Oct 21
I am a Digital Humanities Specialist at the Digital Humanities Observatory (DHO) in Dublin, Ireland.
Academically, my research interests revolve about nineteenth century Canadian economic, business and social history. Most specifically the role of drink and those who served them in late 19thC Ontario. More broadly I explore the adaptation of technology and information visualisation to the pedagogical process.
Professionally, I enjoyed the dotcom boom as jack-of-all trades in co-founded development ventures. Prior to that I was a self-employed journeyman involved in all aspects of information architecture.
I have some history in technology and my main joy in life is catalyzing the reaction between technology and the study of history.




randomosity is the personal blog of Shawn Day. It presents strikingly random items of interest to me. I hope you may stumble upon something that interests you here as well.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:19 am
reply to response 9
I agree that students are lazy, but also I think some professors can become more interactive which will keep students paying attension. The world is a very active place these days and then to go sit in a class for two hours where the teacher just talks it puts you to sleep. Even if you do the reading it feels like being in class is a waist of time sometimes. If a teacher is more active like letting you ask questions or put in some input or simply just walk around instead of standing in one spot, then students will pay more attension. My view on the lap top part is that I am glad my professors don’t let you use them unless you tell them ahead of time a valid reason. If they didn’t do this kids would deffinatley be distracted because thats how kids are. A more interactive classroom results in a better learning environment. I think there has been studies proving this too.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:31 am
@sarah. Thanks for your comment Sarah. I agree with you absolutely that this is a two way street. I think this is what the video that this is a transcript of is also suggesting. Those instructing must engage and this means keeping up with the multitude of technical distractions exist in student’s lives.
Interactivity is crucial. I agree with you. Finding ways to encourage this rests with the lecturer and all too often it is lacking.