There are times when I lament how hard it is to do a PhD: countless hours writing and thinking that I no longer know what I’ve written or think anymore. Or the constant worry that no-one will be interested in my research when, and if, I ever finish this d@%n thesis! But when I feel like that, I try to shake my focus from my #firstworldproblems and start concentrating on what is great about doing a PhD- conferences! Continue reading
Well it’s been a while between blog posts, or drinks as they say. I’ve had a few things that have distracted me: children, job, washing hair. Oh yeah, and that thing called a PhD thesis. Continue reading
October has been a month of milestones for me; I had the last birthday of my thirties, I passed my confirmation of candidature, and I sent off my ethics application. Initially, I approached all of these events with a certain trepidation, which on reflection turned to excitement. Continue reading
At the moment, I am researching social media. While my professional interest in social media concerns its educational uses, my reading about it has crossed the boundaries to also look at personal uses, and what I’ve learnt is “it’s complicated”.
This week I’m celebrating my first academic publication about a project I did with a group of English language students in an academic preparation course using wikis for writing practice. After the initial excitement of being published, and showing off my name in print to my kids (who promptly asked what was for dinner) it’s given me reason to revisit what I learned about wikis for teaching. The three most important points can be summed up as 1) choose your wiki carefully, 2) spend some time creating productive relationships, and 3) instill new ways of thinking about authorship. Continue reading
I know it seems obvious that beginning a PhD is not for the faint hearted, otherwise everyone would have one, but is it possible to do one and enjoy having a life? (Perhaps I’ve answered my question about why not everyone has a PhD!) Continue reading
So here I am at the beginning of my journey into PhD land! I had planned on calling this blog ‘accidental academic’, but alas, the name was already taken! Does this mean that I’m not the only one who has unwittingly found themselves in the world of academia? Continue reading
Academia Diva 