Universities worldwide are a growing target for hackers. A July 2020 report by cybersecurity company Redscan found more than 50% of UK universities recorded a data breach in the previous 12 months. More recently, a data breach has affected 444,000 users of ProctorU. Universities, including several Australian ones, use this online tool to supervise students sitting exams from […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Universities are a juicy prize for cyber criminals. Here are 5 ways to improve their defences
#LitReview – Getting to structure, part one
If you are about to start reading for your doctorate, or are already in the reading phase, then you know that you are reading in order to: refine your research question, locate your work in the field, identify your potential contribution, and find material that helps you to plan your research and analysis. You may […] … learn more→
The course begins: how to return to the classroom without fear
Far back this year has been the return to “school” characterized by the nerves of the students to see their classmates, the illusion of brand new backpack, enjoy the smell of a new book or the adrenaline of the beginning of a new educational stage. The current scenario poses an unusual turn, in which it […] … learn more→
Academics whose institution has no post-Covid future should be laid off
The job subsidies that are in place in many countries as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns now apply to more than 50 million workers across the world, including probably about half a million in higher education. The subsidies’ aim is a worthy one: to protect workers from a descent into poverty when their jobs […] … learn more→
‘Lit therapy’ in the classroom: writing about trauma can be valuable, if done right
Some of my students have been assaulted. Others have been homeless, jobless or broke, some suffer from depression, anxiety or grief. Some fight addiction, cancer or for custody. Many are in pain and they want to write about it. Opening wounds in the classroom is messy and risky. Boundaries and intentions can feel blurred in […] … learn more→
For maximum Covid compliance, build bridges with students, not barriers
When college students get onto campus this autumn, they will behave as 18-24-year-olds are accustomed to. They will gather in groups – to study, to socialise and, in the case of older students, to renew acquaintances that were abruptly broken off when Covid-19 hit in March 2020, forcing campus evacuations and the completion of the […] … learn more→
8 tips to support Grade 1 readers at home
Learning to read is one of the most important skills and strongest predictors of success. Studies show that children who develop strong reading skills are more successful in school, more likely go to university and more likely to achieve a high quality of life. Teaching children how to read is primarily a teacher’s job, but parents play a valuable role. Reading for […] … learn more→
Universities must redouble their international mission
The suspension of international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to revisit confident assertions that the 21st century will be defined by smooth and unfettered global links. In an age of lockdowns, working from home and the return, in some cases, of international trade barriers, many have been tempted to predict a more […] … learn more→
Governing universities: tertiary experience no longer required
Australian universities are in dire straits. The sudden loss of international student fees due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent court rulings of wage theft by some of our top universities have exposed the depth of these problems. The workforce is highly casualised. There is a sharp divide between senior management and academic and professional staff. On top of decades […] … learn more→
Covid-19 : Why this crisis can widen the inequalities between researchers
The ability to publish scientific articles in the best journals in one’s discipline is the engine of academic careers. It is crucial for promotion and recognition by peers. In this race, women are less present. We thus see their proportion decrease as we go up in the hierarchy. In the United Kingdom, for example, they represent 45% of […] … learn more→
