What if we were brave enough to value the things that actually matter?
Author: Dr Linda McIver
Dr Linda McIver pioneered authentic Data Science and Computational Science education with real impact for secondary students and founded the Australian Data Science Education Institute in 2018. Author of Raising Heretics: Teaching Kids to Change the World, Linda is an inspiring keynote speaker who has appeared on the ABC’s panel program Q&A, and regularly delivers engaging Professional Development for Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Educators across all disciplines. A passionate educator, researcher and advocate for STEM, equity and inclusion, with a PhD in Computer Science Education and extensive teaching experience, Linda’s mission is to ensure that all Australian students have the opportunity to learn STEM and Data Science skills in the context of projects that empower them to solve problems and make a positive difference to the world.
Prove it
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, to buy a product, buy into the idea, plan classroom activities, or even invest in the company, that makes the most attractive claims. But there’s a two word sentence that could protect us, if only we wielded it more often. Prove it.
Do you see what I see?
As a young adult, I used to play a game I called The Accent Game. I have an unusual accent, and no one can ever figure out quite where I'm from. When people asked, I'd ask them to guess, and note their response. I only took first guesses, but I stopped counting when I got… Continue reading Do you see what I see?
The Toddler Guide to the Broligarchy
Remember the Toddler Laws of Ownership, by Kevin McHugh? They perfectly encapsulate the Broligarchy's attitude to data: "1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. 5. If… Continue reading The Toddler Guide to the Broligarchy
Tipping Points
Years ago, while worrying about climate change, I took both comfort and alarm from the idea that there would come a point where everything climate scientists had been predicting for decades would come to pass, and no one would be able to ignore climate science or dismiss climate change anymore. At that point, surely, we would act, and act fast. That, if nothing else, would be our tipping point.