Black-Liberation.Tech

Welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today we're exploring the concept of teaching as a human service. This discussion stems from a blog post I wrote in April 2018, where I shared advice with a fellow educator about integrating health and human services into the school curriculum.

In this episode, I recount a conversation with John, a former human service professional now working as a faculty member in a teacher preparation program. He shared the idea of viewing teaching as a human service, which resonated with me deeply. Education is not just about delivering content; it's about addressing the holistic needs of students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Incorporating Human Services into Education: Consider how health and human services can be part of what defines student success. Partner with organizations to meet student needs and incorporate specific learning outcomes related to practical life skills.
• Identifying Challenges: Engage with students and teachers to identify problems that hinder learning. Partner with services to address these challenges effectively.
• Practical Applications: Integrate subjects like math and English with life skills, such as financial literacy and completing essential paperwork. Use assignments that have direct benefits for students.
• Engaging Assignments: Allow students to choose topics or problems they are passionate about and guide them in researching and finding solutions.
• Service Learning: Use real-life problems and interdisciplinary approaches to teach problem-solving skills. Partner with community services and professionals to enhance learning experiences.

I also shared personal experiences, such as the importance of understanding and completing complex documents like those required for buying a home. This highlights the value of integrating practical life skills into the curriculum.

List of Human Services to Consider:

1. Health Care Services
2. Mental Health Services
3. Social Work Services
4. Housing Assistance
5. Food Assistance Programs
6. Child and Family Services
7. Domestic Violence and Abuse Services
8. Employment and Job Training Programs
9. Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
10. Disability Services
11. Legal Aid and Advocacy Services
12. Financial Assistance Services
13. Elderly and Aging Services
14. Community Development Programs
15. Crisis Intervention Services

Final Thoughts:

• Embrace the holistic approach to teaching.
• Partner with services that support student well-being.
• Encourage problem-solving and practical applications in education.
• Use assignments to address real-life challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. If you found this discussion valuable, please like, subscribe, share, and review the podcast to help others discover it. Until next time, take care and keep pushing forward in your educational journey.

Don't forget to check out my merch at Black-Liberation.Tech.

Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today, I'm excited to share my blog post from April 2018 titled "New York City Day Trip."

Episode Highlights:

• Conference Duties: I discuss my experience serving as a chair for the Instructional Technology Special Interest Group's Computational Thinking and Robotics paper session at the 2018 American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting.
• Professional Development: The importance of attending conferences, networking, and gaining service experience to enhance your CV and professional profile.
• Budget Travel Tips: How to navigate attending conferences on a budget, including taking day trips and finding cost-effective travel options.
• Reconnecting with Friends: My visit to see Dr. Tama Jackson in the Bronx and the joy of catching up with long-time friends during conference travels.
• Conference Preparation: Tips on dressing for comfort and style, preparing for your session, and engaging the audience effectively.
• Feedback and Discussion: The role of a chairperson in facilitating meaningful conversations and providing constructive feedback during paper sessions.
• Networking Opportunities: The value of connecting with colleagues and new acquaintances at conferences.
• Balancing Work and Fun: Making time to enjoy the city and relax after conference duties.

Key Takeaways:

• Participating in conferences as a presenter, chair, or discussant can significantly boost your professional development.
• Strategic planning and budgeting can make conference attendance feasible, even on a tight budget.
• Engaging with the audience and fostering discussions enriches the conference experience for both presenters and attendees.
• Networking and reconnecting with friends can enhance your conference experience and provide personal and professional growth opportunities.

Listen Now: Join me as I recount my whirlwind day trip to NYC, filled with professional insights, heartfelt reunions, and practical tips for navigating conferences. Whether you're a seasoned academic or just starting your journey, this episode has something for everyone.

#BlackLiberationTech #NYCDayTrip #ConferenceTravel #AcademicLife #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #Education #STEMConferences #BudgetTravel #WomenInSTEM #BlackWomenInSTEM #LatinasInSTEM

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Rate and review the podcast to help it reach more listeners. Until next time, keep striving and thriving!

Welcome back to the Black Liberation Tech podcast! I’m your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. In today’s episode, "Do the I's Have It: Presenting & Defending Diverse Perspectives on the Same Phenomena," we delve into the significance of examining data through multiple philosophical lenses.

Introduction and Context:

• Recap of attending, presenting, and serving as a discussant at the 2018 Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Annual Conference in Mexico City.
• Focus on the presentation titled "Do the I's Have It? Using Ubuntu's 'We' and Descartes' 'I' to Examine Pedagogical Engagements."

Conference Highlights:

• Presentation during the Indigenous Knowledge and the Academy SIG round-table session.
• Serving as a discussant for the ICT4D SIG Research Track.

Exploring Philosophical Perspectives:

• Challenge presented by Dr. Fournillier to analyze data using both Ubuntu’s collective philosophy and Descartes’ individualistic approach.
• The dual analysis aimed to compare Ubuntu ("I am because we are"), an African philosophy, with Descartes’ ("I think therefore I am"), a Western philosophy.

Significance of Diverse Philosophies:

• Importance of considering different philosophical perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of data.
• Encountering and addressing challenges to using non-Western philosophies in academic research.
• Defense of using Ubuntu in analyzing data relevant to Black or African-American participants.

Key Takeaways from the Round Table Discussion:

• Interaction with a participant challenging the applicability of Ubuntu, an African philosophy, to African-American students in an urban American setting.
• Response centered on the validity and necessity of using diverse perspectives, particularly for Afrocentric research.
• Support and recognition from other attendees for the approach and arguments presented.

Encouragement for Researchers:

• Inspiration to explore and apply non-mainstream philosophies in research.
• Juxtaposition of different philosophical lenses to uncover varied insights on the same phenomenon.
• Highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in enriching academic discourse.

Role as a Discussant:

• Enjoyment and benefits of engaging with peers’ work, asking questions, and providing constructive feedback.
• Importance of discussions in refining research and exploring new ideas.

Networking and Cultural Experience:

• Meeting and connecting with various attendees at the conference.
• Exploring Mexico City, including historic sites, pyramids, and cultural experiences with conference peers.

Advice for Conference Submissions:

• Encouragement to submit to conferences and consider round-table discussions for a more informal and interactive presentation experience.
• Comparison of round-table discussions with paper presentations and poster sessions.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and review the podcast to help it reach more listeners. Until next time, thank you and goodbye!

Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today we’re diving into the topic "Your Hand Has A Memory: Study Tips for STEM." This episode is inspired by a blog post I wrote, which delves into the importance of hands-on learning and how actively engaging with your study material can enhance your memory and understanding, particularly in STEM fields.

Introduction to the Topic:

• Importance of hands-on learning and how physically engaging with material can improve retention and comprehension.

Conversation with My Niece:

• Text exchange with my niece at Morgan State University about her study strategies for midterms.
• Advice on focusing study time on the most challenging subjects.

Study Tips for Science:

• Drawing diagrams for processes and labeling each step.
• Writing out what happens in each step and including key vocabulary.
• Using diagrams and flowcharts to understand and remember sequences.

Writing and Drawing for Memory:

• Importance of writing and drawing to reinforce learning.

Math Study Tips:

• Working through problems step-by-step and writing out each step.
• Covering up solutions and attempting to solve problems independently.
• Importance of understanding the process, not just the final answer.

Showing Work in Mathematics:

• Importance of documenting each step in problem-solving.
• Helps teachers identify and correct mistakes, potentially earning partial credit.
• Written steps clarify your thought process and provide a clear path for improvement.

Digital Literacy and Application Software:

• Tips for mastering software like Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Making your own instruction manual with screenshots and step-by-step guides.

Importance of Active Engagement:

• Rewriting notes to ensure legibility and fill in gaps.
• Hands-on practice with software and tools to reinforce learning.

Science Study Techniques:

• Using visual aids and diagrams to understand complex processes.
• Beyond definitions, comprehend the entire process: inputs, sequences, and outputs.
• Self-created diagrams and notes reinforce memory more effectively than passive observation.

Utilizing Available Resources:

• Leverage all class materials, syllabus guidelines, and online learning management systems.
• Explore additional resources like recommended websites and videos.
• Proactively seek help from professors, teaching assistants, classmates, and tutoring services.

Prioritizing Study Efforts:

• Focus on the most challenging subjects first.
• Schedule hardest exams first if possible, to alleviate stress and allow more relaxed preparation for easier subjects.
• Major-specific courses deserve extra attention.

Final Thoughts:

• Encouragement to use hands-on learning techniques for better retention and understanding.
• Importance of actively engaging with study material, especially in STEM subjects.
• Reminder to treat study notes as dynamic tools that evolve with your understanding.

In this episode, we delve into the importance and process of writing and revising abstracts for academic papers. We'll discuss why the abstract, although often written last, is crucial as it serves as the first point of contact for your readers. I'll also share personal experiences and tips to help you craft compelling and accurate abstracts.

Introduction to the Topic:

• Reading a blog post from February 12, 2018, featuring a conversation with my niece about writing abstracts.
• Emphasis on the spring semester being underway and the relevance of understanding how to write effective abstracts.

Personal Story:

• Sharing a text message exchange with my niece about her biology lab report.
• Advice to complete the report first and then write the abstract to accurately summarize the work.

Purpose of an Abstract:

• Abstracts provide a summary of your paper and help readers decide whether to read the entire article.
• Importance of capturing the audience’s interest while providing an accurate depiction of your work.

Writing the Abstract:

• Start with a draft abstract based on your anticipated content.
• Revisit and update the abstract after completing your work to ensure it reflects your findings and discussion.

Components of an Abstract:

• Summarize the problem or issue, research questions, methods, and findings.
• Highlight the significance and implications of your work.

Literature Reviews and Methodologies:

• Start your long paper with a literature review to identify gaps and build a foundation for your research.
• Explore different methodologies used by others and decide if you want to replicate or extend their work.

Practical Tips:

• It’s okay to write sections of your paper out of order.
• Use the literature review to inform your research questions and methods.
• Continually update your abstract as your work progresses.

Personal Research Journey:

• Sharing my experience with my dissertation on Latinas, African Latinas, and Black women in tech-saturated industries.
• Discussing how my literature review evolved over five years and influenced my methodology.
• Emphasizing the importance of adapting your methods to fit time constraints and research goals.

Ongoing Revisions:

• The need for constant revision of the literature review to include new findings.
• Adjusting the methodology and introduction sections to reflect what was actually done.
• Treating the abstract as a living document that evolves with your research.

Final Thoughts: Revising your abstract is a crucial step in the research writing process. It not only provides a clear summary for your readers but also helps you clarify your own understanding of your work. Remember to continuously refine your abstract to ensure it accurately reflects the essence of your study.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for taking control of your own learning, especially when formal assignments are lacking. Drawing from personal experiences and practical strategies, we also discuss how to effectively engage with course material and ensure academic success.

Identifying Knowledge Gaps:

• Spend more time studying areas you don’t understand well.
• Mark topics in your notes that you don’t know well for further review.

Proactive Studying:

• Read assigned textbooks even if the professor doesn’t explicitly tell you to.

Effective Note-Taking:

• Turn headings and subheadings into questions to focus your study.

Self-Reflection:

• Reflect regularly on your performance and understanding of the material.
• Adjust your study habits based on what you learn from these reflections.

Create Your Own Homework:

• Design homework assignments for yourself by answering questions from the textbook and creating summaries.
• Develop study guides and chapter summaries even if not assigned by the professor.

Leverage Technology and Resources:

• Use online resources such as videos and study guides to supplement your learning.
• Look for additional questions and materials online to deepen your understanding.

Engage with the Material:

• Interact with the content beyond just reading. Take notes, summarize, and ask questions.
• Seek out explanations and summaries from different sources to gain a broader perspective.

Practical Application:

• Apply what you’ve learned to real-life examples and problems.
• Connect different texts and concepts to understand how they interrelate.

Engagement in Class:

• Actively participate and ask questions during class.
• Don’t wait until the test to realize you have gaps in your knowledge.
• If something is unclear after a quiz or test, seek clarification from your professor or tutor.

Utilizing School Resources:

• Many schools offer tutoring services through student services.
• If your school doesn’t have a tutor for your subject, find resources online.

Collaborating with Classmates:

• Partner with classmates to discuss and review material.
• Ask classmates where specific information was covered if you missed it.

Effective Note-Taking:

• Use bullet points, diagrams, and charts to break down information into manageable pieces.
• Create infographics to visualize processes and hierarchies.

Adaptability to Different Teaching Styles:

• Understand that different professors have different teaching styles.
• Adjust your study methods to fit the style of your professor, whether they use active learning or lecture-based teaching.

Being Proactive and Seeking Help:

• Utilize teaching assistants and compare your understanding with classmates.
• Validate information from external resources to ensure it aligns with your course objectives.

Final Thoughts: Taking charge of your own learning, especially in challenging classes without assigned homework, is crucial for academic success. By actively engaging with the material, creating your own study assignments, and using available resources, you can master even the most difficult subjects.

Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Today's topic is "You Can Learn a Lot from a 6th Grader." I'm excited to share some valuable lessons I learned from presenting at the 2017 Georgia Tech STEM Education Research Expo.

Key Takeaways:

Participate in Conferences: Engaging in conferences, meetings, and expos is invaluable. They are living, breathing libraries of information that can provide insights and resources tailored to your needs.

Support, Networking and Feedback: Always check if any of your classmates or colleagues are attending the same conference. Having friendly faces in the audience can be comforting and encouraging. Attend their presentations as well to support them and to build a sense of community. Conferences offer opportunities to network, receive feedback, and discover new tools and methods. Each interaction can help you refine your work and presentation skills.

Preparation and Adaptability: Be prepared for technical issues and adapt quickly. Practice your presentation thoroughly so you can continue smoothly even without your visuals. Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the technology and setup. Ensure you have all necessary adapters and that your presentation is compatible with the provided equipment.

Applying to Opportunities: Don't hesitate to apply for opportunities. Whether it's a job, conference, or other professional events, submit your proposals and let them decide.

Engaging with Peers and Professionals: Presenting at conferences places you alongside peers and seasoned professionals, providing a platform to share your work and learn from others.

Monitor Opportunities: Stay vigilant about opportunities in your field. Important announcements often come via email, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Handling Technical Difficulties: Be prepared for any technical issues. Bring a printed copy of your presentation as a backup. Know how to switch display modes on different devices and be ready to assist others if they face technical issues. Ensure your laptop is updated before the conference to avoid unexpected updates during your presentation.

Adaptability: If your presentation faces issues, stay calm and continue as best as you can. Share your information verbally and engage with the audience.

Learning and Feedback: Use every conference as a learning opportunity. Collect feedback from attendees to improve your work.

Presentation Tips: For posters, ensure they are well-designed and easy to read. Include all necessary logos and funding acknowledgments.

Additional Tips for Conference Participation: Engage in academic and professional events at various levels, not just national or state conferences. Local and school-based events are also valuable. Keep your advisors informed about your conference submissions and activities.

Align with Conference Goals: Ensure your work aligns with the conference's focus. Tailor your proposal to meet their objectives and demonstrate how your work fits in.

Build a Strong CV: Engage in various activities outside of coursework to build a robust CV, including presenting at conferences, reviewing journal articles, and participating as a reviewer for conferences.

Conclusion: Participating in conferences and academic events is crucial for your professional development. It offers practice, feedback, and networking opportunities that are invaluable for your growth. Remember to read the call for proposals carefully and align your submissions with the conference's focus to increase your chances of acceptance.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan takes listeners on a journey through her experiences and insights from a significant conference presentation. The episode is anchored by a blog post she wrote on November 11, 2017, titled "I Told You So," which she shares in full. This post details her participation in the Association for Educational Communication and Technology's (AECT) 2017 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Jordan also delves into the importance of making connections with people and literature, sharing her experiences and lessons learned from her academic journey.

Key Highlights:

1. Conference Experience:

• Dr. Jordan's presentation on "I Told You So: Student Agency During the Pilot Test of a Middle School ICT Enrichment Program."
• Volunteering as a technology support person, highlighting the importance of technical assistance at conferences.

2. Making Connections:

• The value of networking with peers and mentors.
• The role of these connections in her academic and professional growth.

3. Tips for Conference Attendees:

• Volunteering at conferences to offset registration costs.
• Seeking out various funding sources for conference attendance, including departmental support, student organizations, and employer sponsorship.

4. Advice for Aspiring Scholars:

• Actively seeking advice and making the most of the guidance received from seasoned professionals.
• The importance of asking for help and offering support in return.

5. Value of Asking for Help:

• Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of valuing the advice and guidance from those who have the knowledge and experience you seek.
• She stresses the significance of diligently following up on the recommendations given by mentors and experts.

6. Learning from Ubuntu and Bumuntu:

• Dr. Jordan shares her journey of exploring the concepts of Ubuntu and its equivalent, Bumuntu, to frame her educational research.
• She highlights the importance of understanding the context and usage of concepts in literature and adapting them to fit one’s research needs.

7. Importance of Literature Review:

• The necessity of reading extensively to understand what others have contributed to your field.
• Using existing literature to support and frame your unique research perspective.

8. Networking and Conference Participation:

• The benefits of attending conferences, making meaningful connections, and engaging with peers and mentors.
• Tips on seeking financial support for conference attendance through volunteering, departmental funds, and travel scholarships.

9. Practical Advice for Scholars:

• The importance of having an elevator pitch to succinctly explain your research.
• Continuously talking about your work to refine your ideas and articulate them clearly.
• Seeking out and valuing counterarguments to strengthen your research.

Conclusion: Dr. Jordan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to seize every opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. She stresses the importance of making meaningful connections and contributing to the academic community. Finally, Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of networking, reading, and following up on advice to enhance one’s academic and professional journey.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan dives into the challenges and strategies for navigating the end of the semester and managing group projects effectively. Drawing from a reflective blog post written on November 4, 2017, Dr. Jordan shares personal experiences, practical tips, and valuable lessons for both students and educators. Additionally, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of group work and the growth that comes from navigating these challenges. Whether you're a student or a professional, the lessons shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone working in collaborative environments.

End-of-Semester Reflections: Dr. Jordan reads and discusses her blog post titled "It's the End of the Semester as We Know It," highlighting the busy and often stressful nature of the semester's end.

Writing Papers: Importance of reviewing assignment instructions and rubrics thoroughly.

Tips for Academic Success: Consistent revisiting of assignment instructions and rubrics to ensure no requirements are missed.

Group Project Management: Personal experience with a grant writing class group project, emphasizing the importance of clear task division and regular feedback.

Networking and Continuous Learning: Encouragement to participate in study groups, peer reviews, and academic networking.

Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Dr. Jordan shares her personal strategies for balancing papers, proposals, and presentations during the hectic end-of-semester period.

Real-World Application: The benefits of working on real-world projects, such as grant proposals, that have tangible impacts beyond the classroom.

Effective Communication in Group Projects: Approach group members non-confrontationally when issues arise.

Learning from Mistakes: Dr. Jordan shares a past mistake of escalating a group conflict to a professor, leading to disappointment and the necessity for apologies.

Balancing Leadership Roles: Stepping back from formal leadership roles can still allow for impactful leadership from within the group.

Dealing with Group Conflict: Share an instance where a group member unilaterally changed the project submission, leading to a significant conflict.

Handling Emotional Responses: The emotional toll of group projects and the necessity to sometimes pause and seek external advice before reacting.

The Importance of Instructor Feedback: Leveraging instructor feedback to improve group projects and ensure alignment with course expectations.

Real-World Application of Group Work Skills: Group work skills are not only essential in academic settings but also in professional environments.

Closing: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. I hope you found these tips and reflections helpful as you navigate the end of the semester and tackle group projects. Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others. Leave your comments and questions, and don't forget to rate and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable. See you next time! Take care and happy studying! Bye-bye.

Strategic Learning & Networking

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Black Liberation.Tech Podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and I'm here to talk about another side to the story. This episode is a reflection on a blog post I wrote back in October 2017. At that time, I had just completed my third conference presentation and was preparing for a fourth. I also had a chance to speak with my niece, who was a new assistant chef on a Norwegian Cruise Line in Hawaii. I'll be sharing a blog post from that time because it contains important information that I want to ensure I convey clearly. So, here I go!

Key Insights:

1. Empowering Students:

• Students can take control of their learning by understanding their learning styles and seeking resources that work best for them, beyond what instructors provide.
• Use different resources, including online tools and hands-on projects, to enhance learning.

2. Learning as a Professional:

• Continuous learning is essential for growth and staying updated in your field.
• Conferences are invaluable for networking and learning from peers.

3. Networking:

• Conferences offer opportunities to connect with potential colleagues, supervisors, and committee members for your academic work.
• Networking can provide new insights, validate your work, and challenge your perspectives.

4. Attending Conferences:

• Plan your day to avoid information overload: attend two sessions in the morning and two in the evening.
• Explore various topics, even outside your specific field, to broaden your knowledge base.

Personal Experience:

• I attended various prospectus and dissertation defenses at Georgia State University, learning from peers in different fields.
• An encounter with a peer’s work on Black women composers introduced me to the concept of daughtering, which I later incorporated into my own dissertation.

Conclusion:

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech Podcast. I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Leave your comments and questions, and don’t forget to rate and review to help us become more discoverable. See you next time!