.
It’s the perfect opportunity for Victorian scholars to read the latest releases and publish a review.
Full details here 👇
bavs.ac.uk/newsletters/
There are lots of new Victorianist books this autumn, and we're looking for reviewers at the @bavs-uk.bsky.social newsletter.
It’s the perfect opportunity for Victorian scholars to read the latest releases and publish a review.
Full details here 👇
bavs.ac.uk/newsletters/
What day is it sir? Why it's DICKENS DAY sir! Join us in London on 11 October for a day of readings and papers on the theme of Dickens and Art. More details and booking form here:
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Dickens Day 2025 - ‘Dickens and Art’
ies.sas.ac.uk
September 10, 2025 at 8:02 AM
What day is it sir? Why it's DICKENS DAY sir! Join us in London on 11 October for a day of readings and papers on the theme of Dickens and Art. More details and booking form here:
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by Pete Orford
Major university merger announced. The start of a wave?
Shock university ‘merger’ announced
The Universities of Kent and Greenwich are set to ‘merge’ in a shock move affecting thousands of staff and students.
www.kentonline.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Major university merger announced. The start of a wave?
Reposted by Pete Orford
Crisis at England universities created by successive govts.
Freeze on student fees
Real cuts in govt grants
Harder to enrol foreign students
Home student numbers falling
£267bn student debt
Real wage cuts
40% of universities in trouble.
Local economies decline with university decline
Freeze on student fees
Real cuts in govt grants
Harder to enrol foreign students
Home student numbers falling
£267bn student debt
Real wage cuts
40% of universities in trouble.
Local economies decline with university decline
The Guardian view on university finances: stop chipping away at a crumbling system | Editorial
Editorial: Economic and academic activity are bound up together. Charging international students more for less will not fix deep-seated problems
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Crisis at England universities created by successive govts.
Freeze on student fees
Real cuts in govt grants
Harder to enrol foreign students
Home student numbers falling
£267bn student debt
Real wage cuts
40% of universities in trouble.
Local economies decline with university decline
Freeze on student fees
Real cuts in govt grants
Harder to enrol foreign students
Home student numbers falling
£267bn student debt
Real wage cuts
40% of universities in trouble.
Local economies decline with university decline
Reposted by Pete Orford
"leaving what is taught in our universities solely up to market forces undermines resilient subject provision and economic strategy, with lasting consequences for students and for universities’ ability to serve a public good.” 2/2
Cold spots: Mapping inequality in SHAPE provision in UK higher education
This British Academy report reveals that many parts of the UK are becoming subject cold spots – areas with no provision in a subject within a commutable distance. These are often in rural, coastal or ...
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
September 10, 2025 at 6:03 AM
"leaving what is taught in our universities solely up to market forces undermines resilient subject provision and economic strategy, with lasting consequences for students and for universities’ ability to serve a public good.” 2/2
Reposted by Pete Orford
A really fine summary of this important aspect of the 19th-c newspaper press. Thanks, too, to the always terrific Victorian Commons for the link to this splendid clip about Dickens's experience as a Parliamentary reporter: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AROf... #19thc #C19th @rs4vp.org
September 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A really fine summary of this important aspect of the 19th-c newspaper press. Thanks, too, to the always terrific Victorian Commons for the link to this splendid clip about Dickens's experience as a Parliamentary reporter: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AROf... #19thc #C19th @rs4vp.org