iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 21/06/2025

Cheering on the Kingston Chestmates Dragon Boat Team today, competing this weekend in Vancouver, all the way from the waters of Lake Ontario! #ConcordPacificDragonBoatFestival #DragonBoatBC

Two boys cheer enthusiastically in front of a television showing an instant replay of a dragon boat race. The TV displays multiple dragon boats nearing the finish line, marked by coloured buoys. The boys stand in front of a modern fireplace, visibly excited as they support their mom’s team from home

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/05/2025

Excited to be offering some welcoming remarks at the annual Showcase of Teaching and Learning. This 15th annual event is the official kickoff to #QueensU Teaching and Learning month! Special thanks to those presenting and to the CTL staff who organized this event.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 12/05/2025

Congratulations to this year's cohort of ten 3M National Teaching Fellows! The 3MNTF has been described as the "superbowl" (don't ask how the metaphor works) of teaching awards here in Canada. www.stlhe.ca/award_winner...

stlhe.ca

2025 3M National Teaching Fellows – STLHE

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 09/05/2025

Cherry trees in flower on the #QueensU campus

Close-up of cherry blossoms in full bloom, with clusters of pale pink and white flowers covering the branches. A few green leaves are visible, and the background shows a concrete building partially obscured by the dense blossoms.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 06/05/2025

Chimney Swifts have returned to Kingston—first day I’m hearing their chortling calls overhead.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 03/05/2025

I was a regular runner until 2017, then injured my ankle and stopped. Eight weeks ago, I started again with the goal of running 5km comfortably. Today, I finished the program and met my goal. Ran 6km. The next goal: stay injury-free and keep it going—5km, three times a week will make me happy!

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 02/05/2025

Grateful to have taken a day for myself today, spending the morning in the glory of spring ephemerals and returning migrants (23 birds species) at Frontenac Provincial Park. ebird.org/checklist/S2...

A white man wearing a red Queen’s University cap, light blue shirt, and black backpack takes a selfie on a forest trail in Frontenac Provincial Park. The background features early spring trees with fresh green growth and a winding dirt path.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/05/2025

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining teacher candidates from our Faculty of Education at Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre for the final class of their Environmental Education course. Excited to see how they’ll integrate what they’ve learned into their future classroom practice!

A group of students kneels along the edge of a clear, shallow lake under a blue sky, closely observing the water. They are gathered near a dock and shaded by tall pine trees, participating in an outdoor learning activity. A dog is seen swimming in the lake nearby.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 28/04/2025

Val Plumwood would like a word… (Environmental philosopher Plumwood wrote the essay *Being Prey* that argues the embodiment of humans not as separate, but as part of the more-than-human world, subject to its dangers)

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 28/04/2025

Trout Lilly and Bloodroot in flower; went looking for flowers yesterday without luck. That’s changed today! #SpringEphemerals

A close-up of a bright yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) blooming on the forest floor, surrounded by green mottled leaves and fallen logs in early spring sunlight.

A single white Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) flower with bright yellow stamens, standing among dry leaves and twigs in a woodland area, its large, veined leaf partially wrapping the stem.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 25/04/2025

Local park dripping with White-throated Sparrows this afternoon. Some giving short versions of their “sweet Canada” song

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 25/04/2025

Today's idle thought in #HigerEd: Fostering transparency, trust and literacy around a University's budget (not just balancing it) may be one of the most under-valued aspects of being a Provost? Best I've seen have taken the approach of an educator and looked to "teach" the University community.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 25/04/2025

Over many years, I had the opportunity to visit Whitehorse, Skagway, Haines Junction and Haines. As this article suggests, the connection between these Alaskan and Yukon communities can't be understated. thewalrus.ca/tariffs-are-...

thewalrus.ca

Tariffs Are Unravelling the Lifeline Between Yukon and Alaska | The Walrus

For one Northern community, the cost of friendship with Trump's America is too high

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Reposted by Gavan Watson, PhD

Ian Milligan @ianmilligan1.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

"At least one Ontario university has already told professors it expects to move hundreds of spaces in arts programs to STEM as a result of the announcement." Anybody in #onPSE have the scoop on which university this was? www.thestar.com/politics/pro...

thestar.com

Ford government boosts STEM education funding by $750M

Colleges and universities will receive a $750 million boost from the Ontario government for 20,500 spaces in science and engineering programs each year, helping fill — but not close —

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 20/04/2025

FOY Yellow-rumped Warbler, heard calling near Lake Ontario.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/04/2025

Cold water and warm air made for a misty scene on the St. Lawrence this afternoon—the view from the Brockville waterfront. Tool the quick trip downstream from Kingston to pick up a maple sap bucket, lid and spile for youngest’s school project.

A large green cargo ship, the M/V Ragna, moves through a grey, mist-covered body of water under a heavily overcast sky. To the left in the distance, a small island is visible, covered with sparse, leafless or dead trees, creating a stark silhouette against the low-lying mist.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/04/2025

19°C and flying insects are out (like midges). In my local park, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets are busy fly catching from the reaches of a soft maple. Quiet enough to hear their beaks snapping together as they catch their prey.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/04/2025

Bird highlights from the last 24 hours: #FOY Osprey, Tree Swallow and White-throated Sparrow.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/04/2025

Advance voting start today, and there’s already a line up at this Kingston and the Islands poll. Whether it’s today or April 28, get out and vote! #ItsOurVote #CdnPoli #Elxn45 #Elections101 #DemocracyChampions #VotingMatters #ReadyToVote

A yellow Elections Canada sign indicating the location of an advance polling station. The sign reads “Advance Poll – Lineup Starts Here” in both printed and handwritten text, and “Bureau de vote par anticipation” in French. The sign is displayed on a tripod stand in a public indoor space.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 15/04/2025

News of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) advising against "non-essential" US travel is being quickly amplified across my feed…

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 11/04/2025

Fascinating little case study how the planned use of AI at convocation (theoretically to correctly pronounce names) gets significant blow back because of the dehumanizing nature of what should be human celebration. #HigherEd

chronicle.com

Students Found Out AI Will Help Read Their Names at Commencement. Protest Ensued.

The University of North Georgia is the latest to turn to AI tech during graduation. Sources say students’ reactions offer a critical takeaway.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 07/04/2025

As the W25 exam period begins, I want to acknowledge the effort, focus, and resilience #QueensU students have shown this term. Wishing you clarity of thought and confidence in action over this final stretch of the term.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 06/04/2025

Spring continues—with Boreal Chorus Frogs now calling. These Chorus Frogs in the Kingston area are in their own geographically isolated population to the rest of the species in North America.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 04/04/2025

Had the pleasure of joining Mechmania to judge second year Smith Engineering students’ design & build culminating project this afternoon. Saw some amazing work! #QueensU #SmithEngineering

A large gymnasium filled with second-year engineering students participating in Mechmania 2, a culminating engineering project event at Queen’s University. Students are seated at tables, engaging with machines they’ve built and tested over the week. A group of facilitators in yellow “Mechmania” shirts stands at the front, observing and supporting the activity.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/04/2025

Looking forward to recognizing our #QueensU student athletes at this evening’s 2024 Colour Awards. A highlight will be presenting the Marion Ross and Jack Jarvis (Athlete of the Year) awards.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/04/2025

Get the pleasure of joining the #QueensU Department of Political Studies—and their annual recognition of teaching excellence. Thanks to the Department Student Council and the leadership in the Department of Political Studies for their work underpinning this recognition.

A digital display screen showing a slide from Queen’s University Political Studies Department Student Council. The slide announces the Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Award, recognizing and celebrating teaching excellence. Logos for Queen’s University and Political Studies appear at the top. The date shown is Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 20/03/2025

First day of Spring and the neighbourhood Merlins are back.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/03/2025

Beautiful last day of Winter, and it’s a sea of spike ball on Tindall Field. #QueensU #YGK

A busy scene at Tindall Field, Queen’s University, with students engaging in various recreational activities. Some are playing sports, while others are sitting or standing in groups. The yellow goalpost stands prominently in the foreground, with a backdrop of residential houses and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 10/03/2025

Noticed today: American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds back in the neighbourhood after their winter absence.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/03/2025

Was asked to go out and purchase snacks for kids’ choral concert:

A screenshot of a text message conversation between two people. One person suggests buying a 1.6 kg bag of pitted prunes, attaching a photo of the bag in a store. The recipient reacts with a thumbs-down emoji. The sender responds, calling prunes a “great kids snack,” and lists other items they are getting: 40 juice boxes, 54 Rice Krispie treats, 54 chips, and the 1.6 kg of prunes.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 26/02/2025

My feeling, as an academic who did some consulting for a University, now setting up a profile in a University's procurement portal.

A lone figure in a long coat stands at the entrance of an ancient, eerie underground city, illuminated by an otherworldly glow. Towering ruins, tangled vines, and glowing bioluminescent plants fill the cavern. The scene suggests the explorer is wildly out of place—like they have no business being here—heightening the tension and mystery of the moment

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Reposted by Gavan Watson, PhD

The Viking (Gunnar Blohm) @gunnarblohm.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

📢 LAST WEEK TO APPLY FOR THIS! Don't miss out 👇👇👇

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

This is…interesting. While I wasn't the recipient, the following was forwarded to me: OpenAI seems to be cold calling Queen's students, offering a reduced price on ChatGPT Plus subscription. Not sure where they got their mailing list, either. Strikes me as as kind of…scummy?

A promotional email offering Queen's University students an exclusive 50% discount on ChatGPT Plus for three months, valid until February 28. The email highlights features of ChatGPT Plus, including quick document summaries, foreign language practice, new features like projects, early access to tasks, enhanced image creation, and better answers from advanced AI models. A black button in the center reads "Get 50% Off ChatGPT Plus," and the email provides a support contact at support@openai.com.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

With the eldest on BrockU campus today and tomorrow for the First Tech Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship.

A young person stands in front of a banner for the “FIRST Tech Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship” presented by FIRST Canada. They are wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and boots, striking a thoughtful pose with one hand on their chin. Their face is covered with a smiley face emoji. The banner features a red and orange maple leaf outline, emphasizing the Canadian location of the event. A person can be seen in the background on an upper level.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

Interview worth hearing for Ed’s reflections on the personal significance of birding—a centring connection to a world bigger than oneself. Enjoyed hearing Ed’s reflections; speaks to others’ experience with the act of birding that I’ve heard.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

Voted! ❎ Number 566 in today’s advanced polls at this advance voting location. #onpoli #ontarioelection2025

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 21/02/2025

A shame this kind of work isn’t valued more, no matter the political context: “Like many rangers, Mr. Barnes, 25, described the job as a labor of love, one chosen not for glamour or money but for a true passion for nature and a strong sense of stewardship.”

nytimes.com

Fired Park Rangers Try to ‘Open Some Hearts’ on Social Media

Some rangers decided it was worth the risk to speak out online about their firings and share their love of the National Park Service.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/02/2025

New paper in the Canadian Journal for #SoTL has a study with implications for large-classroom teaching: it’s subtle cues like eye contact and smiling that seem to boost student perceptions of teaching quality. Read more in the paper: ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/cj...

ojs.lib.uwo.ca

Relational Teaching Behaviours in the Large University Class: An Observational Study | The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/02/2025

Found this unexpected snowman this morning behind Mitchell Hall. #QueensU

A small snowperson with a rounded body and head stands in a snowy area outside a building with large windows. Its facial features are made from small twigs, giving it a simple expression. Behind it, bare shrubs poke out from the snow, and reflections in the windows reveal office supplies inside the building.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/02/2025

Betty, having a meeting with herself this afternoon. #BTposse

Betty, a Border Terrier, sits in front of a laptop screen displaying a Microsoft Teams meeting. On the screen, her reflection is visible alongside a person in a red hoodie taking a photo with a smartphone. The setup includes a keyboard and monitor in the background, creating a meta moment of virtual self-recognition.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/02/2025

Nearly a century ago, Land-Grant colleges in the U.S. required university educators to have professional training for teaching. The idea that faculty need preparation to teach shouldn't be seen as revolutionary—it’s foundational.

A quote from The Amateur Hour by Jonathan Zimmerman on a yellow background with a partial view of the book cover on the right. The quote reads:

"In 1922, the Land-Grant College Association resolved that all candidates for college faculty posts should be required to have at least six semester hours of 'professional training,' including courses in educational psychology and methods of teaching; seven years later, in 1929, the Association of American Colleges declared that every graduate student intending to teach at the college level should receive 'an adequate training in methods of teaching as applied to the particular department of knowledge in which the student is working.'"

The book discusses the history of college teaching in America.

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