Diag====| Initiating an AUTOMATIC CHECK FOR UPDATES ON PAGE LOAD wp_loaded due to FeedWordPress option = string(4) "init"
Diag====| FeedWordPress is set up to hold pings, fwp_held_ping=0
Diag| Polling feed [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/]
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2405 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:04 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["expires"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
["cache-control"]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
["pragma"]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
["link"]=>
string(74) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=45ihgjkdqbj3da819fel1veu0f; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(138) "spo_7365_fa=81d1f6808915cd52fa07e96bf7b18f33; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:04 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/deliageorgescu/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-480B2DQyWZ5FLWU6fCWMmuvnDTpzp_dp7l5q6UAoyVyz71u2s77LDkKfaq3mFjxX-3AKY; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""a92b1921fccd13b266bcc35eca7a5c90""
["vary"]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(25107) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>A foray into Delia's world</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu</link>
<description>The ramblings of a bilingual foodie lost in the Learning Technology world</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Badges with Backbone @ Canvas UK Spring meeting</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim is to widen participation, attract students from non‑traditional backgrounds, and build a curriculum tied directly to local economic needs. In short: a practical response to a higher‑education “cold spot.”</p>
<p>It couldn’t be more different from the University of Edinburgh — we’re very much the classic, historic university, and incredibly privileged in what we already have. And it seems like contradiction was the theme of this conference at least from my perspective.</p>
<h2>Badges with Backbone</h2>
<p>I was first up: Building a scalable badging model & ecosystem — which, let’s be honest, is not the most memorable title. Thanks to last week’s Practical Strategic Storytelling workshop, I renamed it “Badges with Backbone.” Much better. The audience asked lots of questions at the end. That’s a good thing… right? After what felt like a light interrogation (I was genuinely sweating), what became clear to me was this: we do have the infrastructure in place for a scalable model — check. But now we need to reconnect that infrastructure to our earners and their employers. We need to understand:</p>
<ul>
<li>How they perceive badges</li>
<li>Whether they understand their value</li>
<li>How badges evidence skills in ways that genuinely enhance employability.</li>
</ul>
<p>For our last survey, we relied on champions to share the questionnaire with the earners, and the response rate was… modest. I’m not claiming direct causation — but it does make me try going straight to the source next time: EUSA, open days, employer events — anywhere we can actually talk to the people involved.</p>
<h2><strong>Different Models, Same Purpose</strong></h2>
<p>Boston College presented after me, and I’m glad they did. Their approach to badging is bright, colourful, gamified, aimed at under‑18s. It is programme‑based and tied directly to marketable skills. At polar opposites from ours.</p>
<p>But it was a good reminder that one size doesn’t fit all. Different audiences, different needs, different solutions. They even use badges for staff accessibility training — honestly, not a bad idea.</p>
<p>I’ll admit I felt a pang of jealousy when they mentioned their rapid rollout (March to September in the same year). Then I remembered the sheer amount of groundwork we’ve put into our framework. Ours is built to scale, built to last, and ready for wider use with the SCP.</p>
<h2>APIs, AI, and Unexpected Practicality</h2>
<p>Manchester University’s session on APIs and AI was surprisingly one of the most practical AI‑in‑education talks I’ve been to. Surprising because I don’t code. I make a point to avoid coding. Usually anything with “API” in the title makes me want to sneak out of the room.</p>
<p>But the way they framed it — using AI to speed up tasks I’d otherwise spend months trying to learn — actually made sense. It felt more relevant to my day‑to‑day work than the usual high‑level ethical debates about AI literacy.</p>
<h2>Wrapping Up</h2>
<p>Overall, it was a valuable conference. Good conversations with colleagues and with the vendor, and a reminder that while we work with technology, frameworks, and strategy, we’re still human beings trying to build things that help other human beings.</p>
<p>And after presenting, surviving a Q&A, and facilitating one of the afternoon’s discussion tables… yes, I absolutely needed that pint at the end.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-03-03" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 3, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Back to the Beginning: Black Sabbath and Birmingham</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:29:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to. This […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p data-start="504" data-end="814">The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to.</p>
<p data-start="816" data-end="849">This time, though, was different.</p>
<p style="text-align: left" data-start="851" data-end="1155">Birmingham named this summer the <em data-start="113" data-end="132">Summer of Sabbath</em>, commemorating the band’s career throughout the city — from Ozzy the metal bull greeting us at the train station, to The Crown Pub and a dedicated exhibition at the Birmingham Museum. And at the heart of it all, the crown jewel: a farewell concert, the most anticipated event in metal music — and not only metal. It was a cultural moment, a homecoming unlike any other.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1155"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-141 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png" alt="Ozzy the bull metal structure" width="300" height="228" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-768x583.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull.png 878w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>The concert’s title couldn’t be more appropriate. As the train left the station heading toward Villa Park, it felt like a trip into the past — back to where it all began. We passed many a traditional red-brick building, graffitied, worn and crumbling — echoes of a more prosperous time. Once the beating heart of British industry, Birmingham led the charge in manufacturing, engineering, and automotive innovation. That proud past still lingers, like soot in the air, even as the city shifts and strains under modern pressures.</p>
<p data-start="1688" data-end="1994">For most visitors, this backdrop might feel unwelcoming — austere, even. But for this journey, it felt exactly right. I wasn’t here to experience the modern city. I was here for a pilgrimage: to witness the final homecoming of the godfathers of heavy metal. Black Sabbath, returning to where it all began.</p>
<p data-start="1996" data-end="2333">There are already hundreds of reviews out there dissecting the gig itself —the epic setlist, the legends on stage (who could fill Villa Park on their own, let alone as a collective force. But for me, the most striking element wasn’t just the music. It was how perfectly the surroundings fit.</p>
<p data-start="2335" data-end="2730">On stage, the massive screens displayed black-and-white footage of Birmingham in the 1960s. Steelworks, smokestacks, workers. As the haunting riff of “Black Sabbath” rang out, those old images reminded us that this band — and this sound — weren’t born in spite of the city’s hardship, but because of it.</p>
<p data-start="3037" data-end="3371">From our spot in the Holte End, I looked to the right, out through a break in the stands. There, through the opening, you could see rooftops stretching into the distance, the occasional train rumbling past — a living, breathing reminder of where we were. In that moment, it all made sense. The music. The place. The people. Birmingham may not be glamorous, but it has soul. And for a band like Black Sabbath — it was always the only place to begin, and the only place to end.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-146 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png" alt="Stadium concert setting with stage and crowd" width="350" height="197" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1024x577.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-768x433.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1536x865.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1440x811.png 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled.png 1919w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></p>
<p>PS: Writing this after hearing about Ozzy’s passing yesterday gives this experience a new depth, which is why I decided to share it. I wasn’t sure whether it belonged here, but after chatting with a few colleagues about the concert, I realised it might resonate more than I thought.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-07-24" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 24, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Masticate on this!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:20:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h4 style="text-align: center">My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love</h4>
<p>My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile to focus my energy into a constructive avenue). My work colleagues suggest I blog as a tool of reflecting on my work experience and potentially providing a start for my CMALT portfolio (hopefully more on that in another post). So I’m going to try to combine these topics, into a ‘food I had at work’ blog. Well, sort of…</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-62 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg" alt="a display table with cake trays" width="241" height="428" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-577x1024.jpg 577w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-768x1364.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-865x1536.jpg 865w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-541x960.jpg 541w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-scaled.jpg 1442w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" />Every time I come into the Argyle House office I feel tempted by the myriad of lovely shops around the Grassmarket area: ice-cream from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marysmilkbar/">Mary’s Milk Bar</a>, cake from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tastybunsbakery/">Tasty Buns</a>, coffee from the <a href="https://www.thesourcecoffee.co.uk/">Source</a>, spanakopita from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreekArtisanPastries/">Greek Artisan Pastries</a> are just a handful of my favourites that come to mind. Yesterday I added a new discovery to that list: the relatively recently opened <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slice_of_greece_/">Slice of Greece</a>, on Morrison Street. As I waltzed into the shop, my eyes were instantly drawn to the mastic desserts in the display. The one I chose was a Galaktompoureko, a mastic flavoured custard filled phyllo pastry pie. Why, you are asking, among all the chocolate covered croissants, baklavas and mousse pots?</p>
<p>Mastic, or mastiha, happens to be one of my favourite flavours in the world! Sadly, I don’t come across it as often as I’d like to, especially in the UK, it is an underdog. In all the GBBO seasons I’ve watched (admittedly, not all, so somebody PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong) I’ve only seen it used once in season 12 when George made brandy snaps filled with an orange blossom and mastic creme pat, and mentioned once on their recipe page (<a href="https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/">https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/</a>).</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">But what exactly is mastic?</h4>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-33 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg" alt="Close-up of resin dripping out of a mastic tree bark" width="234" height="415" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423.jpg 613w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px" /></h4>
<p>Mastic is the resin extracted from the <em>Pistacia lentiscus </em>aka the Chios mastic tree, a little shrub like tree. The resin is ‘revealed’ by cutting into the tree bark, which releases the ‘tears’ of resin. These harden and are then collected and cleaned. It is used as a flavouring in lots of deserts (list) as well as in mastica, an alcoholic sweet liqueur similar to ouzo, and in cosmetic products due to its nice smell and supposed medicinal benefits. It is also the earliest known form of chewing gum: the Ancient Greeks aptly named the resin after the word <em>mastikhan, </em>“to gnash the teeth”, which through a long linguistic journey via Latin and Old French also reached English: “to masticate, to chew”.</p>
<p>Mastichochoria, the mastic villages in the south of the island, are the main (and only constant) producers of mastic in the world. There are small groves in the Çeşme peninsula in Turkey, and the Japanese tried importing and growing the trees but the unique soil and climate of Chios made planting the trees elsewhere an impossible task.</p>
<p>The taste is very unique and hard to describe. It always takes me a while to come up with an answer when someone asks me to describe it, and I always wish I had a piece of gum to hand them, as it would make the process a lot easier. I’d say it tastes ‘resin-y’ (what a surprise!) herbally and pine-y. It is definitely an aquired taste. So far I’ve only used it in a <a href="https://www.tasteatlas.com/maras-dondurmas/recipe">Maraş style ice-cream</a> and flavoured custard.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">A bit of a (his)story*</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-57 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg" alt="Massacre of Choios painting by Eugene Delacroix" width="327" height="387" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg 254w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-867x1024.jpg 867w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-768x907.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-813x960.jpg 813w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px" />To me, mastic is a taste of summer holidays in Turkey (I know, Greek people please be patient). My dad would always have a packet of mastic chewing gum in his car, and it would the first thing I tasted upon my arrival in Turkey. However, it was not until this summer that I visited the ‘home’ of mastic- the island of Chios. The 5<sup>th</sup> biggest Greek island, it is located only 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from the Turkish coast. And as the location suggests, it has a very turbulent history.</p>
<p>Archaeological research on Chios has found evidence of habitation as early as the Neolithic era, and the island has gone through the hands of multiple occupiers: Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman and eventually back to the Greek, after the First Balkan War in 1912. All of which left an imprint on the island. There is still quite a bit of animosity between the Greek and the Turkish people of the island, one of the most interesting examples being the removal and re-addition of the replica of Eugene Delacroix’s “The Massacre of Chios” from the Byzantine museum on Chios (incidentally, the museum is located in the old mosque). In 2009, a copy of the painting was displayed in the museum, swiftly withdrawn a few months later in a “good faith initiative” for the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations. However, the Greeks protested its removal, leading to the copy being brought back on display.</p>
<p>So here it is, a blog about the food I had at work, turned travel blog, turned love declaration to mastic.</p>
<p>Oh, and please give Slice of Greece a try. I did lie a bit at the start, I also got a couple of mousse pots because I couldn’t resist them – the black forest and the caramel ones. Also, the next day I returned for a (huge) slice of baklava, it had to be tested! I can now also confirm they do one of the best baklavas I’ve had in Edinburgh- laden with syrup, walnuts and cinnamon, and not overly sweet, which was a nice surprise. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-69 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg" alt="2 plastic pots with mouse in the foreground, and a pastry in a box in the background" width="298" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg 298w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1019x1024.jpg 1019w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-768x772.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1528x1536.jpg 1528w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-955x960.jpg 955w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake.jpg 1717w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /></p>
<p>*historic facts borrowed from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios</a></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2022-10-05" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 5, 2022</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2417 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "45ihgjkdqbj3da819fel1veu0f"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[1]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2416 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_7365_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "81d1f6808915cd52fa07e96bf7b18f33"
["expires"]=>
int(1780548544)
["path"]=>
string(16) "/deliageorgescu/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[2]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2418 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-480B2DQyWZ5FLWU6fCWMmuvnDTpzp_dp7l5q6UAoyVyz71u2s77LDkKfaq3mFjxX-3AKY"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2404 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2406 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(25107) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>A foray into Delia's world</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu</link>
<description>The ramblings of a bilingual foodie lost in the Learning Technology world</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Badges with Backbone @ Canvas UK Spring meeting</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim is to widen participation, attract students from non‑traditional backgrounds, and build a curriculum tied directly to local economic needs. In short: a practical response to a higher‑education “cold spot.”</p>
<p>It couldn’t be more different from the University of Edinburgh — we’re very much the classic, historic university, and incredibly privileged in what we already have. And it seems like contradiction was the theme of this conference at least from my perspective.</p>
<h2>Badges with Backbone</h2>
<p>I was first up: Building a scalable badging model & ecosystem — which, let’s be honest, is not the most memorable title. Thanks to last week’s Practical Strategic Storytelling workshop, I renamed it “Badges with Backbone.” Much better. The audience asked lots of questions at the end. That’s a good thing… right? After what felt like a light interrogation (I was genuinely sweating), what became clear to me was this: we do have the infrastructure in place for a scalable model — check. But now we need to reconnect that infrastructure to our earners and their employers. We need to understand:</p>
<ul>
<li>How they perceive badges</li>
<li>Whether they understand their value</li>
<li>How badges evidence skills in ways that genuinely enhance employability.</li>
</ul>
<p>For our last survey, we relied on champions to share the questionnaire with the earners, and the response rate was… modest. I’m not claiming direct causation — but it does make me try going straight to the source next time: EUSA, open days, employer events — anywhere we can actually talk to the people involved.</p>
<h2><strong>Different Models, Same Purpose</strong></h2>
<p>Boston College presented after me, and I’m glad they did. Their approach to badging is bright, colourful, gamified, aimed at under‑18s. It is programme‑based and tied directly to marketable skills. At polar opposites from ours.</p>
<p>But it was a good reminder that one size doesn’t fit all. Different audiences, different needs, different solutions. They even use badges for staff accessibility training — honestly, not a bad idea.</p>
<p>I’ll admit I felt a pang of jealousy when they mentioned their rapid rollout (March to September in the same year). Then I remembered the sheer amount of groundwork we’ve put into our framework. Ours is built to scale, built to last, and ready for wider use with the SCP.</p>
<h2>APIs, AI, and Unexpected Practicality</h2>
<p>Manchester University’s session on APIs and AI was surprisingly one of the most practical AI‑in‑education talks I’ve been to. Surprising because I don’t code. I make a point to avoid coding. Usually anything with “API” in the title makes me want to sneak out of the room.</p>
<p>But the way they framed it — using AI to speed up tasks I’d otherwise spend months trying to learn — actually made sense. It felt more relevant to my day‑to‑day work than the usual high‑level ethical debates about AI literacy.</p>
<h2>Wrapping Up</h2>
<p>Overall, it was a valuable conference. Good conversations with colleagues and with the vendor, and a reminder that while we work with technology, frameworks, and strategy, we’re still human beings trying to build things that help other human beings.</p>
<p>And after presenting, surviving a Q&A, and facilitating one of the afternoon’s discussion tables… yes, I absolutely needed that pint at the end.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-03-03" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 3, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Back to the Beginning: Black Sabbath and Birmingham</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:29:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to. This […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p data-start="504" data-end="814">The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to.</p>
<p data-start="816" data-end="849">This time, though, was different.</p>
<p style="text-align: left" data-start="851" data-end="1155">Birmingham named this summer the <em data-start="113" data-end="132">Summer of Sabbath</em>, commemorating the band’s career throughout the city — from Ozzy the metal bull greeting us at the train station, to The Crown Pub and a dedicated exhibition at the Birmingham Museum. And at the heart of it all, the crown jewel: a farewell concert, the most anticipated event in metal music — and not only metal. It was a cultural moment, a homecoming unlike any other.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1155"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-141 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png" alt="Ozzy the bull metal structure" width="300" height="228" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-768x583.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull.png 878w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>The concert’s title couldn’t be more appropriate. As the train left the station heading toward Villa Park, it felt like a trip into the past — back to where it all began. We passed many a traditional red-brick building, graffitied, worn and crumbling — echoes of a more prosperous time. Once the beating heart of British industry, Birmingham led the charge in manufacturing, engineering, and automotive innovation. That proud past still lingers, like soot in the air, even as the city shifts and strains under modern pressures.</p>
<p data-start="1688" data-end="1994">For most visitors, this backdrop might feel unwelcoming — austere, even. But for this journey, it felt exactly right. I wasn’t here to experience the modern city. I was here for a pilgrimage: to witness the final homecoming of the godfathers of heavy metal. Black Sabbath, returning to where it all began.</p>
<p data-start="1996" data-end="2333">There are already hundreds of reviews out there dissecting the gig itself —the epic setlist, the legends on stage (who could fill Villa Park on their own, let alone as a collective force. But for me, the most striking element wasn’t just the music. It was how perfectly the surroundings fit.</p>
<p data-start="2335" data-end="2730">On stage, the massive screens displayed black-and-white footage of Birmingham in the 1960s. Steelworks, smokestacks, workers. As the haunting riff of “Black Sabbath” rang out, those old images reminded us that this band — and this sound — weren’t born in spite of the city’s hardship, but because of it.</p>
<p data-start="3037" data-end="3371">From our spot in the Holte End, I looked to the right, out through a break in the stands. There, through the opening, you could see rooftops stretching into the distance, the occasional train rumbling past — a living, breathing reminder of where we were. In that moment, it all made sense. The music. The place. The people. Birmingham may not be glamorous, but it has soul. And for a band like Black Sabbath — it was always the only place to begin, and the only place to end.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-146 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png" alt="Stadium concert setting with stage and crowd" width="350" height="197" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1024x577.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-768x433.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1536x865.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1440x811.png 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled.png 1919w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></p>
<p>PS: Writing this after hearing about Ozzy’s passing yesterday gives this experience a new depth, which is why I decided to share it. I wasn’t sure whether it belonged here, but after chatting with a few colleagues about the concert, I realised it might resonate more than I thought.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-07-24" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 24, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Masticate on this!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:20:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h4 style="text-align: center">My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love</h4>
<p>My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile to focus my energy into a constructive avenue). My work colleagues suggest I blog as a tool of reflecting on my work experience and potentially providing a start for my CMALT portfolio (hopefully more on that in another post). So I’m going to try to combine these topics, into a ‘food I had at work’ blog. Well, sort of…</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-62 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg" alt="a display table with cake trays" width="241" height="428" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-577x1024.jpg 577w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-768x1364.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-865x1536.jpg 865w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-541x960.jpg 541w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-scaled.jpg 1442w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" />Every time I come into the Argyle House office I feel tempted by the myriad of lovely shops around the Grassmarket area: ice-cream from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marysmilkbar/">Mary’s Milk Bar</a>, cake from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tastybunsbakery/">Tasty Buns</a>, coffee from the <a href="https://www.thesourcecoffee.co.uk/">Source</a>, spanakopita from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreekArtisanPastries/">Greek Artisan Pastries</a> are just a handful of my favourites that come to mind. Yesterday I added a new discovery to that list: the relatively recently opened <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slice_of_greece_/">Slice of Greece</a>, on Morrison Street. As I waltzed into the shop, my eyes were instantly drawn to the mastic desserts in the display. The one I chose was a Galaktompoureko, a mastic flavoured custard filled phyllo pastry pie. Why, you are asking, among all the chocolate covered croissants, baklavas and mousse pots?</p>
<p>Mastic, or mastiha, happens to be one of my favourite flavours in the world! Sadly, I don’t come across it as often as I’d like to, especially in the UK, it is an underdog. In all the GBBO seasons I’ve watched (admittedly, not all, so somebody PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong) I’ve only seen it used once in season 12 when George made brandy snaps filled with an orange blossom and mastic creme pat, and mentioned once on their recipe page (<a href="https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/">https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/</a>).</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">But what exactly is mastic?</h4>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-33 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg" alt="Close-up of resin dripping out of a mastic tree bark" width="234" height="415" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423.jpg 613w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px" /></h4>
<p>Mastic is the resin extracted from the <em>Pistacia lentiscus </em>aka the Chios mastic tree, a little shrub like tree. The resin is ‘revealed’ by cutting into the tree bark, which releases the ‘tears’ of resin. These harden and are then collected and cleaned. It is used as a flavouring in lots of deserts (list) as well as in mastica, an alcoholic sweet liqueur similar to ouzo, and in cosmetic products due to its nice smell and supposed medicinal benefits. It is also the earliest known form of chewing gum: the Ancient Greeks aptly named the resin after the word <em>mastikhan, </em>“to gnash the teeth”, which through a long linguistic journey via Latin and Old French also reached English: “to masticate, to chew”.</p>
<p>Mastichochoria, the mastic villages in the south of the island, are the main (and only constant) producers of mastic in the world. There are small groves in the Çeşme peninsula in Turkey, and the Japanese tried importing and growing the trees but the unique soil and climate of Chios made planting the trees elsewhere an impossible task.</p>
<p>The taste is very unique and hard to describe. It always takes me a while to come up with an answer when someone asks me to describe it, and I always wish I had a piece of gum to hand them, as it would make the process a lot easier. I’d say it tastes ‘resin-y’ (what a surprise!) herbally and pine-y. It is definitely an aquired taste. So far I’ve only used it in a <a href="https://www.tasteatlas.com/maras-dondurmas/recipe">Maraş style ice-cream</a> and flavoured custard.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">A bit of a (his)story*</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-57 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg" alt="Massacre of Choios painting by Eugene Delacroix" width="327" height="387" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg 254w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-867x1024.jpg 867w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-768x907.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-813x960.jpg 813w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px" />To me, mastic is a taste of summer holidays in Turkey (I know, Greek people please be patient). My dad would always have a packet of mastic chewing gum in his car, and it would the first thing I tasted upon my arrival in Turkey. However, it was not until this summer that I visited the ‘home’ of mastic- the island of Chios. The 5<sup>th</sup> biggest Greek island, it is located only 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from the Turkish coast. And as the location suggests, it has a very turbulent history.</p>
<p>Archaeological research on Chios has found evidence of habitation as early as the Neolithic era, and the island has gone through the hands of multiple occupiers: Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman and eventually back to the Greek, after the First Balkan War in 1912. All of which left an imprint on the island. There is still quite a bit of animosity between the Greek and the Turkish people of the island, one of the most interesting examples being the removal and re-addition of the replica of Eugene Delacroix’s “The Massacre of Chios” from the Byzantine museum on Chios (incidentally, the museum is located in the old mosque). In 2009, a copy of the painting was displayed in the museum, swiftly withdrawn a few months later in a “good faith initiative” for the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations. However, the Greeks protested its removal, leading to the copy being brought back on display.</p>
<p>So here it is, a blog about the food I had at work, turned travel blog, turned love declaration to mastic.</p>
<p>Oh, and please give Slice of Greece a try. I did lie a bit at the start, I also got a couple of mousse pots because I couldn’t resist them – the black forest and the caramel ones. Also, the next day I returned for a (huge) slice of baklava, it had to be tested! I can now also confirm they do one of the best baklavas I’ve had in Edinburgh- laden with syrup, walnuts and cinnamon, and not overly sweet, which was a nice surprise. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-69 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg" alt="2 plastic pots with mouse in the foreground, and a pastry in a box in the background" width="298" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg 298w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1019x1024.jpg 1019w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-768x772.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1528x1536.jpg 1528w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-955x960.jpg 955w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake.jpg 1717w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /></p>
<p>*historic facts borrowed from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios</a></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2022-10-05" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 5, 2022</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(25972) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:04 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
Link: <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/"
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=45ihgjkdqbj3da819fel1veu0f; path=/; secure; HttpOnly
Set-Cookie: spo_7365_fa=81d1f6808915cd52fa07e96bf7b18f33; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:04 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/deliageorgescu/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 GMT
ETag: "a92b1921fccd13b266bcc35eca7a5c90"
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Set-Cookie: RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-480B2DQyWZ5FLWU6fCWMmuvnDTpzp_dp7l5q6UAoyVyz71u2s77LDkKfaq3mFjxX-3AKY; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>A foray into Delia's world</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu</link>
<description>The ramblings of a bilingual foodie lost in the Learning Technology world</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Badges with Backbone @ Canvas UK Spring meeting</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>The Spring Canvas UK User Group was hosted at ARU Peterborough — a brand‑new institution, opened in 2022, set up to boost local skills and employability through career‑focused education. The university was created to tackle a long‑standing skills shortage in the area, with Peterborough sitting in the bottom 10% nationally for degree‑level qualifications. Their aim is to widen participation, attract students from non‑traditional backgrounds, and build a curriculum tied directly to local economic needs. In short: a practical response to a higher‑education “cold spot.”</p>
<p>It couldn’t be more different from the University of Edinburgh — we’re very much the classic, historic university, and incredibly privileged in what we already have. And it seems like contradiction was the theme of this conference at least from my perspective.</p>
<h2>Badges with Backbone</h2>
<p>I was first up: Building a scalable badging model & ecosystem — which, let’s be honest, is not the most memorable title. Thanks to last week’s Practical Strategic Storytelling workshop, I renamed it “Badges with Backbone.” Much better. The audience asked lots of questions at the end. That’s a good thing… right? After what felt like a light interrogation (I was genuinely sweating), what became clear to me was this: we do have the infrastructure in place for a scalable model — check. But now we need to reconnect that infrastructure to our earners and their employers. We need to understand:</p>
<ul>
<li>How they perceive badges</li>
<li>Whether they understand their value</li>
<li>How badges evidence skills in ways that genuinely enhance employability.</li>
</ul>
<p>For our last survey, we relied on champions to share the questionnaire with the earners, and the response rate was… modest. I’m not claiming direct causation — but it does make me try going straight to the source next time: EUSA, open days, employer events — anywhere we can actually talk to the people involved.</p>
<h2><strong>Different Models, Same Purpose</strong></h2>
<p>Boston College presented after me, and I’m glad they did. Their approach to badging is bright, colourful, gamified, aimed at under‑18s. It is programme‑based and tied directly to marketable skills. At polar opposites from ours.</p>
<p>But it was a good reminder that one size doesn’t fit all. Different audiences, different needs, different solutions. They even use badges for staff accessibility training — honestly, not a bad idea.</p>
<p>I’ll admit I felt a pang of jealousy when they mentioned their rapid rollout (March to September in the same year). Then I remembered the sheer amount of groundwork we’ve put into our framework. Ours is built to scale, built to last, and ready for wider use with the SCP.</p>
<h2>APIs, AI, and Unexpected Practicality</h2>
<p>Manchester University’s session on APIs and AI was surprisingly one of the most practical AI‑in‑education talks I’ve been to. Surprising because I don’t code. I make a point to avoid coding. Usually anything with “API” in the title makes me want to sneak out of the room.</p>
<p>But the way they framed it — using AI to speed up tasks I’d otherwise spend months trying to learn — actually made sense. It felt more relevant to my day‑to‑day work than the usual high‑level ethical debates about AI literacy.</p>
<h2>Wrapping Up</h2>
<p>Overall, it was a valuable conference. Good conversations with colleagues and with the vendor, and a reminder that while we work with technology, frameworks, and strategy, we’re still human beings trying to build things that help other human beings.</p>
<p>And after presenting, surviving a Q&A, and facilitating one of the afternoon’s discussion tables… yes, I absolutely needed that pint at the end.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-03-03" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 3, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2026/03/03/badges-with-backbone-canvas-uk-spring-meeting/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Back to the Beginning: Black Sabbath and Birmingham</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:29:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to. This […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p data-start="504" data-end="814">The last time I found myself in Birmingham, it was for a Canvas conference. Like many of my colleagues, I looked forward to the event — but not the destination. Birmingham, for all its history, carries a certain reputation these days: gritty, grey, post-industrial. It’s a city people often pass through, not go to.</p>
<p data-start="816" data-end="849">This time, though, was different.</p>
<p style="text-align: left" data-start="851" data-end="1155">Birmingham named this summer the <em data-start="113" data-end="132">Summer of Sabbath</em>, commemorating the band’s career throughout the city — from Ozzy the metal bull greeting us at the train station, to The Crown Pub and a dedicated exhibition at the Birmingham Museum. And at the heart of it all, the crown jewel: a farewell concert, the most anticipated event in metal music — and not only metal. It was a cultural moment, a homecoming unlike any other.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1155"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-141 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png" alt="Ozzy the bull metal structure" width="300" height="228" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-300x228.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull-768x583.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Ozzy-the-bull.png 878w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>The concert’s title couldn’t be more appropriate. As the train left the station heading toward Villa Park, it felt like a trip into the past — back to where it all began. We passed many a traditional red-brick building, graffitied, worn and crumbling — echoes of a more prosperous time. Once the beating heart of British industry, Birmingham led the charge in manufacturing, engineering, and automotive innovation. That proud past still lingers, like soot in the air, even as the city shifts and strains under modern pressures.</p>
<p data-start="1688" data-end="1994">For most visitors, this backdrop might feel unwelcoming — austere, even. But for this journey, it felt exactly right. I wasn’t here to experience the modern city. I was here for a pilgrimage: to witness the final homecoming of the godfathers of heavy metal. Black Sabbath, returning to where it all began.</p>
<p data-start="1996" data-end="2333">There are already hundreds of reviews out there dissecting the gig itself —the epic setlist, the legends on stage (who could fill Villa Park on their own, let alone as a collective force. But for me, the most striking element wasn’t just the music. It was how perfectly the surroundings fit.</p>
<p data-start="2335" data-end="2730">On stage, the massive screens displayed black-and-white footage of Birmingham in the 1960s. Steelworks, smokestacks, workers. As the haunting riff of “Black Sabbath” rang out, those old images reminded us that this band — and this sound — weren’t born in spite of the city’s hardship, but because of it.</p>
<p data-start="3037" data-end="3371">From our spot in the Holte End, I looked to the right, out through a break in the stands. There, through the opening, you could see rooftops stretching into the distance, the occasional train rumbling past — a living, breathing reminder of where we were. In that moment, it all made sense. The music. The place. The people. Birmingham may not be glamorous, but it has soul. And for a band like Black Sabbath — it was always the only place to begin, and the only place to end.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-146 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png" alt="Stadium concert setting with stage and crowd" width="350" height="197" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-300x169.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1024x577.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-768x433.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1536x865.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled-1440x811.png 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2025/07/Untitled.png 1919w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></p>
<p>PS: Writing this after hearing about Ozzy’s passing yesterday gives this experience a new depth, which is why I decided to share it. I wasn’t sure whether it belonged here, but after chatting with a few colleagues about the concert, I realised it might resonate more than I thought.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-07-24" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 24, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2025/07/24/back-to-the-beginning-black-sabbath-and-birmingham/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Masticate on this!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[dgeorge2]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:20:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h4 style="text-align: center">My first blog was due to happen soon, so I might as well start with something I love</h4>
<p>My friends ask me why I don’t start documenting my food experiments and restaurant visits in a food blog (they are probably tired of me steering all conversations towards food and consider it would be more worthwhile to focus my energy into a constructive avenue). My work colleagues suggest I blog as a tool of reflecting on my work experience and potentially providing a start for my CMALT portfolio (hopefully more on that in another post). So I’m going to try to combine these topics, into a ‘food I had at work’ blog. Well, sort of…</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-62 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg" alt="a display table with cake trays" width="241" height="428" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-577x1024.jpg 577w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-768x1364.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-865x1536.jpg 865w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-541x960.jpg 541w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/a-scaled.jpg 1442w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" />Every time I come into the Argyle House office I feel tempted by the myriad of lovely shops around the Grassmarket area: ice-cream from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marysmilkbar/">Mary’s Milk Bar</a>, cake from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tastybunsbakery/">Tasty Buns</a>, coffee from the <a href="https://www.thesourcecoffee.co.uk/">Source</a>, spanakopita from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreekArtisanPastries/">Greek Artisan Pastries</a> are just a handful of my favourites that come to mind. Yesterday I added a new discovery to that list: the relatively recently opened <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slice_of_greece_/">Slice of Greece</a>, on Morrison Street. As I waltzed into the shop, my eyes were instantly drawn to the mastic desserts in the display. The one I chose was a Galaktompoureko, a mastic flavoured custard filled phyllo pastry pie. Why, you are asking, among all the chocolate covered croissants, baklavas and mousse pots?</p>
<p>Mastic, or mastiha, happens to be one of my favourite flavours in the world! Sadly, I don’t come across it as often as I’d like to, especially in the UK, it is an underdog. In all the GBBO seasons I’ve watched (admittedly, not all, so somebody PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong) I’ve only seen it used once in season 12 when George made brandy snaps filled with an orange blossom and mastic creme pat, and mentioned once on their recipe page (<a href="https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/">https://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/paul-hollywood-flaounas/</a>).</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">But what exactly is mastic?</h4>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-33 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg" alt="Close-up of resin dripping out of a mastic tree bark" width="234" height="415" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/20220818_121423.jpg 613w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px" /></h4>
<p>Mastic is the resin extracted from the <em>Pistacia lentiscus </em>aka the Chios mastic tree, a little shrub like tree. The resin is ‘revealed’ by cutting into the tree bark, which releases the ‘tears’ of resin. These harden and are then collected and cleaned. It is used as a flavouring in lots of deserts (list) as well as in mastica, an alcoholic sweet liqueur similar to ouzo, and in cosmetic products due to its nice smell and supposed medicinal benefits. It is also the earliest known form of chewing gum: the Ancient Greeks aptly named the resin after the word <em>mastikhan, </em>“to gnash the teeth”, which through a long linguistic journey via Latin and Old French also reached English: “to masticate, to chew”.</p>
<p>Mastichochoria, the mastic villages in the south of the island, are the main (and only constant) producers of mastic in the world. There are small groves in the Çeşme peninsula in Turkey, and the Japanese tried importing and growing the trees but the unique soil and climate of Chios made planting the trees elsewhere an impossible task.</p>
<p>The taste is very unique and hard to describe. It always takes me a while to come up with an answer when someone asks me to describe it, and I always wish I had a piece of gum to hand them, as it would make the process a lot easier. I’d say it tastes ‘resin-y’ (what a surprise!) herbally and pine-y. It is definitely an aquired taste. So far I’ve only used it in a <a href="https://www.tasteatlas.com/maras-dondurmas/recipe">Maraş style ice-cream</a> and flavoured custard.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center">A bit of a (his)story*</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-57 alignright" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg" alt="Massacre of Choios painting by Eugene Delacroix" width="327" height="387" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-254x300.jpg 254w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-867x1024.jpg 867w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-768x907.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio-813x960.jpg 813w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/Eugene_Delacroix_-_Le_Massacre_de_Scio.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px" />To me, mastic is a taste of summer holidays in Turkey (I know, Greek people please be patient). My dad would always have a packet of mastic chewing gum in his car, and it would the first thing I tasted upon my arrival in Turkey. However, it was not until this summer that I visited the ‘home’ of mastic- the island of Chios. The 5<sup>th</sup> biggest Greek island, it is located only 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from the Turkish coast. And as the location suggests, it has a very turbulent history.</p>
<p>Archaeological research on Chios has found evidence of habitation as early as the Neolithic era, and the island has gone through the hands of multiple occupiers: Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman and eventually back to the Greek, after the First Balkan War in 1912. All of which left an imprint on the island. There is still quite a bit of animosity between the Greek and the Turkish people of the island, one of the most interesting examples being the removal and re-addition of the replica of Eugene Delacroix’s “The Massacre of Chios” from the Byzantine museum on Chios (incidentally, the museum is located in the old mosque). In 2009, a copy of the painting was displayed in the museum, swiftly withdrawn a few months later in a “good faith initiative” for the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations. However, the Greeks protested its removal, leading to the copy being brought back on display.</p>
<p>So here it is, a blog about the food I had at work, turned travel blog, turned love declaration to mastic.</p>
<p>Oh, and please give Slice of Greece a try. I did lie a bit at the start, I also got a couple of mousse pots because I couldn’t resist them – the black forest and the caramel ones. Also, the next day I returned for a (huge) slice of baklava, it had to be tested! I can now also confirm they do one of the best baklavas I’ve had in Edinburgh- laden with syrup, walnuts and cinnamon, and not overly sweet, which was a nice surprise. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-69 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg" alt="2 plastic pots with mouse in the foreground, and a pastry in a box in the background" width="298" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-298x300.jpg 298w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1019x1024.jpg 1019w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-768x772.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-1528x1536.jpg 1528w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake-955x960.jpg 955w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7365/2022/10/cake.jpg 1717w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /></p>
<p>*historic facts borrowed from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chios</a></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2022-10-05" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 5, 2022</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/2022/10/05/masticate-on-this/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2407 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:04 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(74) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=45ihgjkdqbj3da819fel1veu0f; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(138) "spo_7365_fa=81d1f6808915cd52fa07e96bf7b18f33; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:04 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/deliageorgescu/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-480B2DQyWZ5FLWU6fCWMmuvnDTpzp_dp7l5q6UAoyVyz71u2s77LDkKfaq3mFjxX-3AKY; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:55:04 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""a92b1921fccd13b266bcc35eca7a5c90""
}
["vary"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(43) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/feed/"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2403 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2411 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "45ihgjkdqbj3da819fel1veu0f"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2410 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_7365_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2412 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_7365_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "81d1f6808915cd52fa07e96bf7b18f33"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2413 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548544)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(16) "/deliageorgescu/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2414 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-480B2DQyWZ5FLWU6fCWMmuvnDTpzp_dp7l5q6UAoyVyz71u2s77LDkKfaq3mFjxX-3AKY"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2415 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150] "Badges with Backbone @ Canvas UK Spring meeting"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=150] "Badges with Backbone @ Canvas UK Spring meeting" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139] "Back to the Beginning: Black Sabbath and Birmingham"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=139] "Back to the Beginning: Black Sabbath and Birmingham" is a NEW POST.
Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "Uncategorised" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Uncategorised" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Uncategorised" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Uncategorised" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag====| Category: MAPPED term names ["Uncategorised"] to IDs: null
Diag====| Category: MAPPED term names [] to IDs: null
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30] "Masticate on this!"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/deliageorgescu/?p=30] "Masticate on this!" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Polling feed [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/]
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2420 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["expires"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
["cache-control"]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
["pragma"]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
["link"]=>
string(72) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=betmttr3pr2ilcks285vf3gj7u; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(136) "spo_1551_fa=c689ec6bd96c3d91f62a6be90c844405; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/dennyroberts/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48GZ3zCHgVb98D8E9jsflaGQW5KQMPm5WO26ZM0EGY1jfPzkWcfkRRpARgBCuV2XetH7s; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:03:59 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""f59fa4db194d35ecb76b8f41c56b098e""
["vary"]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(5688) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>[placeholder]</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts</link>
<description>Denny's thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:57:18 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Hyperreal, Marx and Furry Pets</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/hyperreal-marx-and-furry-pets/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Denny Roberts]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2020 11:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense. For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense.</p>
<p>For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors or prevented meetings occurring at the necessary time. Outlook emails and increasingly Teams have been the dominant tools to collaborate and to progress. The desk telephone collected dust long before Lockdown.</p>
<blockquote><p>If we are to transform, we need to understand the limits in our current thinking imposed by the language we use.</p></blockquote>
<p>‘Remote working’ is a linguistic relic of a recent history from the dominance of ‘the workplace’. Remote working is a term that we should be cautious to use. Remote in this context is from the perspective of an organisation directed at the individual. It infers a disconnect of the individual worker to the larger organisation and in some circumstances, this may be true, but for others work has continued, with continual adaption, as before.</p>
<p>What if we switched to the perspective of the worker? After all the term is being applied to us.</p>
<p>Here we are in our homes, our place of residence. A place that for many we have chosen. For some, it may be shared with family, collected artefacts, furry pets and failed DIY projects. It’s a place of love and of loss, frustrations and delights. It encapsulates our authentic experience of life, leaks an’ all. The home has been the incubator that we turned to for protection, when nothing else could. So how is it, from a worker’s perspective, that working here is remote?</p>
<p>For many, the old commute by train, bicycle or car, had become more a symbolic habit – hyperreal – with no genuine value. Packing a laptop into a bag, closing the door on our family home, paying for expensive seasonal tickets with increasing environmental costs, only to unpack the same laptop in an impersonal grey office, separated from all we have. It is this that <em>alienates</em>, that excludes and separates. The commute is for some maybe even the many, nothing more than a repetitive task, working remotely, to return home for a few hours with the family, to eat and sleep.</p>
<p>Where we are now is not remote working, it is professionally proximate, its decentralised working. It is a new holistic embrace that brings life’s components within reach, malleable around one another, sensitive to the individual needs.</p>
<p>Marx referred to work as <em>fulfilling our species essence</em>, providing us with creative outlets. And for some of us, work has provided a structure and a sense of purpose to the lockdown day. It has benefited our mental health without threatening our physical health, without financial or environmental cost.</p>
<p>Marx, in a different context, posited <em>the working class must organise itself at home</em> – well here we are at home, we are organised, and we are working, sustainably.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2020-05-05" itemprop="dateModified">May 5, 2020</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2432 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "betmttr3pr2ilcks285vf3gj7u"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[1]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2431 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_1551_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "c689ec6bd96c3d91f62a6be90c844405"
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/dennyroberts/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[2]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2433 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48GZ3zCHgVb98D8E9jsflaGQW5KQMPm5WO26ZM0EGY1jfPzkWcfkRRpARgBCuV2XetH7s"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2419 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2421 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(5688) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>[placeholder]</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts</link>
<description>Denny's thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:57:18 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Hyperreal, Marx and Furry Pets</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/hyperreal-marx-and-furry-pets/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Denny Roberts]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2020 11:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense. For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense.</p>
<p>For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors or prevented meetings occurring at the necessary time. Outlook emails and increasingly Teams have been the dominant tools to collaborate and to progress. The desk telephone collected dust long before Lockdown.</p>
<blockquote><p>If we are to transform, we need to understand the limits in our current thinking imposed by the language we use.</p></blockquote>
<p>‘Remote working’ is a linguistic relic of a recent history from the dominance of ‘the workplace’. Remote working is a term that we should be cautious to use. Remote in this context is from the perspective of an organisation directed at the individual. It infers a disconnect of the individual worker to the larger organisation and in some circumstances, this may be true, but for others work has continued, with continual adaption, as before.</p>
<p>What if we switched to the perspective of the worker? After all the term is being applied to us.</p>
<p>Here we are in our homes, our place of residence. A place that for many we have chosen. For some, it may be shared with family, collected artefacts, furry pets and failed DIY projects. It’s a place of love and of loss, frustrations and delights. It encapsulates our authentic experience of life, leaks an’ all. The home has been the incubator that we turned to for protection, when nothing else could. So how is it, from a worker’s perspective, that working here is remote?</p>
<p>For many, the old commute by train, bicycle or car, had become more a symbolic habit – hyperreal – with no genuine value. Packing a laptop into a bag, closing the door on our family home, paying for expensive seasonal tickets with increasing environmental costs, only to unpack the same laptop in an impersonal grey office, separated from all we have. It is this that <em>alienates</em>, that excludes and separates. The commute is for some maybe even the many, nothing more than a repetitive task, working remotely, to return home for a few hours with the family, to eat and sleep.</p>
<p>Where we are now is not remote working, it is professionally proximate, its decentralised working. It is a new holistic embrace that brings life’s components within reach, malleable around one another, sensitive to the individual needs.</p>
<p>Marx referred to work as <em>fulfilling our species essence</em>, providing us with creative outlets. And for some of us, work has provided a structure and a sense of purpose to the lockdown day. It has benefited our mental health without threatening our physical health, without financial or environmental cost.</p>
<p>Marx, in a different context, posited <em>the working class must organise itself at home</em> – well here we are at home, we are organised, and we are working, sustainably.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2020-05-05" itemprop="dateModified">May 5, 2020</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(6549) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
Link: <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/"
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=betmttr3pr2ilcks285vf3gj7u; path=/; secure; HttpOnly
Set-Cookie: spo_1551_fa=c689ec6bd96c3d91f62a6be90c844405; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/dennyroberts/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:03:59 GMT
ETag: "f59fa4db194d35ecb76b8f41c56b098e"
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Set-Cookie: RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48GZ3zCHgVb98D8E9jsflaGQW5KQMPm5WO26ZM0EGY1jfPzkWcfkRRpARgBCuV2XetH7s; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>[placeholder]</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts</link>
<description>Denny's thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:57:18 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Hyperreal, Marx and Furry Pets</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/hyperreal-marx-and-furry-pets/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Denny Roberts]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2020 11:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense. For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>It is hyperreal to describe the office workplaces of the early 21st century – that now lie derelict – as being centres for authentic connection between workers in any traditional sense.</p>
<p>For decades open-plan office decorum had restricted conversations at desks, professional or casual. Limited meeting spaces led to quick fire stand-ups in corridors or prevented meetings occurring at the necessary time. Outlook emails and increasingly Teams have been the dominant tools to collaborate and to progress. The desk telephone collected dust long before Lockdown.</p>
<blockquote><p>If we are to transform, we need to understand the limits in our current thinking imposed by the language we use.</p></blockquote>
<p>‘Remote working’ is a linguistic relic of a recent history from the dominance of ‘the workplace’. Remote working is a term that we should be cautious to use. Remote in this context is from the perspective of an organisation directed at the individual. It infers a disconnect of the individual worker to the larger organisation and in some circumstances, this may be true, but for others work has continued, with continual adaption, as before.</p>
<p>What if we switched to the perspective of the worker? After all the term is being applied to us.</p>
<p>Here we are in our homes, our place of residence. A place that for many we have chosen. For some, it may be shared with family, collected artefacts, furry pets and failed DIY projects. It’s a place of love and of loss, frustrations and delights. It encapsulates our authentic experience of life, leaks an’ all. The home has been the incubator that we turned to for protection, when nothing else could. So how is it, from a worker’s perspective, that working here is remote?</p>
<p>For many, the old commute by train, bicycle or car, had become more a symbolic habit – hyperreal – with no genuine value. Packing a laptop into a bag, closing the door on our family home, paying for expensive seasonal tickets with increasing environmental costs, only to unpack the same laptop in an impersonal grey office, separated from all we have. It is this that <em>alienates</em>, that excludes and separates. The commute is for some maybe even the many, nothing more than a repetitive task, working remotely, to return home for a few hours with the family, to eat and sleep.</p>
<p>Where we are now is not remote working, it is professionally proximate, its decentralised working. It is a new holistic embrace that brings life’s components within reach, malleable around one another, sensitive to the individual needs.</p>
<p>Marx referred to work as <em>fulfilling our species essence</em>, providing us with creative outlets. And for some of us, work has provided a structure and a sense of purpose to the lockdown day. It has benefited our mental health without threatening our physical health, without financial or environmental cost.</p>
<p>Marx, in a different context, posited <em>the working class must organise itself at home</em> – well here we are at home, we are organised, and we are working, sustainably.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2020-05-05" itemprop="dateModified">May 5, 2020</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2422 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(72) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=betmttr3pr2ilcks285vf3gj7u; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(136) "spo_1551_fa=c689ec6bd96c3d91f62a6be90c844405; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/dennyroberts/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48GZ3zCHgVb98D8E9jsflaGQW5KQMPm5WO26ZM0EGY1jfPzkWcfkRRpARgBCuV2XetH7s; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:03:59 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""f59fa4db194d35ecb76b8f41c56b098e""
}
["vary"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(41) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/feed/"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2409 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2426 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "betmttr3pr2ilcks285vf3gj7u"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2425 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_1551_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2427 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_1551_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "c689ec6bd96c3d91f62a6be90c844405"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2428 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/dennyroberts/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2429 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48GZ3zCHgVb98D8E9jsflaGQW5KQMPm5WO26ZM0EGY1jfPzkWcfkRRpARgBCuV2XetH7s"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2430 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29] "Hyperreal, Marx and Furry Pets"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/dennyroberts/?p=29] "Hyperreal, Marx and Furry Pets" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Polling feed [http://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed]
Diag====| HTTP [http://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [http://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2452 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["expires"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
["cache-control"]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
["pragma"]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
["link"]=>
string(72) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
["set-cookie"]=>
string(137) "spo_10264_fa=2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/edwardenejoh/; Secure; HttpOnly"
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""1fe6e20643c01784ed299017fc94c068""
["vary"]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(14176) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>Diary of a Project Manager</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh</link>
<description>Reflections on projects, people, and learning</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<item>
<title>Why Food Is the Ultimate Bridge: A Tale of Two Cultures</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:11:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11</guid>
<description><![CDATA[July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam. If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own. Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam.</p>
<p>If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own.</p>
<p>Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, and of course, cooking.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-12" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-768x500.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup.jpg 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>But among them all, the New Yam Festival stands tall. It’s especially big in the South-East and Middle Belt regions among the Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, and other yam-loving communities.</p>
<p>Right after the harvest season, it feels like a carnival. People dress in bright traditional outfits, drummers show off their rhythm, dancers spin and leap with joy, and the smell of yam dishes fills the air.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And we love our yam. Yam in Nigeria is like potatoes in the UK, only better (we’ll argue that any day!). You can fry it, boil it with stew, roast it, make yam porridge, or the king of all: pounded yam with soup.</p>
<p>Serve a guest pounded yam, and you’re not just feeding them, you’re honouring them with a royal delicacy.</p>
<p>Now, working and living in Edinburgh, I sometimes miss that buzz. The sound, the colours, the food. But every so often, something unexpected brings it all rushing back, from the Edinburgh Festival to the LTW Charity Bake Sale.</p>
<p>I joined the University of Edinburgh in February 2024, as part of the ISG team. It hasn’t been long, but after attending my first bake sale last year, I felt like I’d been here for years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I connected with so many people from different teams. It reminded me so much of home.</p>
<p>People from different backgrounds brought sweet treats from their cultures. There were cakes I couldn’t even pronounce and flavours I’d never tasted, but everything came with a smile and a story.</p>
<p>Honestly, I felt like a child lost in a candy shop. My only mission was to taste every cake!</p>
<p>That first bake sale brought people together. Whether you were new or had been around for a while, you felt part of the ISG community, just like at the New Yam Festival.</p>
<p>Food broke the ice, started conversations, and built friendships. No pressure, just “What’s this called?” or “Did you bake this?” and just like that, you’re chatting like old friends.</p>
<p>Now, the July bake sale is here again, and I can’t wait. This will be my second, and I already know it’ll be just as heartwarming.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The ISG team is wonderfully diverse, and within Learning, Teaching and Web (LTW), we have a lovely habit of celebrating culture through food.</p>
<p>Sounds familiar, right?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Nigeria, we say: the people who eat together, stay together. It’s true. Whether it’s yam with spicy soup or a slice of sponge cake, food is the ultimate bridge. And hunger or appetite, is a universal language. Across cultures, across teams, across oceans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So if you love to bake, or just love to eat like me, come join the LTW Bake Sale! The delicious treats will be inspired by favourite films and TV shows of the people baking them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And with every bite, you’ll be helping raise funds for an <a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/LTWColleagueHub/SitePages/LTW-fundraising-for-the-Organ-Donation-Team,-NHS-Blood-and-Transplant.aspx">NHS Blood and Transplant Charity Fund</a>.</p>
<p>So come along, I’ll be looking out to have a chat with you and hear about your favourite cake or food.</p>
<p>I wonder, will someone bake a Pink Panther cake? Or maybe a Black Panther one?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer Day: Making a Difference Beyond the Desk</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:47:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges. As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place. I know how it feels because […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges.</p>
<p>As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place.</p>
<p>I know how it feels because I’ve been there.</p>
<p>There’s a sense of loneliness, uncertainty, and even frustration. You might have all the skills and experience, but the job market seems like a closed door, and you’re not sure where to start.</p>
<p>The feeling of being left out, or not belonging, can weigh heavily on you.</p>
<h3><strong>A Journey of Adaptation and Growth</strong></h3>
<p>Beyond the language barriers, it’s also about learning the professional culture, the unspoken culture, and doing the work expected of you in such a way that translates to a successful outcome as expected by your employer and team.</p>
<p>I’m thankful to be part of a great team at the Learning, Teaching, and Web Unit of the Information Services Group, especially the Digital Learning, Applications, and Media team. I’ll always be grateful to the team, my manager, the team lead, and the director of LTW for making my onboarding experience smooth.</p>
<p>I learned the acronyms, got to know the teams, understood the work culture, and learned the tools we use. This took away a lot of the uncertainty I had.</p>
<h3><strong>What if Things Could Be Different?</strong></h3>
<p>At the University of Edinburgh, every staff gets one day to volunteer for a cause of their choosing. We get to step away from our desks and give back to the community. Beyond taking a break from our daily tasks, it’s a chance to make a real impact on the lives of others and enrich our own lives in the process.</p>
<p>So, I thought to myself, what if we could host an event that helps people understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment and actively provides how to overcome them?</p>
<p>What if you could have access to the tools, resources, and mentors needed to open doors to opportunities for career growth?</p>
<p>That’s why I collaborated with some amazing people to host <strong>Vantage Point 2.0.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>How Vantage Point Came to Life</strong></h3>
<p>In 2020, during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched Vantage Point. What started as a small online event turned into a movement. Seven speakers, seven days, and hundreds of participants from Nigeria came together to talk about how we could reposition ourselves during uncertain times.</p>
<p><strong>Vantage Point 2.0</strong> was designed to ride on the success of the earlier edition as a physical gathering in Aberdeen, Scotland, focused on helping migrants navigate the local job market, adapt to the culture, and build meaningful careers. This was a team effort, made possible through collaboration with team members and partner organizations that believed in the vision.</p>
<p>We didn’t just talk about the struggles; we shared real solutions. We explored how to leverage technology for career growth, the power of networking, and the importance of adapting to a new work culture—all while staying true to ourselves.</p>
<p>We heard inspiring stories from experts who had walked in our shoes, who also offered advice and mentorship to those just starting. By the end of the event, many left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable plans to move forward.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Volunteering Matters</strong></h3>
<p>Volunteering at Vantage Point was a powerful reminder of how collective effort can create significant change. Often, we think of volunteering as an individual act of kindness.</p>
<h3><strong>Ubuntu – I Am Because You Are</strong></h3>
<p>Vantage Point is about building a community rooted in the spirit of <strong>Ubuntu</strong>—<em>“I am because you are.”</em> This African philosophy reminds us that our strength comes from our connections with each other. None of us can truly succeed unless we lift each other.</p>
<p>Through the lens of Ubuntu, volunteering becomes about building a stronger, more connected community. It’s about understanding that our success is intertwined with the success of others.</p>
<p>When we share our knowledge, help each other, and support our community, we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone.</p>
<p>Similarly, when we work together to clean up the environment by reducing carbon emissions or keeping the oceans free from waste, we make the world safer for all living things. This creates a balance that helps the whole ecosystem.</p>
<p>That’s the power of community. Vantage Point isn’t just my story; it’s <strong>our</strong> story. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone has the chance to thrive.</p>
<h3><strong>What Can You Do from Where You Are?</strong></h3>
<p>Now, here’s the question I want to leave you with: <em><strong>What can you do right now to contribute to this change?</strong></em></p>
<p>How can you, from where you are, start making a difference—not just for yourself but for others in our community?</p>
<p>Volunteer Day reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference.</p>
<p>It may be organizing an event like Vantage Point, supporting a local charity, or simply offering your time and skills; volunteering allows us to step beyond our usual routines and contribute to something greater.</p>
<p>So, the next time you have the opportunity to volunteer, take it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Because remember, <strong>I am because you are.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect, bringing positive change to those you help and yourself.</p>
<p>Together, we can build a better world—one act of kindness at a time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PS: What part of the story fascinates you and why? I look forward to know about this in the comments below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Talk soon,</p>
<p>Edward.</p>
<h1><!-- notionvc: 994d6d07-ea14-415d-b1c4-c0d4aea8a5a7 --></h1>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2460 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[1]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2465 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(12) "spo_10264_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07"
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/edwardenejoh/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[2]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2462 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2451 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2466 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(14176) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>Diary of a Project Manager</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh</link>
<description>Reflections on projects, people, and learning</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<item>
<title>Why Food Is the Ultimate Bridge: A Tale of Two Cultures</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:11:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11</guid>
<description><![CDATA[July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam. If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own. Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam.</p>
<p>If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own.</p>
<p>Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, and of course, cooking.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-12" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-768x500.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup.jpg 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>But among them all, the New Yam Festival stands tall. It’s especially big in the South-East and Middle Belt regions among the Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, and other yam-loving communities.</p>
<p>Right after the harvest season, it feels like a carnival. People dress in bright traditional outfits, drummers show off their rhythm, dancers spin and leap with joy, and the smell of yam dishes fills the air.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And we love our yam. Yam in Nigeria is like potatoes in the UK, only better (we’ll argue that any day!). You can fry it, boil it with stew, roast it, make yam porridge, or the king of all: pounded yam with soup.</p>
<p>Serve a guest pounded yam, and you’re not just feeding them, you’re honouring them with a royal delicacy.</p>
<p>Now, working and living in Edinburgh, I sometimes miss that buzz. The sound, the colours, the food. But every so often, something unexpected brings it all rushing back, from the Edinburgh Festival to the LTW Charity Bake Sale.</p>
<p>I joined the University of Edinburgh in February 2024, as part of the ISG team. It hasn’t been long, but after attending my first bake sale last year, I felt like I’d been here for years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I connected with so many people from different teams. It reminded me so much of home.</p>
<p>People from different backgrounds brought sweet treats from their cultures. There were cakes I couldn’t even pronounce and flavours I’d never tasted, but everything came with a smile and a story.</p>
<p>Honestly, I felt like a child lost in a candy shop. My only mission was to taste every cake!</p>
<p>That first bake sale brought people together. Whether you were new or had been around for a while, you felt part of the ISG community, just like at the New Yam Festival.</p>
<p>Food broke the ice, started conversations, and built friendships. No pressure, just “What’s this called?” or “Did you bake this?” and just like that, you’re chatting like old friends.</p>
<p>Now, the July bake sale is here again, and I can’t wait. This will be my second, and I already know it’ll be just as heartwarming.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The ISG team is wonderfully diverse, and within Learning, Teaching and Web (LTW), we have a lovely habit of celebrating culture through food.</p>
<p>Sounds familiar, right?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Nigeria, we say: the people who eat together, stay together. It’s true. Whether it’s yam with spicy soup or a slice of sponge cake, food is the ultimate bridge. And hunger or appetite, is a universal language. Across cultures, across teams, across oceans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So if you love to bake, or just love to eat like me, come join the LTW Bake Sale! The delicious treats will be inspired by favourite films and TV shows of the people baking them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And with every bite, you’ll be helping raise funds for an <a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/LTWColleagueHub/SitePages/LTW-fundraising-for-the-Organ-Donation-Team,-NHS-Blood-and-Transplant.aspx">NHS Blood and Transplant Charity Fund</a>.</p>
<p>So come along, I’ll be looking out to have a chat with you and hear about your favourite cake or food.</p>
<p>I wonder, will someone bake a Pink Panther cake? Or maybe a Black Panther one?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer Day: Making a Difference Beyond the Desk</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:47:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges. As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place. I know how it feels because […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges.</p>
<p>As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place.</p>
<p>I know how it feels because I’ve been there.</p>
<p>There’s a sense of loneliness, uncertainty, and even frustration. You might have all the skills and experience, but the job market seems like a closed door, and you’re not sure where to start.</p>
<p>The feeling of being left out, or not belonging, can weigh heavily on you.</p>
<h3><strong>A Journey of Adaptation and Growth</strong></h3>
<p>Beyond the language barriers, it’s also about learning the professional culture, the unspoken culture, and doing the work expected of you in such a way that translates to a successful outcome as expected by your employer and team.</p>
<p>I’m thankful to be part of a great team at the Learning, Teaching, and Web Unit of the Information Services Group, especially the Digital Learning, Applications, and Media team. I’ll always be grateful to the team, my manager, the team lead, and the director of LTW for making my onboarding experience smooth.</p>
<p>I learned the acronyms, got to know the teams, understood the work culture, and learned the tools we use. This took away a lot of the uncertainty I had.</p>
<h3><strong>What if Things Could Be Different?</strong></h3>
<p>At the University of Edinburgh, every staff gets one day to volunteer for a cause of their choosing. We get to step away from our desks and give back to the community. Beyond taking a break from our daily tasks, it’s a chance to make a real impact on the lives of others and enrich our own lives in the process.</p>
<p>So, I thought to myself, what if we could host an event that helps people understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment and actively provides how to overcome them?</p>
<p>What if you could have access to the tools, resources, and mentors needed to open doors to opportunities for career growth?</p>
<p>That’s why I collaborated with some amazing people to host <strong>Vantage Point 2.0.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>How Vantage Point Came to Life</strong></h3>
<p>In 2020, during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched Vantage Point. What started as a small online event turned into a movement. Seven speakers, seven days, and hundreds of participants from Nigeria came together to talk about how we could reposition ourselves during uncertain times.</p>
<p><strong>Vantage Point 2.0</strong> was designed to ride on the success of the earlier edition as a physical gathering in Aberdeen, Scotland, focused on helping migrants navigate the local job market, adapt to the culture, and build meaningful careers. This was a team effort, made possible through collaboration with team members and partner organizations that believed in the vision.</p>
<p>We didn’t just talk about the struggles; we shared real solutions. We explored how to leverage technology for career growth, the power of networking, and the importance of adapting to a new work culture—all while staying true to ourselves.</p>
<p>We heard inspiring stories from experts who had walked in our shoes, who also offered advice and mentorship to those just starting. By the end of the event, many left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable plans to move forward.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Volunteering Matters</strong></h3>
<p>Volunteering at Vantage Point was a powerful reminder of how collective effort can create significant change. Often, we think of volunteering as an individual act of kindness.</p>
<h3><strong>Ubuntu – I Am Because You Are</strong></h3>
<p>Vantage Point is about building a community rooted in the spirit of <strong>Ubuntu</strong>—<em>“I am because you are.”</em> This African philosophy reminds us that our strength comes from our connections with each other. None of us can truly succeed unless we lift each other.</p>
<p>Through the lens of Ubuntu, volunteering becomes about building a stronger, more connected community. It’s about understanding that our success is intertwined with the success of others.</p>
<p>When we share our knowledge, help each other, and support our community, we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone.</p>
<p>Similarly, when we work together to clean up the environment by reducing carbon emissions or keeping the oceans free from waste, we make the world safer for all living things. This creates a balance that helps the whole ecosystem.</p>
<p>That’s the power of community. Vantage Point isn’t just my story; it’s <strong>our</strong> story. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone has the chance to thrive.</p>
<h3><strong>What Can You Do from Where You Are?</strong></h3>
<p>Now, here’s the question I want to leave you with: <em><strong>What can you do right now to contribute to this change?</strong></em></p>
<p>How can you, from where you are, start making a difference—not just for yourself but for others in our community?</p>
<p>Volunteer Day reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference.</p>
<p>It may be organizing an event like Vantage Point, supporting a local charity, or simply offering your time and skills; volunteering allows us to step beyond our usual routines and contribute to something greater.</p>
<p>So, the next time you have the opportunity to volunteer, take it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Because remember, <strong>I am because you are.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect, bringing positive change to those you help and yourself.</p>
<p>Together, we can build a better world—one act of kindness at a time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PS: What part of the story fascinates you and why? I look forward to know about this in the comments below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Talk soon,</p>
<p>Edward.</p>
<h1><!-- notionvc: 994d6d07-ea14-415d-b1c4-c0d4aea8a5a7 --></h1>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(14823) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
Link: <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/"
Set-Cookie: spo_10264_fa=2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/edwardenejoh/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 GMT
ETag: "1fe6e20643c01784ed299017fc94c068"
Vary: Accept-Encoding
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>Diary of a Project Manager</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh</link>
<description>Reflections on projects, people, and learning</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<item>
<title>Why Food Is the Ultimate Bridge: A Tale of Two Cultures</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:11:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11</guid>
<description><![CDATA[July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam. If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own. Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>July always makes me think of yam. Not just any yam, the New Yam.</p>
<p>If you’re Nigerian, you already know. That sacred tuber that gets a full festival of its own.</p>
<p>Across Nigeria, where we’ve got over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each one has its own way of celebrating, singing, dancing, and of course, cooking.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-12" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-300x195.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-768x500.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Yam.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-content/uploads/sites/10264/2025/07/Pounded-Yam-and-Egusis-Soup.jpg 750w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>But among them all, the New Yam Festival stands tall. It’s especially big in the South-East and Middle Belt regions among the Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, and other yam-loving communities.</p>
<p>Right after the harvest season, it feels like a carnival. People dress in bright traditional outfits, drummers show off their rhythm, dancers spin and leap with joy, and the smell of yam dishes fills the air.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And we love our yam. Yam in Nigeria is like potatoes in the UK, only better (we’ll argue that any day!). You can fry it, boil it with stew, roast it, make yam porridge, or the king of all: pounded yam with soup.</p>
<p>Serve a guest pounded yam, and you’re not just feeding them, you’re honouring them with a royal delicacy.</p>
<p>Now, working and living in Edinburgh, I sometimes miss that buzz. The sound, the colours, the food. But every so often, something unexpected brings it all rushing back, from the Edinburgh Festival to the LTW Charity Bake Sale.</p>
<p>I joined the University of Edinburgh in February 2024, as part of the ISG team. It hasn’t been long, but after attending my first bake sale last year, I felt like I’d been here for years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I connected with so many people from different teams. It reminded me so much of home.</p>
<p>People from different backgrounds brought sweet treats from their cultures. There were cakes I couldn’t even pronounce and flavours I’d never tasted, but everything came with a smile and a story.</p>
<p>Honestly, I felt like a child lost in a candy shop. My only mission was to taste every cake!</p>
<p>That first bake sale brought people together. Whether you were new or had been around for a while, you felt part of the ISG community, just like at the New Yam Festival.</p>
<p>Food broke the ice, started conversations, and built friendships. No pressure, just “What’s this called?” or “Did you bake this?” and just like that, you’re chatting like old friends.</p>
<p>Now, the July bake sale is here again, and I can’t wait. This will be my second, and I already know it’ll be just as heartwarming.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The ISG team is wonderfully diverse, and within Learning, Teaching and Web (LTW), we have a lovely habit of celebrating culture through food.</p>
<p>Sounds familiar, right?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Nigeria, we say: the people who eat together, stay together. It’s true. Whether it’s yam with spicy soup or a slice of sponge cake, food is the ultimate bridge. And hunger or appetite, is a universal language. Across cultures, across teams, across oceans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So if you love to bake, or just love to eat like me, come join the LTW Bake Sale! The delicious treats will be inspired by favourite films and TV shows of the people baking them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And with every bite, you’ll be helping raise funds for an <a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/LTWColleagueHub/SitePages/LTW-fundraising-for-the-Organ-Donation-Team,-NHS-Blood-and-Transplant.aspx">NHS Blood and Transplant Charity Fund</a>.</p>
<p>So come along, I’ll be looking out to have a chat with you and hear about your favourite cake or food.</p>
<p>I wonder, will someone bake a Pink Panther cake? Or maybe a Black Panther one?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2025/07/22/why-food-is-the-ultimate-bridge-a-tale-of-two-cultures/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Volunteer Day: Making a Difference Beyond the Desk</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Enejoh]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:47:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges. As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place. I know how it feels because […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges.</p>
<p>As a migrant, the excitement of new beginnings often fades quickly when faced with harsh realities: adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and trying to make a meaningful life in an unfamiliar place.</p>
<p>I know how it feels because I’ve been there.</p>
<p>There’s a sense of loneliness, uncertainty, and even frustration. You might have all the skills and experience, but the job market seems like a closed door, and you’re not sure where to start.</p>
<p>The feeling of being left out, or not belonging, can weigh heavily on you.</p>
<h3><strong>A Journey of Adaptation and Growth</strong></h3>
<p>Beyond the language barriers, it’s also about learning the professional culture, the unspoken culture, and doing the work expected of you in such a way that translates to a successful outcome as expected by your employer and team.</p>
<p>I’m thankful to be part of a great team at the Learning, Teaching, and Web Unit of the Information Services Group, especially the Digital Learning, Applications, and Media team. I’ll always be grateful to the team, my manager, the team lead, and the director of LTW for making my onboarding experience smooth.</p>
<p>I learned the acronyms, got to know the teams, understood the work culture, and learned the tools we use. This took away a lot of the uncertainty I had.</p>
<h3><strong>What if Things Could Be Different?</strong></h3>
<p>At the University of Edinburgh, every staff gets one day to volunteer for a cause of their choosing. We get to step away from our desks and give back to the community. Beyond taking a break from our daily tasks, it’s a chance to make a real impact on the lives of others and enrich our own lives in the process.</p>
<p>So, I thought to myself, what if we could host an event that helps people understand the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment and actively provides how to overcome them?</p>
<p>What if you could have access to the tools, resources, and mentors needed to open doors to opportunities for career growth?</p>
<p>That’s why I collaborated with some amazing people to host <strong>Vantage Point 2.0.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>How Vantage Point Came to Life</strong></h3>
<p>In 2020, during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched Vantage Point. What started as a small online event turned into a movement. Seven speakers, seven days, and hundreds of participants from Nigeria came together to talk about how we could reposition ourselves during uncertain times.</p>
<p><strong>Vantage Point 2.0</strong> was designed to ride on the success of the earlier edition as a physical gathering in Aberdeen, Scotland, focused on helping migrants navigate the local job market, adapt to the culture, and build meaningful careers. This was a team effort, made possible through collaboration with team members and partner organizations that believed in the vision.</p>
<p>We didn’t just talk about the struggles; we shared real solutions. We explored how to leverage technology for career growth, the power of networking, and the importance of adapting to a new work culture—all while staying true to ourselves.</p>
<p>We heard inspiring stories from experts who had walked in our shoes, who also offered advice and mentorship to those just starting. By the end of the event, many left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable plans to move forward.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Volunteering Matters</strong></h3>
<p>Volunteering at Vantage Point was a powerful reminder of how collective effort can create significant change. Often, we think of volunteering as an individual act of kindness.</p>
<h3><strong>Ubuntu – I Am Because You Are</strong></h3>
<p>Vantage Point is about building a community rooted in the spirit of <strong>Ubuntu</strong>—<em>“I am because you are.”</em> This African philosophy reminds us that our strength comes from our connections with each other. None of us can truly succeed unless we lift each other.</p>
<p>Through the lens of Ubuntu, volunteering becomes about building a stronger, more connected community. It’s about understanding that our success is intertwined with the success of others.</p>
<p>When we share our knowledge, help each other, and support our community, we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone.</p>
<p>Similarly, when we work together to clean up the environment by reducing carbon emissions or keeping the oceans free from waste, we make the world safer for all living things. This creates a balance that helps the whole ecosystem.</p>
<p>That’s the power of community. Vantage Point isn’t just my story; it’s <strong>our</strong> story. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone has the chance to thrive.</p>
<h3><strong>What Can You Do from Where You Are?</strong></h3>
<p>Now, here’s the question I want to leave you with: <em><strong>What can you do right now to contribute to this change?</strong></em></p>
<p>How can you, from where you are, start making a difference—not just for yourself but for others in our community?</p>
<p>Volunteer Day reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference.</p>
<p>It may be organizing an event like Vantage Point, supporting a local charity, or simply offering your time and skills; volunteering allows us to step beyond our usual routines and contribute to something greater.</p>
<p>So, the next time you have the opportunity to volunteer, take it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Because remember, <strong>I am because you are.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your actions, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect, bringing positive change to those you help and yourself.</p>
<p>Together, we can build a better world—one act of kindness at a time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PS: What part of the story fascinates you and why? I look forward to know about this in the comments below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Talk soon,</p>
<p>Edward.</p>
<h1><!-- notionvc: 994d6d07-ea14-415d-b1c4-c0d4aea8a5a7 --></h1>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/volunteerday/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2463 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(72) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/""
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(137) "spo_10264_fa=2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/edwardenejoh/; Secure; HttpOnly"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""1fe6e20643c01784ed299017fc94c068""
}
["vary"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(2)
["url"]=>
string(41) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/"
["history"]=>
array(2) {
[0]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2457 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(0) ""
["raw"]=>
string(844) "HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Content-Length: 0
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
X-Redirect-By: WordPress
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev; path=/; secure; HttpOnly
Set-Cookie: spo_10264_fa=2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/edwardenejoh/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 GMT
ETag: "1fe6e20643c01784ed299017fc94c068"
Location: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/
Set-Cookie: RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2458 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(13) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["content-length"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "0"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["x-redirect-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(9) "WordPress"
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(137) "spo_10264_fa=2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/edwardenejoh/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:01:49 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""1fe6e20643c01784ed299017fc94c068""
}
["location"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(41) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed/"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(301)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(false)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(40) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2450 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2468 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2459 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_10264_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2461 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(12) "spo_10264_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2473 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/edwardenejoh/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2470 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2471 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
[1]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2453 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(1742) "<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
<head>
<title>Page not available</title>
<style type="text/css">
<!-- *{font:14px Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin:0;padding:0;}body{background-color:#e6e6e6;}h1{font-size:30px;}h2{font-size:21px;font-weight:bold;font-family:\'lucida grande\', \'tahoma\', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;}h2,h3{color:#D03;}h3{font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;font-family:\'lucida grande\', \'tahoma\', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;}#c{background-color:#fff;padding:40px;}#f{color:#fff;background-color:#666;padding:14px;}#g{font-size:12px;}#g,#c{margin:0 auto;width:800px;}h1,h2,h3,#h,p,li{padding:0 0 14px 0}li{margin:0 0 0 20px;list-style-type:square;color:red;}li span{color:#000;} -->
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="c"><div id="h"><h1 id="h1o">The University of Edinburgh</h1></div>
<div id="e"><h2>Page unavailable</h2>
<p>You are now being redirected to a secure connection and we apologise for any delay.</p>
<h3>Help</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<span>If you need advice quickly, the University main phone number is +44 (0)131 650 1000.</span></li><li><span>Search the University website: <a href="http://www.ed.ac.uk/search">telephone & email directories</a> or <a href="http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments">Departments & Academic Units</a></span></li><li><span>MyEd may still be available: <a href="https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk/"> Log in to MyEd</a></span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div id="f"><div id="g">Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all material is copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2022</div></div>
</body>
</html>"
["raw"]=>
string(1894) "HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently
Content-Type: text/html
Content-Length: 1742
Connection: close
Location: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
<head>
<title>Page not available</title>
<style type="text/css">
<!-- *{font:14px Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin:0;padding:0;}body{background-color:#e6e6e6;}h1{font-size:30px;}h2{font-size:21px;font-weight:bold;font-family:\'lucida grande\', \'tahoma\', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;}h2,h3{color:#D03;}h3{font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;font-family:\'lucida grande\', \'tahoma\', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;}#c{background-color:#fff;padding:40px;}#f{color:#fff;background-color:#666;padding:14px;}#g{font-size:12px;}#g,#c{margin:0 auto;width:800px;}h1,h2,h3,#h,p,li{padding:0 0 14px 0}li{margin:0 0 0 20px;list-style-type:square;color:red;}li span{color:#000;} -->
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="c"><div id="h"><h1 id="h1o">The University of Edinburgh</h1></div>
<div id="e"><h2>Page unavailable</h2>
<p>You are now being redirected to a secure connection and we apologise for any delay.</p>
<h3>Help</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<span>If you need advice quickly, the University main phone number is +44 (0)131 650 1000.</span></li><li><span>Search the University website: <a href="http://www.ed.ac.uk/search">telephone & email directories</a> or <a href="http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments">Departments & Academic Units</a></span></li><li><span>MyEd may still be available: <a href="https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk/"> Log in to MyEd</a></span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div id="f"><div id="g">Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all material is copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2022</div></div>
</body>
</html>"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2454 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(3) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(9) "text/html"
}
["content-length"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(4) "1742"
}
["location"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(40) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(301)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(false)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(39) "http://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/feed"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2450 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2468 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2459 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_10264_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2461 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(12) "spo_10264_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2473 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/edwardenejoh/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2470 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2471 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2450 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2468 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "aup6kip9465trrjrqh99jbf6ev"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2459 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_10264_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2461 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(12) "spo_10264_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "2f23d7abacf40029d65763f50a9edb07"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2473 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(14) "/edwardenejoh/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2470 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48tRfDkm8lqpSXfTjW5M7B6wkZ9heQIhJIvZyMOfMAl-SFCGAcRUeMrHPUEYqSOE-ONj8"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2471 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11] "Why Food Is the Ultimate Bridge: A Tale of Two Cultures"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/?p=11] "Why Food Is the Ultimate Bridge: A Tale of Two Cultures" is a NEW POST.
Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "Events" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Events" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Events" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Events" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag====| Category: MAPPED term names ["Events"] to IDs: null
Diag====| Category: MAPPED term names [] to IDs: null
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/] "Volunteer Day: Making a Difference Beyond the Desk"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/edwardenejoh/2024/09/10/welcome/] "Volunteer Day: Making a Difference Beyond the Desk" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Polling feed [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed]
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2475 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["expires"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
["cache-control"]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
["pragma"]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
["link"]=>
string(186) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/5>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=1s1v51ea2e8l37gsj4ldpeovqv; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(133) "spo_65_fa=0f7d630d117d141812d21fb1aac9607e; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/mylesblaney/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48NAzQkgvtRCmrGO7DSe61JDHmchzwYtSgx1SCnJxerCEfJ-s3BOnuH1KbpAW8n3vbQcs; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""e377c755f5a48243d7f7cd19bd73d3a0""
["vary"]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(67128) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>dlam-feed – mylesthoughts</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney</link>
<description>A journey through my working life and related thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Who needs awards anyway!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do above and beyond to accomplish some amazing tasks. Secondly. we were robbed<br /><br />We had drafted a speech (after all the wild celebrations, kissing the badge, knee slides and general mocking and aggressive finger pointing at the opposition) and whilst we didn’t get the opportunity to read it out I still think it’s worth sharing as a last thank you for those involved in delivering the short course platform. It’s the end of a programme but the beginning of a new service.<br /><br /><br />The Speech:<br /><br />The short course platform was a programme that started just under 4 years ago. It was after the closure of the distance learning at scale programme which may not have been the burning success we wanted however it had taught us valuable lessons which ultimately led us to the successful launch of the short course platform.<br /><br />I think what I want to flag, is that sometimes things don’t work out the way you wanted or expected , but that’s ok, learning and evolving is part of our roles and the sweet doesn’t taste as sweet without the sour.<br /><br />We would like to acknowledge all the support and time provided by stakeholders across the institution who attended numerous, steering groups, boards, demo sessions and various meetings. Their patience and time have ultimately steered and supported us to deliver a successful programme and sets of services used by over 7k learners accessing over 1k courses so far.<br /><br />We would not be accepting this award without the hard work and down right determination of some key folk who have worked collaboratively across LTW and Apps. On behalf of the team we need to thank section heads Stuart and Karen for their invaluable support. Andrews team for delivering a snazzy shopfront, Lauren and Fiona’s team for all their hard work in designing course, websites, an amazing spoint hub and training just to name a few things. Legal for doing legal stuff and Neil for helping us understand it. Viki Galts team for everything accessibility. All the PMs that have organised us over the last few years and Ellen who got us over the line. Cassie for organising groups, boards, papers and making sense of are wittering’s in meetings. Adam Scott and Gordon Forbes for guiding us through the madness of finance. My team for delivering 5 technical services and all the related compliance and process fun that all involve. Lastly, I want to thank Nikki Stuart for the drive and support for the delivery of the platform. <br /><br />The short course programme felt like a family, dysfunctional at times but aren’t all families/projects.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-02-17" itemprop="dateModified">Feb 17, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2025: The year SCP took off</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:15:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different. First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different.</p>
<p>First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online payment platform so everyone panics about financial transactions), compliance (privacy policies, terms and conditions for a new service), processes (we have the tech but how do we use it, support it, manage it, update it, access it, review it, communicate it, approve it etc) has been challenging.</p>
<p>I love a challenge but 2025 has been a tough one hence my reflection feeling different if not slightly weird. The pressure and expectation to have all the answers to various elements of a new platform (technical and non-technical) at stages throughout this year has been difficult to manage.</p>
<p>Part of this is my own expectation to have the answers or simply know everything. Part of this was my own disappointment and frustration when I didn’t. Part of this is the pressure cooker of delivering a new platform across the institution during a period of financial instability. It’s a lot of parts (some I haven’t included) but in reality, the only part I can fully control is me. Turning off a bit more sounds like an easy solution but it felt impossible. I honestly look back and am thankful for my colleagues who have supported me in 2025. SCP took a chunk of me and getting it out the door nearly broke me.</p>
<p>Friday emails (I don’t work Fridays) and teams conversations kept me in cycle of checking in when I should have been checking out. Don’t get me wrong, my role is to deliver and support services so it’s part of the JD and its with great joy the teams have delivered but the paranoid version of me questions “what did I do”. I know the answer but when things start to go wrong it leads to darker place. Am I mansplaining, are the right people included, what did that person mean, we agreed this but its changed, why?, why am I not invited to that meeting? Constant thoughts swirling through my head when in reality as the project grew you need to let go as it’s impossible to do it all. Placing trust in others but more importantly practising what you preach, sharing the load (like Samwise Gangee wanted to help Frodo by carrying the one ring into the fires of mount doom……), be transparent and listen.</p>
<p>I enjoy the challenge, I love pushing myself but I don’t have all the answers, I get stuff wrong and I am only 1 person. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable has been a big mentality change. It helps when your surrounded by supportive people.<br />
Practically, I also installed an app blocker on my phone which makes accessing Teams and checking emails on a Friday a living nightmare as my phone makes me jump through multiple hurdles to even login to Teams (which is a kinda great!).</p>
<p>Learning and playing more with APIs, agile methodologies, Power BI, headless CMS, resource planning, release planning, power apps, power flow, Canvas, virtual meetings, communications, working groups, BAU are things that have all of a sudden merged into my vocabulary over the past 12 months. Lessons learnt is a term I am looking forward to using less over 2026…..although it’s part of however they are key to the of reflecting and being honest (as much as you can be).</p>
<p>SCP launched in June and so far we have over 450 courses which have ran just under 1000 times, 7k learners and over 11,500 enrolments which have either been via online card transactions or backend fun orders. The platform was a massive task with contributions from various teams in IS and across the institution. Listening and adapting the platform or the requirements has been pivotal to launching a platform that is starting to gain traction amongst schools.</p>
<p>Sadly, it will be the last year in Argyle House or as some may recognise the building as the police station in Dept Q (Netflix). Looking at a castle every day, having easy access to meeting rooms, seemingly always being on or close to a film set (T2, Frankenstein, Avengers) will be things I will miss. Listening to the jazz folk jam under the bridge at castle terrace will definitely not be something I will miss. We move in March and I wil miss the eye sore.</p>
<p>Overall, 2025 will always be the year we launched and I am proud of what we achieved. 2026 already has private courses, programmes, website enhancements and more on the agenda with less access to Teams and a bit more confidence in myself to get things wrong and the odd time right. Anyway, this is for me not you but if you feel the same sometimes, talk to someone. It does help.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-12-22" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 22, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Short Courses Platform Implementation and Me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive! First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs. Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new UoE developed […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive!</p>
<p>First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs.</p>
<p>Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new <a href="https://shortcourses.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UoE developed short courses website</a> that allows you to browse, view details on a course, register, pay (if costed), sign up to mailing lists, receive automated comms on the course and access course material via a dedicated VLE/LMS or whatever letters you like to call an online learning platform (it can do more but I don’t want to spoil the fun).</p>
<p>3 years of my life have been dedicated to launching this set of services and its been a roller coaster. but for today lets briefly talk about the set of service that make up the short course platform. This blog won’t cover all the amazing work done by colleagues for course design, branding, marketing etc but will discuss the services (platforms) that make up the short course platform.</p>
<p><strong>The background (always important to tell the back story)</strong></p>
<p>Short courses are offered by various schools across the institution and have been managed and taught via numerous platforms and usually involved a lot of disjointed workflows for learners, teacher and administrators. Short courses didn’t have a dedicated service, we had a gap in the digital eco-system and learners were managed in silo via over complicated workflows and taught on platforms that maybe shouldn’t have been used or weren’t the best for delivering or supporting learning.</p>
<p>Quite a conundrum but not a new one to many of us. Start the business analysis, market analysis, funding applications, procurement and contract sign off (I skipped a lot of steps but that’s another blog) and we get to the fun stuff, implementation.</p>
<p><strong><br />
The services (get ready for learning technology bingo)</strong></p>
<p>The obvious ones are a <strong>Virtual learning environment</strong> so we can facilitate online, hybrid, and in person teaching and learning. The university loves collecting VLEs and at one point I think we had completed the sticker album and had a few swaps available (mostly Moodles). An early decision was to consider a standalone VLE that would separate learners and students and for an institution that has spent years consolidating VLEs this was the first big decision.</p>
<p>It was clear looking at the options this would be more beneficial technically and practically. Technically VLEs all share very similar elements and for short courses we would being use a subset of the tools available but we needed a reliable and stable platform that could support us as the service grew.</p>
<p>Practically we wanted learners to create and manage their own accounts which also reduces the admin burden on courses who may have been managing users manually. Splitting the audience allowed us more flexibility to offer a tailored learning experience to learners but (and its a biggie) we were very wary that we would be introducing a new platform which teachers and administrators would need to learn. This comes back to my initial point VLEs under the hood do have similarities and we understood the risk. We implemented Canvas by Instructure.</p>
<p>We also needed a shopfront which would be a multifaceted tool (the swiz army knife of the overall service) that included (deep breathe):</p>
<ul>
<li>an online tool to advertise the courses</li>
<li>a payment integration</li>
<li>course management tool</li>
<li>order management</li>
<li>user management</li>
<li>access to all the data</li>
<li>all had to be accessible and compliant</li>
</ul>
<p>I won’t list anymore but you hopefully get the gist and understand it was an very important part of the jigsaw. Internally we have referred to this platform as the <strong>user, course, order content management system</strong> (it rolls of the tongue). Looking around we didn’t have anything in house that could do the above so we again did the business analysis, market analysis, spoke to some great institutions to understand products available. We implemented a Eduframe by Drieam which is used by a few other UK Universities.</p>
<p>Eduframe did come with a WordPress based website however my development colleagues flagged concerns (they have been burned by WordPress a few times). We then looked at Drupal (which is used for the University website) however again it didn’t meet are long list of requirements. So we plonked for developing a<strong> bespoke website using the next,js framework</strong>. That will be its own blog like all the other services discussed in this post but a big thank you to Andrew Millington for all his support and advise to get the website off the ground.</p>
<p><strong>What about data!</strong> We love data so needed to ensure we could access all the data to allow for pretty visuals to be created and large numbers to be shared on professional media channels. Eduframe has as set of APIs that have allowed us to a Power BI App (they have their own app but we love developing stuff), Canvas has in product analytics and Canvas Data 2 and we use GA4 for web analytics. Its alot of data.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><figure id="attachment_560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-560" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-560" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg" alt="whiteboard with my brain" width="300" height="226" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-768x578.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1275x960.jpg 1275w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560" class="wp-caption-text">Data Data Data brain dump on a whiteboard</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>So how do staff access the platform without needing a separate login or going through a long and convoluted process to get access to the platform? We created a <strong>teacher admin app</strong> using the Eduframe APIs that syncs with the central user management system. This allows admins to enable access to the short course platform with the assurance that when staff leave accounts are updated. Staff login using their UoE account so don’t need to find that bit of paper with a password (I am joking…).</p>
<p>So, to summarise the below are the key services that make up the short course platform.</p>
<ul>
<li>Virtual learning environment</li>
<li>User, course, order content management system</li>
<li>Bespoke website using the next,js framework</li>
<li>Data reporting tools</li>
<li>Teacher admin app</li>
</ul>
<p>This list does not cover the payment integrations, the numerous integrations we have with tools in canvas and the numerous workflows required to support courses (book, apply, private, waiting lists etc) but hopefully it provides an overview of the services we have implemented that allow us to successfully support and manage the short course platform at scale.</p>
<p>So on reflection 3 years ago I was blissfully paddle boarding on Loch Ness not knowing what was lurking beneath, bit like the implementation of any new service.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-08-07" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 7, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Failure and me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:43:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and ensuring we mitigate its effects.</p>
<p>As we approach the launch of a new platform at the university, it is difficult not to reflect on missed opportunities or things we could have done differently. I need to remind myself that when we started, we didn’t have the wealth of knowledge that we have now, gained over the last 18 months. It’s challenging for me not to get caught up in a “failure spiral,” which can have negative consequences both professionally and personally.</p>
<p>I listen to a few sports podcasts, and a quote by Samuel Beckett came up:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better – Samuel Beckett</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I love this quote! Failure, when rolling out not just one, but five new applications, along with brand new processes, creating a new service, introducing new technology, new workflows, training, understanding the present, planning for the future, onboarding, involvement in boards and steering groups, and dealing with compliance—how can we not fail? Therefore, we need to get comfortable with failure, but try to “fail better” by:</p>
<ol>
<li>Accepting that it has happened, and for me, it’s part of the job. Get comfortable.</li>
<li>Reviewing what happened by getting the facts.</li>
<li>Understanding why it happened, which sometimes involves digging deeper than the facts.</li>
<li>Developing new strategies so we do not fail in the same way again or so we can fail better.</li>
<li>Implementing a process or workflow to help us, which is documented.</li>
<li>Communicating consistently in all the above steps. It’s not easy, but it’s key.</li>
</ol>
<p>Obviously, we want to deliver a service that is perfect, but in my 20 years of working in the tech center, I have yet to find an application that hasn’t changed, that hasn’t been rebranded, or that hasn’t required UI changes, that still is exactly the same as it was when it launched. Look at Apple; they love to tell us it’s perfect, but what they define as “flawed perfection” means it’s constantly changing.</p>
<p>Accepting failure doesn’t mean we sit back with popcorn and watch the “wheels fall off.” Failing better, for me, involves a lot of work to ensure we minimize failure (if possible) and are prepared when it happens (again, sometimes we aren’t, as it could be a new workflow, patch, cyber attack, user requirement, or edge case scenario).</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-03-13" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 13, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2024: the year of short courses & the edge!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes. First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey. Second reflection, what a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes.</p>
<p>First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey.</p>
<p>Second reflection, what a year!</p>
<p>By the end of 2023 we signed the contract with Drieam (who support the learner, course and order management platform called <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Feduframe.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cc57c79c049f74fc4222608dd3536802c%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638725230381480477%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qiL39YC%2B0JyNdVLoKhQQo%2FHuTFRPszgLbUrHKTbRDpQ%3D&reserved=0">eduframe.com</a>) and Instructure (who host the learning platform called Canvas <a href="https://www.instructure.com">https://www.instructure.com</a>) to help us deliver the new Short Course Platform. It had taken 6 months of procurement and legal wrangling to get the contract sorted but in December 2023 it was finally signed. The short course platform will allow the public to browse courses via a web site, create an account, pay (if costed), enrol, learn, maybe get a digital badge and hopefully come back and repeat the process.</p>
<p>The platform aims to emulate a lot of the learnings from the core VLE projects including a consistent user experience, replacing laborious and admin heavy workarounds and having a clear purpose/strategy/vision. It has been a gap in the learning eco-system for a while and we have seen schools/depts bend tools and policies to meet their needs.</p>
<p>Interestingly with the current issues in HE we are starting to see a few other institutions spin up similar platforms. When we started this journey 2 years ago only a few examples existed but with institutions keen to explore additional revenue tracks we have seen similar platforms come online but that’s a different blog.</p>
<p>Like any new service we are starting fresh, which is great! But as soon as we started to update stakeholders and share the news more widely that we had signed a contract then comes the big questions…..when will it be available? Can we use it? How do I use it? Is it compliant? Will the learners like it? What is a learner? Can I show it to my friends? What is a short course?</p>
<p>It can feel like a landslide but I am lucky to work with people who are very supportive, open to ideas and like me love a plan(ner).The service isn’t just one new service, its 4 new platforms, training, guidance, marketing, communication, stakeholder engagement (one off and ongoing), terms of use, legal, compliant handling, data protection, accessibility, reporting (another new service so make that 5), terminology and the list goes on and on.</p>
<p>Spinning up a new service involves working with colleagues inside the department and making sure we are all confident or if not approachable to ask questions. Sounds easy but it’s probably the toughest part, the people who are the face of change need to speak the same language or stakeholders will lose confidence pretty quickly and that can cause tension in teams (who said what, why, when, did they not read the 1000 page memo).</p>
<p>Change agents also need to change. The ability to listen and change what we have thought about, developed or delivered is also key but with the caveat it must be based on facts. I listen to sports podcasts and was really intrigued by a football manager saying the team needed to focus on the team’s core goals (playing good football) and not be driven by the edge (bad passes and mistakes). That edge in service delivery can sometimes be a blocker to progress especially when creating a new service. Evaluating the use case and categorising it is key to understanding impact and priority especially when deadline is involved.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong use cases generated by stakeholders need to be listened to and evaluated but it’s the teams requirement to review and categories. Sometimes its not popular with stakeholders however I am a firm believer that services are never perfect. They evolve as does the requirements, the users (all of them) and the underlying technology. Services deliver to the masses and aim to meet all requirements however I have struggled to work on a service that doesn’t have a wish list or a product development roadmap.</p>
<p>The quicker you get comfortable with the edge the better.</p>
<p>My role in the project is technical lead but I feel more like a troubleshooter and negotiator. I have had to get to grips with 4 new bit of tech (content management system, payment portal, new VLE, a website developed on Next.js, a user provisioning tools) and help design a 5<sup>th</sup> (data reporting tool), negotiate with others use of the tools, design, onboarding for early adopter, project timelines and I am mentally knackered. Thankfully (again) a good team and me being very open about forgetting stuff and asking for reminders or checking my notes (which have merged into teams chats) has helped keep me on track. A technical lead sounds like someone who knows it all and I don’t but that’s ok. My role is offering workflows and options to a problem whilst speaking to the experts to help me map it out. Last Monday I had no clue on GA4 and now we have a plan to debug tags. Last Jan I started to play with APIs of the new platforms and now not a day goes by when I don’t have postman open and I am trying to figure out something.</p>
<p>2024 has been a blast but it’s been difficult. The projects have been challenging and that’s not just the tech. My confidence has taken a bit of a bashing along the way but its not personal. I will look back when we finally go live in May 2025 and think 2024 is the year we made a lot of decisions, I learned a little bit more about me and I am sharing some with you as it may help and remembe0 for any service its not the destination as there is never a destination, its just one big journey.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2024-12-23" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 23, 2024</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas UK & Ireland User Group December 2024</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:01:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ai]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[canvas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sd]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).<br />The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted by Manchester University. The day covered the Canvas roadmap, rubric adoption at medical schools, institutions migrating to canvas from another suppliers, break out sessions on analytics and administration of a VLE and more however there seemed to be one theme that was ever present in sessions, AI.</p>
<p>The first presenter represented FE and discussed how they had developed AI tools based on the Azure Framework (Microsoft) to create assessment feedback for students, assessment feedback summaries for staff and AI assistants to support students. The session highlighted how coding light tools can be developed using existing frameworks, APIs and a lot of engagement with users. The session generated a lot of questions including environmental impact, opt-in/out, academic integrity, quality and assurance of feedback etc. These questions aren’t new but I feel like we have moved from a space where we questioned AI and how it would be included in education to a new space where institutions themselves are developing tools.</p>
<p>With Open AI and the rapid evolution of LLMs suppliers are rushing to squeeze AI into their applications but at what risk? And why? I feel like we are partly to blame as we like new stuff but also want to improve the staff and student experience. It feels like AI might be the new thing that will solve all our problems (did someone saying Learning Analytics…). Like any new tech and especially with LLMs we also need to factor that these cohorts may have a certain level of expectation that AI is integrated into their professional, academic or learning journey. My fear is where should it be integrated and why?</p>
<p><br />New stuff is always fun for me but as someone who works with technology, I also need to consider the why? What is this bringing to the user’s experience? Do we have a gap? Does it improve the users experience? Any repercussions we need to consider? Speaking to design colleagues and stakeholders should drive the change and with AI I don’t know how much of a conversation is happening with users. Don’t get me wrong we need to start somewhere, and basic support bots being used to support users (like <a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm">ELM</a> or <a href="https://edhelp.ed.ac.uk/">EDHelp</a>) help us grow knowledge and at the same time they practically allow end-users to interact and maybe think about additional functionality they would like to see included in these tools or where they can envision these tools supporting them.</p>
<p>Instructure will be releasing more AI functionality and already have tools like Insights which utilises aspects of AI so:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>‘buckle your seat Dorothy, cause Kanvas is going bye-bye!’ – Cypher, The Matrix.<br /><br /></p>
</blockquote>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2024-12-09" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 9, 2024</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2023 Reflection</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for me on me, but you can read it (just don’t tell anyone!).</p>
<p>My 2023 will be the year of procurement, digital badges, and supporting the team (bored reading about AI so omitting it until Jan 2024).<br /><br />I have previously blogged about digital badges and how they have emerged from the pit of edu-tech doom and evolved into something that has value for issuers, earners and anyone else who is interested in the recognition of skills, achievements or competencies. I have also talked about replacing standalone credit that equates to nothing in the real world and longer term how institutions will need to offer digital versions of credit as the death of paper accelerates. I get it that people will still want to frame awards etc I just think that may be a minority.<br /><br />The team has done a fantastic job completing a procurement and establishing a service to support a 3-year pilot which we hope will extend with the pending new fun aka the short course platform. In just over 6 months we have issued over 1.5k badges, created and supported a badge governance process, created numerous guides and snazzy webpages, and planned to experiment with badge pathways in 2024. If you are interested have a peek at the webpage: <a href="https://edin.ac/3Waglnj">https://edin.ac/3Waglnj</a> and yes that is a badger wearing a jacket with badges (they are called Bo the badger).</p>
<p><br />I can only see badge popularity and use cases growing however I have concerns regarding the quality of products in the market, cost (platform prices vary vastly) and openness of underlying badge frameworks and portability. With Instructure hoovering up Badgr and now Parchment a big player is making an early move and the wider impact will be interesting to watch.</p>
<p>Procurements are always interesting and when the outcome is a brand new service it’s even more ‘exciting’. At this point I am going to read your mind, are you thinking something along the lines of…</p>
<p>‘Wow Wow, Myles is that a typo!, has the eggnog gone to your head!’ </p>
<p>The answer is no, in a weird and slightly concerning way it’s been fascinating to work with the project team to collaborate, collate, refine and produce a vision with key stakeholders for a new centrally supported platform that will allow the public to view CPD, PPD and any other short courses. pay (if required) and access a dedicated learning platform or be sent any relevant course information. </p>
<p>Ok, in reality, the devil is in the details and creating clear and concise questions that suppliers need to answer is a challenge. Interpreting those answers and scoring them is a bigger challenge especially then the question set is over 100 questions! Then agreeing to scores and feedback is a bigger challenge! It’s like Mortal Combat but without the combat as that would involve HR (however sometimes I think it would have been quicker to just have the combat).</p>
<p>So why did we need to go into the combat ring of procurement? Currently, these types of courses are delivered via numerous platforms, can be an admin burden to support staff, provide an inconsistent and sometimes poor learner experience and may be breaching software licenses (moving on swiftly). To summarise it’s very Edinburgh. everyone is doing something different. So, we proposed a change as we saw a clear gap and after lots of conversations, papers, presentations, and acronym searching we secured support from senior management and a budget from the institution. Instructure and Drieam won the procurement, and I look forward to working with them in 2024.</p>
<p>I manage a small team and also deputize for the section head. I enjoy both and am fortunate to be surrounded by people I respect and enjoy working with each day but this year has taught me to be a human first and a manager second. Work-life balance has always been important to me, especially with a family and growing up in a family where that balance did not exist and witnessing the impact on people’s mental and physical health has always been a valuable lesson to me.</p>
<p>I work hard as Myles Blaney team manager, technical lead, senior service manager, internal consultant, HR rep for the team, information security rep for the section, procurement mediator, badge specialist, and everything else in between. So, I need time to be Myles Blaney gym enthusiast, bike rider, Newcastle United fan, MMA fan, gamer, husband, dad, son, brother, dad taxi, family event planner, and spectator to name a few. I am lucky to have control of my balance due to my supportive manager but I also need to take control of it when I have it and not to quickly check or reply to a ping in teams.</p>
<p>Lastly, AI! It’s here to stay and we are only at the base of the hype curve. I have dabbled this year with Karen into what other institutions are doing and it’s another blog I will post in Jan 2024. Exciting and terrifying at the same time but not new just quicker, faster and better.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-12-21" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 21, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas Credentials: the new open digital badge platform</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:32:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[instructure]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).<br /><br />This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people awarded a badge(s), will it help motivate them? will they share it on digital CVs or social media? will they even click on the email and accept the badge? what about employability? how do they value a digital badge?<br /><br />How about issuers aka the schools that award the badge, is the platform easy to use? does it allow them the flexibility to develop and deliver standalone and badges which are interlinked (like a pathway)? what about resource for managing all things badges? and why bother with badges?<br /><br />Hang on, what about IS (we are people too), how does it affect us as issuer, earners and support? So all of the above plus is the platform robust? does it provide what the issuers and earners need? how will the service grow? will be see a badge bonanza or the butchering of badges?<br /><br />Whatever will happen the next few years will allow us to pilot and review the premium version of canvas credentials. For clarification when I say premium I mean paid for aka we get extra bits and bobs like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lots of Analytics: data, data, data</li>
<li>Organisation Management: aka one admin to rule them all! </li>
<li>Ability to add skills to a badge: I got skills their multiplying!</li>
<li>Ability to add custom fields to a badge: starting to panic about how this could be used!</li>
<li>Pathways: interlinked badges journeys</li>
</ul>
<p>Sounds pretty cool! Pathways are probably the ‘funnest’ (not a word but you know what I mean) premium tool which will allow schools or departments to create open stackable badges or paths (basic, intermediate, high ) to a higher level of achievement (Expert). These can include internal or external open badges so in theory could involve external bodies (e.g. companies, other institutions) and users can track their own progress! (take a breathe!).</p>
<p>And what have we decided to call the new open digital badge pilot/service……(drum roll)……BadgEd! (we got the word badge, we are the University of Edinburgh and we love incorporating Ed into stuff). </p>
<p>Sounds like a busy few years? You interested in finding out some more information? Ain’t you lucky we created this website where you can find out some more information on the <a href="https://edin.ac/40QRuX3">BadgEd webpages.</a></p>
<p><br />Finally this wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work of colleagues who have been exceptional (as usual) to help get from an idea to a live pilot (so thanks goes to Delia, Tracey, Nikki, Karen, Fiona and Ellen). Let the hard (fun) work begin….<br /><br /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-03-30" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 30, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Badges, not just a pretty picture</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era). So we all got badges and the value of a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era).</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7ZeQBhbVGnELP4bK/giphy.gif" alt="you get a gif" width="480" height="326" /></p>
<p>So we all got badges and the value of a badge declined plus how could we validate the badge, where do we put the badges to promote ourselves? So the badge hype slowly dwindled to some hardcore fans who issued badges sporadically. Badge strategies were forgotten and images of badges were added to email signatures with no ability to validate someones claim to be an Google Cloud wizard. I should also state that the frustration with badges also may be related to lack of platforms to develop and issue plus the limited options for styling, metadata and a space for an earner to host (yes Mozilla backpack was available however if you used it then you would understand it had issues).</p>
<p>I personally worked with badges via Blackboard learn a few years ago and we had some great use cases but the value of badges was not recognized by external institutions or private companies.</p>
<p>Fast forward a few years and the digital badge ecosystem has evolved. IMS open badge standards have been widely adopted by numerous suppliers, the options for badge creation & management is also diverse with open, free and paid for services available and most importantly the understanding that to maintain value for digital badges institution needs to have a strategy for badge creation.</p>
<p>The value aspect is key, speaking to other institutions in the UK and US they have stressed how value can only be maintained by guidance and governance. Guidance ensures standardization of the visual, the metadata and criteria for awarding. The visual is key and in most cases badge consumers (someone who sees a badge on a host platform aka linkedin, personal web page, email signature) will only see a small thumbnail of the image so keeping it clean and not going full Picasso is key. To get around the visual issue the creation of a style guide and a badge template helps subdue any hidden artistic desires.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4tV5VQbNScIikY4o/giphy.gif" alt="picasso art" width="480" height="480" /></p>
<p>Metadata is key, its the data/information that provides the context for the badge and includes fields like description, competencies, achievements, award criteria, expiration and the ability for consumers to check validation! Yes, if you have shared a badge I can check if your a world of war craft level 6 orc from the dune sea by clicking on the validate button.</p>
<p>Governance allows users to request a badge and for it to be reviewed by badge champions to ensure we do not create 100 badges for the same thing, ensure badge value is maintained (aka we don’t hurtle back to the Oprah era, PS you get a badge for reading this far!) and badge visuals are maintained (we want the University of Edinburgh badge experience to follow established design guidelines and best practices) . I would stress that governance is a mix of academic and service staff all with a vested interest in the success of digital badges.</p>
<p>So we have a process and some standards so what do we issue badges for? As highlighted earlier they have been issued for everything and we are keen to avoid those dark days. Badges have a place for recognition of extra curricula or non-curricula skills, competencies or achievements that may not be recognized via other awards or even at all. Badges can be used to level up the softer skills that are core to user development or simply recognize the skills, competencies or achievements a user has gained. Badges spans the digital ecosystem and user base and could be issued on a MOOC platform to a user completing the book MOOC or to a member of staff for competing the Information security training.</p>
<p>So I gained a badge what next? How about recommendations for associated badges which can build upon your skills, achievements or competencies gained via a previous badge. Or the ability to share on a host platform (go on be that LinkedIn boaster who announces everything they are doing to the world) or it can be kept private. Even better imagine having a space that is yours for life and doesn’t need you to be registered at the university, your account, your personal email address your in control. Or don’t claim the badge its all up to the earner (They have the power!)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/yhK4PWI9WJ0c/giphy.gif" alt="i have the power" width="320" height="240" /></p>
<p>The good news is that this service will be launching in the academic year 2022-23 and the team will share more thoughts once we pick a platform. The last thing I wanted to share is that whilst we are focusing on non-credit extra/non-curricula skills, achievements and competencies we are starting to hear institution considering issuing badges for UG and PG degree awards which kinda makes sense. Question if you have a degree what do you have to show your awesome achievement? and more importantly where is it? Personally I got a paper certificate and it sits in a cupboard with all my life admin things. Its not visible, its not verifiable and its on a bit of paper which isn’t great for the environment. A digital badge is verifiable and can be shared on numerous professional and/or personal platforms plus no trees were cut down to produce it. Sure the award ceremony might be slightly different however I have a feeling that the digital badge will be more useful to graduates.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2022-08-09" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 9, 2022</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>My Hybrid Reflections (not yours!)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:52:18 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hybrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk on the golf course 1600-1700. Throughout that period my working arrangements shifted from room to room as my setup evolved into a desk in my spare bedroom with a large screen and laptop. I have also blogged about the transitions if your interested in the detail but now I am now a hybrid worker.</p>
<p>Hybrid, what’s that? Well it’s kinda like a bit of office working and a bit of home working and for my working situation it makes a lot of common sense. Why does it work for me? The flexibility is something I have craved for years. I worked at home 1 day a week for 13 years, it allowed me to focus on documentation (if you have had the pleasure of working with me you know I love a good process document and making things transparent for anyone involved, who wouldn’t, share the fun), building servers remotely and other individual tasks with maybe the odd phone call to ask people to press a button on campus. Over the 13 years technology has evolved from email, messenger, skype for business (once you got it working) and now teams or Zoom. </p>
<p>Technology evolves and whilst we adapt it seamlessly into our non-working lives, with some of us actively promoting it for work, are 9-5 environment has stagnated due to numerous factors that include open spaces and noise, users unfamiliarity with the technology (e.g. can you hear me, I have poor Wi-Fi. Cat face – to name a few common issues), the technology being regarded as secondary, peoples personal or meeting room hardware setups (some people have vanity lights some people have 3 laptops perched on encyclopaedias). With the tech evolving we can now do remote tasks which now include group work (ability to host or join online meetings), group text chat, drop-ins to chat, share a screen and work through shared documents or issues. </p>
<p>So the technology has evolved (braw!) however the office space hasn’t however what is the office meant to be? I have blogged that people are the campus and they! This has been clearly shown over the numerous lockdowns but as a red brick university the campus is the shop floor for the bulk of roles. IS touch numerous points of campus life (on and remote) and we have shown we can work in extreme circumstances however personally for me I prefer a hybrid work space, which is ultimately a flexible work space.</p>
<p>Home working is great, no trains, no flesh market close steps, no expensive sandwich or coffee shops, work in leisure clothes (bought my first pair of tracksuit bottoms 6 months ago….), no running to meetings basically a lot of good points,. I love my house however I like coming back to it (bit like when you walk in the door post-holiday after sharing a confined space with the hobbits) and I am a strong believer in work life balance. Now for me what work life balance means is ‘give and take’ aka flexibility, managing time/resource, honestly. It may sound preachy but having a young family has taught me to enjoy the time and separate work (like the LTW no comms after 6 policy). I know people who find this impossible and to be honest it freaks me out but it’s their decision. </p>
<p>Working in the office 2 days gives me a bit of separation and allows me to plan 2 different days however I don’t plan them any different and for the foreseeable wont. I come in and work, catch up with folks, meet online or in-person and go home. Currently 2 days is enough and not due to COVID concerns but due to the change in routine (which I am over) and the office feeling different. The space feels subdued and when I come in it’s like a Saturday. It’s quiet for a time however co-ordinating days when others (usually Karen or Nikki) are in helps prioritise tasks for those days, allows us to bounce ideas around (scheduling collaboration and spontaneity on Teams is difficult) and lets me see other people J which I miss. Some of the people I get to work with or share an office with are worth the train fare alone to cheer me up. The human side of work and the office has been something I have blogged about before and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy my job.</p>
<p>So let’s be honest about the office, desk layout isn’t the best for online meetings and mics pick up other conversations pretty quickly. Meeting rooms are quiet but rely heavily on tech working and the building not being full (booking a room prior to COVID was like a playing a game in Squid Games – somebody would die!). If we are to adopt hybrid shared desk arrangements, thinning of the space would help. The creation of more social sitting and printer booth breakout spaces would help the space however my big thing is the noise. We probably need to admit that for a truly hybrid space the open spaces will need to be a bit more nosier due to online meetings held at desk, more collaboration spaces in teams local environments (again noisy) and the acceptance that the office should be a collaboration space and not just a undefined space with a desk with your stuff on it. Making it a collaboration friendly space helps hybrid workers however like we have all gone through over the past months it would require a change and physical office space changes are probably the most difficult to accept.</p>
<p>So hybrid for me works, the tech now allows us the flexibility, management now understand having being entrenched in it during lockdowns but (always a but) the office isn’t configured to support it…yet. My experience of coming into the office isn’t negative however it could be better which I will be feeding back.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2021-11-16" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 16, 2021</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2487 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "1s1v51ea2e8l37gsj4ldpeovqv"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[1]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2486 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "spo_65_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "0f7d630d117d141812d21fb1aac9607e"
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(13) "/mylesblaney/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[2]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2488 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48NAzQkgvtRCmrGO7DSe61JDHmchzwYtSgx1SCnJxerCEfJ-s3BOnuH1KbpAW8n3vbQcs"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2472 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2476 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(67128) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>dlam-feed – mylesthoughts</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney</link>
<description>A journey through my working life and related thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Who needs awards anyway!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do above and beyond to accomplish some amazing tasks. Secondly. we were robbed<br /><br />We had drafted a speech (after all the wild celebrations, kissing the badge, knee slides and general mocking and aggressive finger pointing at the opposition) and whilst we didn’t get the opportunity to read it out I still think it’s worth sharing as a last thank you for those involved in delivering the short course platform. It’s the end of a programme but the beginning of a new service.<br /><br /><br />The Speech:<br /><br />The short course platform was a programme that started just under 4 years ago. It was after the closure of the distance learning at scale programme which may not have been the burning success we wanted however it had taught us valuable lessons which ultimately led us to the successful launch of the short course platform.<br /><br />I think what I want to flag, is that sometimes things don’t work out the way you wanted or expected , but that’s ok, learning and evolving is part of our roles and the sweet doesn’t taste as sweet without the sour.<br /><br />We would like to acknowledge all the support and time provided by stakeholders across the institution who attended numerous, steering groups, boards, demo sessions and various meetings. Their patience and time have ultimately steered and supported us to deliver a successful programme and sets of services used by over 7k learners accessing over 1k courses so far.<br /><br />We would not be accepting this award without the hard work and down right determination of some key folk who have worked collaboratively across LTW and Apps. On behalf of the team we need to thank section heads Stuart and Karen for their invaluable support. Andrews team for delivering a snazzy shopfront, Lauren and Fiona’s team for all their hard work in designing course, websites, an amazing spoint hub and training just to name a few things. Legal for doing legal stuff and Neil for helping us understand it. Viki Galts team for everything accessibility. All the PMs that have organised us over the last few years and Ellen who got us over the line. Cassie for organising groups, boards, papers and making sense of are wittering’s in meetings. Adam Scott and Gordon Forbes for guiding us through the madness of finance. My team for delivering 5 technical services and all the related compliance and process fun that all involve. Lastly, I want to thank Nikki Stuart for the drive and support for the delivery of the platform. <br /><br />The short course programme felt like a family, dysfunctional at times but aren’t all families/projects.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-02-17" itemprop="dateModified">Feb 17, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2025: The year SCP took off</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:15:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different. First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different.</p>
<p>First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online payment platform so everyone panics about financial transactions), compliance (privacy policies, terms and conditions for a new service), processes (we have the tech but how do we use it, support it, manage it, update it, access it, review it, communicate it, approve it etc) has been challenging.</p>
<p>I love a challenge but 2025 has been a tough one hence my reflection feeling different if not slightly weird. The pressure and expectation to have all the answers to various elements of a new platform (technical and non-technical) at stages throughout this year has been difficult to manage.</p>
<p>Part of this is my own expectation to have the answers or simply know everything. Part of this was my own disappointment and frustration when I didn’t. Part of this is the pressure cooker of delivering a new platform across the institution during a period of financial instability. It’s a lot of parts (some I haven’t included) but in reality, the only part I can fully control is me. Turning off a bit more sounds like an easy solution but it felt impossible. I honestly look back and am thankful for my colleagues who have supported me in 2025. SCP took a chunk of me and getting it out the door nearly broke me.</p>
<p>Friday emails (I don’t work Fridays) and teams conversations kept me in cycle of checking in when I should have been checking out. Don’t get me wrong, my role is to deliver and support services so it’s part of the JD and its with great joy the teams have delivered but the paranoid version of me questions “what did I do”. I know the answer but when things start to go wrong it leads to darker place. Am I mansplaining, are the right people included, what did that person mean, we agreed this but its changed, why?, why am I not invited to that meeting? Constant thoughts swirling through my head when in reality as the project grew you need to let go as it’s impossible to do it all. Placing trust in others but more importantly practising what you preach, sharing the load (like Samwise Gangee wanted to help Frodo by carrying the one ring into the fires of mount doom……), be transparent and listen.</p>
<p>I enjoy the challenge, I love pushing myself but I don’t have all the answers, I get stuff wrong and I am only 1 person. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable has been a big mentality change. It helps when your surrounded by supportive people.<br />
Practically, I also installed an app blocker on my phone which makes accessing Teams and checking emails on a Friday a living nightmare as my phone makes me jump through multiple hurdles to even login to Teams (which is a kinda great!).</p>
<p>Learning and playing more with APIs, agile methodologies, Power BI, headless CMS, resource planning, release planning, power apps, power flow, Canvas, virtual meetings, communications, working groups, BAU are things that have all of a sudden merged into my vocabulary over the past 12 months. Lessons learnt is a term I am looking forward to using less over 2026…..although it’s part of however they are key to the of reflecting and being honest (as much as you can be).</p>
<p>SCP launched in June and so far we have over 450 courses which have ran just under 1000 times, 7k learners and over 11,500 enrolments which have either been via online card transactions or backend fun orders. The platform was a massive task with contributions from various teams in IS and across the institution. Listening and adapting the platform or the requirements has been pivotal to launching a platform that is starting to gain traction amongst schools.</p>
<p>Sadly, it will be the last year in Argyle House or as some may recognise the building as the police station in Dept Q (Netflix). Looking at a castle every day, having easy access to meeting rooms, seemingly always being on or close to a film set (T2, Frankenstein, Avengers) will be things I will miss. Listening to the jazz folk jam under the bridge at castle terrace will definitely not be something I will miss. We move in March and I wil miss the eye sore.</p>
<p>Overall, 2025 will always be the year we launched and I am proud of what we achieved. 2026 already has private courses, programmes, website enhancements and more on the agenda with less access to Teams and a bit more confidence in myself to get things wrong and the odd time right. Anyway, this is for me not you but if you feel the same sometimes, talk to someone. It does help.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-12-22" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 22, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Short Courses Platform Implementation and Me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive! First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs. Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new UoE developed […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive!</p>
<p>First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs.</p>
<p>Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new <a href="https://shortcourses.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UoE developed short courses website</a> that allows you to browse, view details on a course, register, pay (if costed), sign up to mailing lists, receive automated comms on the course and access course material via a dedicated VLE/LMS or whatever letters you like to call an online learning platform (it can do more but I don’t want to spoil the fun).</p>
<p>3 years of my life have been dedicated to launching this set of services and its been a roller coaster. but for today lets briefly talk about the set of service that make up the short course platform. This blog won’t cover all the amazing work done by colleagues for course design, branding, marketing etc but will discuss the services (platforms) that make up the short course platform.</p>
<p><strong>The background (always important to tell the back story)</strong></p>
<p>Short courses are offered by various schools across the institution and have been managed and taught via numerous platforms and usually involved a lot of disjointed workflows for learners, teacher and administrators. Short courses didn’t have a dedicated service, we had a gap in the digital eco-system and learners were managed in silo via over complicated workflows and taught on platforms that maybe shouldn’t have been used or weren’t the best for delivering or supporting learning.</p>
<p>Quite a conundrum but not a new one to many of us. Start the business analysis, market analysis, funding applications, procurement and contract sign off (I skipped a lot of steps but that’s another blog) and we get to the fun stuff, implementation.</p>
<p><strong><br />
The services (get ready for learning technology bingo)</strong></p>
<p>The obvious ones are a <strong>Virtual learning environment</strong> so we can facilitate online, hybrid, and in person teaching and learning. The university loves collecting VLEs and at one point I think we had completed the sticker album and had a few swaps available (mostly Moodles). An early decision was to consider a standalone VLE that would separate learners and students and for an institution that has spent years consolidating VLEs this was the first big decision.</p>
<p>It was clear looking at the options this would be more beneficial technically and practically. Technically VLEs all share very similar elements and for short courses we would being use a subset of the tools available but we needed a reliable and stable platform that could support us as the service grew.</p>
<p>Practically we wanted learners to create and manage their own accounts which also reduces the admin burden on courses who may have been managing users manually. Splitting the audience allowed us more flexibility to offer a tailored learning experience to learners but (and its a biggie) we were very wary that we would be introducing a new platform which teachers and administrators would need to learn. This comes back to my initial point VLEs under the hood do have similarities and we understood the risk. We implemented Canvas by Instructure.</p>
<p>We also needed a shopfront which would be a multifaceted tool (the swiz army knife of the overall service) that included (deep breathe):</p>
<ul>
<li>an online tool to advertise the courses</li>
<li>a payment integration</li>
<li>course management tool</li>
<li>order management</li>
<li>user management</li>
<li>access to all the data</li>
<li>all had to be accessible and compliant</li>
</ul>
<p>I won’t list anymore but you hopefully get the gist and understand it was an very important part of the jigsaw. Internally we have referred to this platform as the <strong>user, course, order content management system</strong> (it rolls of the tongue). Looking around we didn’t have anything in house that could do the above so we again did the business analysis, market analysis, spoke to some great institutions to understand products available. We implemented a Eduframe by Drieam which is used by a few other UK Universities.</p>
<p>Eduframe did come with a WordPress based website however my development colleagues flagged concerns (they have been burned by WordPress a few times). We then looked at Drupal (which is used for the University website) however again it didn’t meet are long list of requirements. So we plonked for developing a<strong> bespoke website using the next,js framework</strong>. That will be its own blog like all the other services discussed in this post but a big thank you to Andrew Millington for all his support and advise to get the website off the ground.</p>
<p><strong>What about data!</strong> We love data so needed to ensure we could access all the data to allow for pretty visuals to be created and large numbers to be shared on professional media channels. Eduframe has as set of APIs that have allowed us to a Power BI App (they have their own app but we love developing stuff), Canvas has in product analytics and Canvas Data 2 and we use GA4 for web analytics. Its alot of data.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><figure id="attachment_560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-560" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-560" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg" alt="whiteboard with my brain" width="300" height="226" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-768x578.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1275x960.jpg 1275w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560" class="wp-caption-text">Data Data Data brain dump on a whiteboard</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>So how do staff access the platform without needing a separate login or going through a long and convoluted process to get access to the platform? We created a <strong>teacher admin app</strong> using the Eduframe APIs that syncs with the central user management system. This allows admins to enable access to the short course platform with the assurance that when staff leave accounts are updated. Staff login using their UoE account so don’t need to find that bit of paper with a password (I am joking…).</p>
<p>So, to summarise the below are the key services that make up the short course platform.</p>
<ul>
<li>Virtual learning environment</li>
<li>User, course, order content management system</li>
<li>Bespoke website using the next,js framework</li>
<li>Data reporting tools</li>
<li>Teacher admin app</li>
</ul>
<p>This list does not cover the payment integrations, the numerous integrations we have with tools in canvas and the numerous workflows required to support courses (book, apply, private, waiting lists etc) but hopefully it provides an overview of the services we have implemented that allow us to successfully support and manage the short course platform at scale.</p>
<p>So on reflection 3 years ago I was blissfully paddle boarding on Loch Ness not knowing what was lurking beneath, bit like the implementation of any new service.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-08-07" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 7, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Failure and me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:43:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and ensuring we mitigate its effects.</p>
<p>As we approach the launch of a new platform at the university, it is difficult not to reflect on missed opportunities or things we could have done differently. I need to remind myself that when we started, we didn’t have the wealth of knowledge that we have now, gained over the last 18 months. It’s challenging for me not to get caught up in a “failure spiral,” which can have negative consequences both professionally and personally.</p>
<p>I listen to a few sports podcasts, and a quote by Samuel Beckett came up:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better – Samuel Beckett</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I love this quote! Failure, when rolling out not just one, but five new applications, along with brand new processes, creating a new service, introducing new technology, new workflows, training, understanding the present, planning for the future, onboarding, involvement in boards and steering groups, and dealing with compliance—how can we not fail? Therefore, we need to get comfortable with failure, but try to “fail better” by:</p>
<ol>
<li>Accepting that it has happened, and for me, it’s part of the job. Get comfortable.</li>
<li>Reviewing what happened by getting the facts.</li>
<li>Understanding why it happened, which sometimes involves digging deeper than the facts.</li>
<li>Developing new strategies so we do not fail in the same way again or so we can fail better.</li>
<li>Implementing a process or workflow to help us, which is documented.</li>
<li>Communicating consistently in all the above steps. It’s not easy, but it’s key.</li>
</ol>
<p>Obviously, we want to deliver a service that is perfect, but in my 20 years of working in the tech center, I have yet to find an application that hasn’t changed, that hasn’t been rebranded, or that hasn’t required UI changes, that still is exactly the same as it was when it launched. Look at Apple; they love to tell us it’s perfect, but what they define as “flawed perfection” means it’s constantly changing.</p>
<p>Accepting failure doesn’t mean we sit back with popcorn and watch the “wheels fall off.” Failing better, for me, involves a lot of work to ensure we minimize failure (if possible) and are prepared when it happens (again, sometimes we aren’t, as it could be a new workflow, patch, cyber attack, user requirement, or edge case scenario).</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-03-13" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 13, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2024: the year of short courses & the edge!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes. First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey. Second reflection, what a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes.</p>
<p>First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey.</p>
<p>Second reflection, what a year!</p>
<p>By the end of 2023 we signed the contract with Drieam (who support the learner, course and order management platform called <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Feduframe.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cc57c79c049f74fc4222608dd3536802c%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638725230381480477%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qiL39YC%2B0JyNdVLoKhQQo%2FHuTFRPszgLbUrHKTbRDpQ%3D&reserved=0">eduframe.com</a>) and Instructure (who host the learning platform called Canvas <a href="https://www.instructure.com">https://www.instructure.com</a>) to help us deliver the new Short Course Platform. It had taken 6 months of procurement and legal wrangling to get the contract sorted but in December 2023 it was finally signed. The short course platform will allow the public to browse courses via a web site, create an account, pay (if costed), enrol, learn, maybe get a digital badge and hopefully come back and repeat the process.</p>
<p>The platform aims to emulate a lot of the learnings from the core VLE projects including a consistent user experience, replacing laborious and admin heavy workarounds and having a clear purpose/strategy/vision. It has been a gap in the learning eco-system for a while and we have seen schools/depts bend tools and policies to meet their needs.</p>
<p>Interestingly with the current issues in HE we are starting to see a few other institutions spin up similar platforms. When we started this journey 2 years ago only a few examples existed but with institutions keen to explore additional revenue tracks we have seen similar platforms come online but that’s a different blog.</p>
<p>Like any new service we are starting fresh, which is great! But as soon as we started to update stakeholders and share the news more widely that we had signed a contract then comes the big questions…..when will it be available? Can we use it? How do I use it? Is it compliant? Will the learners like it? What is a learner? Can I show it to my friends? What is a short course?</p>
<p>It can feel like a landslide but I am lucky to work with people who are very supportive, open to ideas and like me love a plan(ner).The service isn’t just one new service, its 4 new platforms, training, guidance, marketing, communication, stakeholder engagement (one off and ongoing), terms of use, legal, compliant handling, data protection, accessibility, reporting (another new service so make that 5), terminology and the list goes on and on.</p>
<p>Spinning up a new service involves working with colleagues inside the department and making sure we are all confident or if not approachable to ask questions. Sounds easy but it’s probably the toughest part, the people who are the face of change need to speak the same language or stakeholders will lose confidence pretty quickly and that can cause tension in teams (who said what, why, when, did they not read the 1000 page memo).</p>
<p>Change agents also need to change. The ability to listen and change what we have thought about, developed or delivered is also key but with the caveat it must be based on facts. I listen to sports podcasts and was really intrigued by a football manager saying the team needed to focus on the team’s core goals (playing good football) and not be driven by the edge (bad passes and mistakes). That edge in service delivery can sometimes be a blocker to progress especially when creating a new service. Evaluating the use case and categorising it is key to understanding impact and priority especially when deadline is involved.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong use cases generated by stakeholders need to be listened to and evaluated but it’s the teams requirement to review and categories. Sometimes its not popular with stakeholders however I am a firm believer that services are never perfect. They evolve as does the requirements, the users (all of them) and the underlying technology. Services deliver to the masses and aim to meet all requirements however I have struggled to work on a service that doesn’t have a wish list or a product development roadmap.</p>
<p>The quicker you get comfortable with the edge the better.</p>
<p>My role in the project is technical lead but I feel more like a troubleshooter and negotiator. I have had to get to grips with 4 new bit of tech (content management system, payment portal, new VLE, a website developed on Next.js, a user provisioning tools) and help design a 5<sup>th</sup> (data reporting tool), negotiate with others use of the tools, design, onboarding for early adopter, project timelines and I am mentally knackered. Thankfully (again) a good team and me being very open about forgetting stuff and asking for reminders or checking my notes (which have merged into teams chats) has helped keep me on track. A technical lead sounds like someone who knows it all and I don’t but that’s ok. My role is offering workflows and options to a problem whilst speaking to the experts to help me map it out. Last Monday I had no clue on GA4 and now we have a plan to debug tags. Last Jan I started to play with APIs of the new platforms and now not a day goes by when I don’t have postman open and I am trying to figure out something.</p>
<p>2024 has been a blast but it’s been difficult. The projects have been challenging and that’s not just the tech. My confidence has taken a bit of a bashing along the way but its not personal. I will look back when we finally go live in May 2025 and think 2024 is the year we made a lot of decisions, I learned a little bit more about me and I am sharing some with you as it may help and remembe0 for any service its not the destination as there is never a destination, its just one big journey.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2024-12-23" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 23, 2024</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas UK & Ireland User Group December 2024</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:01:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ai]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[canvas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sd]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).<br />The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted by Manchester University. The day covered the Canvas roadmap, rubric adoption at medical schools, institutions migrating to canvas from another suppliers, break out sessions on analytics and administration of a VLE and more however there seemed to be one theme that was ever present in sessions, AI.</p>
<p>The first presenter represented FE and discussed how they had developed AI tools based on the Azure Framework (Microsoft) to create assessment feedback for students, assessment feedback summaries for staff and AI assistants to support students. The session highlighted how coding light tools can be developed using existing frameworks, APIs and a lot of engagement with users. The session generated a lot of questions including environmental impact, opt-in/out, academic integrity, quality and assurance of feedback etc. These questions aren’t new but I feel like we have moved from a space where we questioned AI and how it would be included in education to a new space where institutions themselves are developing tools.</p>
<p>With Open AI and the rapid evolution of LLMs suppliers are rushing to squeeze AI into their applications but at what risk? And why? I feel like we are partly to blame as we like new stuff but also want to improve the staff and student experience. It feels like AI might be the new thing that will solve all our problems (did someone saying Learning Analytics…). Like any new tech and especially with LLMs we also need to factor that these cohorts may have a certain level of expectation that AI is integrated into their professional, academic or learning journey. My fear is where should it be integrated and why?</p>
<p><br />New stuff is always fun for me but as someone who works with technology, I also need to consider the why? What is this bringing to the user’s experience? Do we have a gap? Does it improve the users experience? Any repercussions we need to consider? Speaking to design colleagues and stakeholders should drive the change and with AI I don’t know how much of a conversation is happening with users. Don’t get me wrong we need to start somewhere, and basic support bots being used to support users (like <a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm">ELM</a> or <a href="https://edhelp.ed.ac.uk/">EDHelp</a>) help us grow knowledge and at the same time they practically allow end-users to interact and maybe think about additional functionality they would like to see included in these tools or where they can envision these tools supporting them.</p>
<p>Instructure will be releasing more AI functionality and already have tools like Insights which utilises aspects of AI so:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>‘buckle your seat Dorothy, cause Kanvas is going bye-bye!’ – Cypher, The Matrix.<br /><br /></p>
</blockquote>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2024-12-09" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 9, 2024</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2023 Reflection</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for me on me, but you can read it (just don’t tell anyone!).</p>
<p>My 2023 will be the year of procurement, digital badges, and supporting the team (bored reading about AI so omitting it until Jan 2024).<br /><br />I have previously blogged about digital badges and how they have emerged from the pit of edu-tech doom and evolved into something that has value for issuers, earners and anyone else who is interested in the recognition of skills, achievements or competencies. I have also talked about replacing standalone credit that equates to nothing in the real world and longer term how institutions will need to offer digital versions of credit as the death of paper accelerates. I get it that people will still want to frame awards etc I just think that may be a minority.<br /><br />The team has done a fantastic job completing a procurement and establishing a service to support a 3-year pilot which we hope will extend with the pending new fun aka the short course platform. In just over 6 months we have issued over 1.5k badges, created and supported a badge governance process, created numerous guides and snazzy webpages, and planned to experiment with badge pathways in 2024. If you are interested have a peek at the webpage: <a href="https://edin.ac/3Waglnj">https://edin.ac/3Waglnj</a> and yes that is a badger wearing a jacket with badges (they are called Bo the badger).</p>
<p><br />I can only see badge popularity and use cases growing however I have concerns regarding the quality of products in the market, cost (platform prices vary vastly) and openness of underlying badge frameworks and portability. With Instructure hoovering up Badgr and now Parchment a big player is making an early move and the wider impact will be interesting to watch.</p>
<p>Procurements are always interesting and when the outcome is a brand new service it’s even more ‘exciting’. At this point I am going to read your mind, are you thinking something along the lines of…</p>
<p>‘Wow Wow, Myles is that a typo!, has the eggnog gone to your head!’ </p>
<p>The answer is no, in a weird and slightly concerning way it’s been fascinating to work with the project team to collaborate, collate, refine and produce a vision with key stakeholders for a new centrally supported platform that will allow the public to view CPD, PPD and any other short courses. pay (if required) and access a dedicated learning platform or be sent any relevant course information. </p>
<p>Ok, in reality, the devil is in the details and creating clear and concise questions that suppliers need to answer is a challenge. Interpreting those answers and scoring them is a bigger challenge especially then the question set is over 100 questions! Then agreeing to scores and feedback is a bigger challenge! It’s like Mortal Combat but without the combat as that would involve HR (however sometimes I think it would have been quicker to just have the combat).</p>
<p>So why did we need to go into the combat ring of procurement? Currently, these types of courses are delivered via numerous platforms, can be an admin burden to support staff, provide an inconsistent and sometimes poor learner experience and may be breaching software licenses (moving on swiftly). To summarise it’s very Edinburgh. everyone is doing something different. So, we proposed a change as we saw a clear gap and after lots of conversations, papers, presentations, and acronym searching we secured support from senior management and a budget from the institution. Instructure and Drieam won the procurement, and I look forward to working with them in 2024.</p>
<p>I manage a small team and also deputize for the section head. I enjoy both and am fortunate to be surrounded by people I respect and enjoy working with each day but this year has taught me to be a human first and a manager second. Work-life balance has always been important to me, especially with a family and growing up in a family where that balance did not exist and witnessing the impact on people’s mental and physical health has always been a valuable lesson to me.</p>
<p>I work hard as Myles Blaney team manager, technical lead, senior service manager, internal consultant, HR rep for the team, information security rep for the section, procurement mediator, badge specialist, and everything else in between. So, I need time to be Myles Blaney gym enthusiast, bike rider, Newcastle United fan, MMA fan, gamer, husband, dad, son, brother, dad taxi, family event planner, and spectator to name a few. I am lucky to have control of my balance due to my supportive manager but I also need to take control of it when I have it and not to quickly check or reply to a ping in teams.</p>
<p>Lastly, AI! It’s here to stay and we are only at the base of the hype curve. I have dabbled this year with Karen into what other institutions are doing and it’s another blog I will post in Jan 2024. Exciting and terrifying at the same time but not new just quicker, faster and better.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-12-21" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 21, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas Credentials: the new open digital badge platform</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:32:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[instructure]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).<br /><br />This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people awarded a badge(s), will it help motivate them? will they share it on digital CVs or social media? will they even click on the email and accept the badge? what about employability? how do they value a digital badge?<br /><br />How about issuers aka the schools that award the badge, is the platform easy to use? does it allow them the flexibility to develop and deliver standalone and badges which are interlinked (like a pathway)? what about resource for managing all things badges? and why bother with badges?<br /><br />Hang on, what about IS (we are people too), how does it affect us as issuer, earners and support? So all of the above plus is the platform robust? does it provide what the issuers and earners need? how will the service grow? will be see a badge bonanza or the butchering of badges?<br /><br />Whatever will happen the next few years will allow us to pilot and review the premium version of canvas credentials. For clarification when I say premium I mean paid for aka we get extra bits and bobs like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lots of Analytics: data, data, data</li>
<li>Organisation Management: aka one admin to rule them all! </li>
<li>Ability to add skills to a badge: I got skills their multiplying!</li>
<li>Ability to add custom fields to a badge: starting to panic about how this could be used!</li>
<li>Pathways: interlinked badges journeys</li>
</ul>
<p>Sounds pretty cool! Pathways are probably the ‘funnest’ (not a word but you know what I mean) premium tool which will allow schools or departments to create open stackable badges or paths (basic, intermediate, high ) to a higher level of achievement (Expert). These can include internal or external open badges so in theory could involve external bodies (e.g. companies, other institutions) and users can track their own progress! (take a breathe!).</p>
<p>And what have we decided to call the new open digital badge pilot/service……(drum roll)……BadgEd! (we got the word badge, we are the University of Edinburgh and we love incorporating Ed into stuff). </p>
<p>Sounds like a busy few years? You interested in finding out some more information? Ain’t you lucky we created this website where you can find out some more information on the <a href="https://edin.ac/40QRuX3">BadgEd webpages.</a></p>
<p><br />Finally this wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work of colleagues who have been exceptional (as usual) to help get from an idea to a live pilot (so thanks goes to Delia, Tracey, Nikki, Karen, Fiona and Ellen). Let the hard (fun) work begin….<br /><br /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-03-30" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 30, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Badges, not just a pretty picture</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era). So we all got badges and the value of a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era).</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7ZeQBhbVGnELP4bK/giphy.gif" alt="you get a gif" width="480" height="326" /></p>
<p>So we all got badges and the value of a badge declined plus how could we validate the badge, where do we put the badges to promote ourselves? So the badge hype slowly dwindled to some hardcore fans who issued badges sporadically. Badge strategies were forgotten and images of badges were added to email signatures with no ability to validate someones claim to be an Google Cloud wizard. I should also state that the frustration with badges also may be related to lack of platforms to develop and issue plus the limited options for styling, metadata and a space for an earner to host (yes Mozilla backpack was available however if you used it then you would understand it had issues).</p>
<p>I personally worked with badges via Blackboard learn a few years ago and we had some great use cases but the value of badges was not recognized by external institutions or private companies.</p>
<p>Fast forward a few years and the digital badge ecosystem has evolved. IMS open badge standards have been widely adopted by numerous suppliers, the options for badge creation & management is also diverse with open, free and paid for services available and most importantly the understanding that to maintain value for digital badges institution needs to have a strategy for badge creation.</p>
<p>The value aspect is key, speaking to other institutions in the UK and US they have stressed how value can only be maintained by guidance and governance. Guidance ensures standardization of the visual, the metadata and criteria for awarding. The visual is key and in most cases badge consumers (someone who sees a badge on a host platform aka linkedin, personal web page, email signature) will only see a small thumbnail of the image so keeping it clean and not going full Picasso is key. To get around the visual issue the creation of a style guide and a badge template helps subdue any hidden artistic desires.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4tV5VQbNScIikY4o/giphy.gif" alt="picasso art" width="480" height="480" /></p>
<p>Metadata is key, its the data/information that provides the context for the badge and includes fields like description, competencies, achievements, award criteria, expiration and the ability for consumers to check validation! Yes, if you have shared a badge I can check if your a world of war craft level 6 orc from the dune sea by clicking on the validate button.</p>
<p>Governance allows users to request a badge and for it to be reviewed by badge champions to ensure we do not create 100 badges for the same thing, ensure badge value is maintained (aka we don’t hurtle back to the Oprah era, PS you get a badge for reading this far!) and badge visuals are maintained (we want the University of Edinburgh badge experience to follow established design guidelines and best practices) . I would stress that governance is a mix of academic and service staff all with a vested interest in the success of digital badges.</p>
<p>So we have a process and some standards so what do we issue badges for? As highlighted earlier they have been issued for everything and we are keen to avoid those dark days. Badges have a place for recognition of extra curricula or non-curricula skills, competencies or achievements that may not be recognized via other awards or even at all. Badges can be used to level up the softer skills that are core to user development or simply recognize the skills, competencies or achievements a user has gained. Badges spans the digital ecosystem and user base and could be issued on a MOOC platform to a user completing the book MOOC or to a member of staff for competing the Information security training.</p>
<p>So I gained a badge what next? How about recommendations for associated badges which can build upon your skills, achievements or competencies gained via a previous badge. Or the ability to share on a host platform (go on be that LinkedIn boaster who announces everything they are doing to the world) or it can be kept private. Even better imagine having a space that is yours for life and doesn’t need you to be registered at the university, your account, your personal email address your in control. Or don’t claim the badge its all up to the earner (They have the power!)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/yhK4PWI9WJ0c/giphy.gif" alt="i have the power" width="320" height="240" /></p>
<p>The good news is that this service will be launching in the academic year 2022-23 and the team will share more thoughts once we pick a platform. The last thing I wanted to share is that whilst we are focusing on non-credit extra/non-curricula skills, achievements and competencies we are starting to hear institution considering issuing badges for UG and PG degree awards which kinda makes sense. Question if you have a degree what do you have to show your awesome achievement? and more importantly where is it? Personally I got a paper certificate and it sits in a cupboard with all my life admin things. Its not visible, its not verifiable and its on a bit of paper which isn’t great for the environment. A digital badge is verifiable and can be shared on numerous professional and/or personal platforms plus no trees were cut down to produce it. Sure the award ceremony might be slightly different however I have a feeling that the digital badge will be more useful to graduates.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2022-08-09" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 9, 2022</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>My Hybrid Reflections (not yours!)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:52:18 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hybrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk on the golf course 1600-1700. Throughout that period my working arrangements shifted from room to room as my setup evolved into a desk in my spare bedroom with a large screen and laptop. I have also blogged about the transitions if your interested in the detail but now I am now a hybrid worker.</p>
<p>Hybrid, what’s that? Well it’s kinda like a bit of office working and a bit of home working and for my working situation it makes a lot of common sense. Why does it work for me? The flexibility is something I have craved for years. I worked at home 1 day a week for 13 years, it allowed me to focus on documentation (if you have had the pleasure of working with me you know I love a good process document and making things transparent for anyone involved, who wouldn’t, share the fun), building servers remotely and other individual tasks with maybe the odd phone call to ask people to press a button on campus. Over the 13 years technology has evolved from email, messenger, skype for business (once you got it working) and now teams or Zoom. </p>
<p>Technology evolves and whilst we adapt it seamlessly into our non-working lives, with some of us actively promoting it for work, are 9-5 environment has stagnated due to numerous factors that include open spaces and noise, users unfamiliarity with the technology (e.g. can you hear me, I have poor Wi-Fi. Cat face – to name a few common issues), the technology being regarded as secondary, peoples personal or meeting room hardware setups (some people have vanity lights some people have 3 laptops perched on encyclopaedias). With the tech evolving we can now do remote tasks which now include group work (ability to host or join online meetings), group text chat, drop-ins to chat, share a screen and work through shared documents or issues. </p>
<p>So the technology has evolved (braw!) however the office space hasn’t however what is the office meant to be? I have blogged that people are the campus and they! This has been clearly shown over the numerous lockdowns but as a red brick university the campus is the shop floor for the bulk of roles. IS touch numerous points of campus life (on and remote) and we have shown we can work in extreme circumstances however personally for me I prefer a hybrid work space, which is ultimately a flexible work space.</p>
<p>Home working is great, no trains, no flesh market close steps, no expensive sandwich or coffee shops, work in leisure clothes (bought my first pair of tracksuit bottoms 6 months ago….), no running to meetings basically a lot of good points,. I love my house however I like coming back to it (bit like when you walk in the door post-holiday after sharing a confined space with the hobbits) and I am a strong believer in work life balance. Now for me what work life balance means is ‘give and take’ aka flexibility, managing time/resource, honestly. It may sound preachy but having a young family has taught me to enjoy the time and separate work (like the LTW no comms after 6 policy). I know people who find this impossible and to be honest it freaks me out but it’s their decision. </p>
<p>Working in the office 2 days gives me a bit of separation and allows me to plan 2 different days however I don’t plan them any different and for the foreseeable wont. I come in and work, catch up with folks, meet online or in-person and go home. Currently 2 days is enough and not due to COVID concerns but due to the change in routine (which I am over) and the office feeling different. The space feels subdued and when I come in it’s like a Saturday. It’s quiet for a time however co-ordinating days when others (usually Karen or Nikki) are in helps prioritise tasks for those days, allows us to bounce ideas around (scheduling collaboration and spontaneity on Teams is difficult) and lets me see other people J which I miss. Some of the people I get to work with or share an office with are worth the train fare alone to cheer me up. The human side of work and the office has been something I have blogged about before and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy my job.</p>
<p>So let’s be honest about the office, desk layout isn’t the best for online meetings and mics pick up other conversations pretty quickly. Meeting rooms are quiet but rely heavily on tech working and the building not being full (booking a room prior to COVID was like a playing a game in Squid Games – somebody would die!). If we are to adopt hybrid shared desk arrangements, thinning of the space would help. The creation of more social sitting and printer booth breakout spaces would help the space however my big thing is the noise. We probably need to admit that for a truly hybrid space the open spaces will need to be a bit more nosier due to online meetings held at desk, more collaboration spaces in teams local environments (again noisy) and the acceptance that the office should be a collaboration space and not just a undefined space with a desk with your stuff on it. Making it a collaboration friendly space helps hybrid workers however like we have all gone through over the past months it would require a change and physical office space changes are probably the most difficult to accept.</p>
<p>So hybrid for me works, the tech now allows us the flexibility, management now understand having being entrenched in it during lockdowns but (always a but) the office isn’t configured to support it…yet. My experience of coming into the office isn’t negative however it could be better which I will be feeding back.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2021-11-16" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 16, 2021</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(68100) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
Link: <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/5>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json"
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=1s1v51ea2e8l37gsj4ldpeovqv; path=/; secure; HttpOnly
Set-Cookie: spo_65_fa=0f7d630d117d141812d21fb1aac9607e; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/mylesblaney/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 GMT
ETag: "e377c755f5a48243d7f7cd19bd73d3a0"
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Set-Cookie: RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48NAzQkgvtRCmrGO7DSe61JDHmchzwYtSgx1SCnJxerCEfJ-s3BOnuH1KbpAW8n3vbQcs; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>dlam-feed – mylesthoughts</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney</link>
<description>A journey through my working life and related thoughts</description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Who needs awards anyway!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The Short Course Platform project team were nominated for 2 awards at the 2026 IS Staff Recognition Awards. The team of the year award and contribution to the community award and unfortunately we didn’t win! Firstly, congratulations to all the winners. It’s nice to see teams and individuals get recognition for the work they do above and beyond to accomplish some amazing tasks. Secondly. we were robbed<br /><br />We had drafted a speech (after all the wild celebrations, kissing the badge, knee slides and general mocking and aggressive finger pointing at the opposition) and whilst we didn’t get the opportunity to read it out I still think it’s worth sharing as a last thank you for those involved in delivering the short course platform. It’s the end of a programme but the beginning of a new service.<br /><br /><br />The Speech:<br /><br />The short course platform was a programme that started just under 4 years ago. It was after the closure of the distance learning at scale programme which may not have been the burning success we wanted however it had taught us valuable lessons which ultimately led us to the successful launch of the short course platform.<br /><br />I think what I want to flag, is that sometimes things don’t work out the way you wanted or expected , but that’s ok, learning and evolving is part of our roles and the sweet doesn’t taste as sweet without the sour.<br /><br />We would like to acknowledge all the support and time provided by stakeholders across the institution who attended numerous, steering groups, boards, demo sessions and various meetings. Their patience and time have ultimately steered and supported us to deliver a successful programme and sets of services used by over 7k learners accessing over 1k courses so far.<br /><br />We would not be accepting this award without the hard work and down right determination of some key folk who have worked collaboratively across LTW and Apps. On behalf of the team we need to thank section heads Stuart and Karen for their invaluable support. Andrews team for delivering a snazzy shopfront, Lauren and Fiona’s team for all their hard work in designing course, websites, an amazing spoint hub and training just to name a few things. Legal for doing legal stuff and Neil for helping us understand it. Viki Galts team for everything accessibility. All the PMs that have organised us over the last few years and Ellen who got us over the line. Cassie for organising groups, boards, papers and making sense of are wittering’s in meetings. Adam Scott and Gordon Forbes for guiding us through the madness of finance. My team for delivering 5 technical services and all the related compliance and process fun that all involve. Lastly, I want to thank Nikki Stuart for the drive and support for the delivery of the platform. <br /><br />The short course programme felt like a family, dysfunctional at times but aren’t all families/projects.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2026-02-17" itemprop="dateModified">Feb 17, 2026</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/who-needs-awards-anyway/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2025: The year SCP took off</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:15:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different. First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>That time of year again when I need to pause, breathe and look back at 2025 and remind myself to reflect but this year feels a bit different.</p>
<p>First thing, launching the new short course platform, which includes 5 services (not 6 or 7……that one is for all the parents), numerous integrations (one being online payment platform so everyone panics about financial transactions), compliance (privacy policies, terms and conditions for a new service), processes (we have the tech but how do we use it, support it, manage it, update it, access it, review it, communicate it, approve it etc) has been challenging.</p>
<p>I love a challenge but 2025 has been a tough one hence my reflection feeling different if not slightly weird. The pressure and expectation to have all the answers to various elements of a new platform (technical and non-technical) at stages throughout this year has been difficult to manage.</p>
<p>Part of this is my own expectation to have the answers or simply know everything. Part of this was my own disappointment and frustration when I didn’t. Part of this is the pressure cooker of delivering a new platform across the institution during a period of financial instability. It’s a lot of parts (some I haven’t included) but in reality, the only part I can fully control is me. Turning off a bit more sounds like an easy solution but it felt impossible. I honestly look back and am thankful for my colleagues who have supported me in 2025. SCP took a chunk of me and getting it out the door nearly broke me.</p>
<p>Friday emails (I don’t work Fridays) and teams conversations kept me in cycle of checking in when I should have been checking out. Don’t get me wrong, my role is to deliver and support services so it’s part of the JD and its with great joy the teams have delivered but the paranoid version of me questions “what did I do”. I know the answer but when things start to go wrong it leads to darker place. Am I mansplaining, are the right people included, what did that person mean, we agreed this but its changed, why?, why am I not invited to that meeting? Constant thoughts swirling through my head when in reality as the project grew you need to let go as it’s impossible to do it all. Placing trust in others but more importantly practising what you preach, sharing the load (like Samwise Gangee wanted to help Frodo by carrying the one ring into the fires of mount doom……), be transparent and listen.</p>
<p>I enjoy the challenge, I love pushing myself but I don’t have all the answers, I get stuff wrong and I am only 1 person. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable has been a big mentality change. It helps when your surrounded by supportive people.<br />
Practically, I also installed an app blocker on my phone which makes accessing Teams and checking emails on a Friday a living nightmare as my phone makes me jump through multiple hurdles to even login to Teams (which is a kinda great!).</p>
<p>Learning and playing more with APIs, agile methodologies, Power BI, headless CMS, resource planning, release planning, power apps, power flow, Canvas, virtual meetings, communications, working groups, BAU are things that have all of a sudden merged into my vocabulary over the past 12 months. Lessons learnt is a term I am looking forward to using less over 2026…..although it’s part of however they are key to the of reflecting and being honest (as much as you can be).</p>
<p>SCP launched in June and so far we have over 450 courses which have ran just under 1000 times, 7k learners and over 11,500 enrolments which have either been via online card transactions or backend fun orders. The platform was a massive task with contributions from various teams in IS and across the institution. Listening and adapting the platform or the requirements has been pivotal to launching a platform that is starting to gain traction amongst schools.</p>
<p>Sadly, it will be the last year in Argyle House or as some may recognise the building as the police station in Dept Q (Netflix). Looking at a castle every day, having easy access to meeting rooms, seemingly always being on or close to a film set (T2, Frankenstein, Avengers) will be things I will miss. Listening to the jazz folk jam under the bridge at castle terrace will definitely not be something I will miss. We move in March and I wil miss the eye sore.</p>
<p>Overall, 2025 will always be the year we launched and I am proud of what we achieved. 2026 already has private courses, programmes, website enhancements and more on the agenda with less access to Teams and a bit more confidence in myself to get things wrong and the odd time right. Anyway, this is for me not you but if you feel the same sometimes, talk to someone. It does help.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-12-22" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 22, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2025-the-year-scp-took-off/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Short Courses Platform Implementation and Me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Short Courses Platform]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive! First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs. Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new UoE developed […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The new short course platform is alive!</p>
<p>First thing you might ask is ‘What is a short course?’. Well, these are courses that enable learners around the world to gain a new skills, expand their interests in a topic, or fulfil professional development needs.</p>
<p>Secondly, go have a look at the shiny new <a href="https://shortcourses.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UoE developed short courses website</a> that allows you to browse, view details on a course, register, pay (if costed), sign up to mailing lists, receive automated comms on the course and access course material via a dedicated VLE/LMS or whatever letters you like to call an online learning platform (it can do more but I don’t want to spoil the fun).</p>
<p>3 years of my life have been dedicated to launching this set of services and its been a roller coaster. but for today lets briefly talk about the set of service that make up the short course platform. This blog won’t cover all the amazing work done by colleagues for course design, branding, marketing etc but will discuss the services (platforms) that make up the short course platform.</p>
<p><strong>The background (always important to tell the back story)</strong></p>
<p>Short courses are offered by various schools across the institution and have been managed and taught via numerous platforms and usually involved a lot of disjointed workflows for learners, teacher and administrators. Short courses didn’t have a dedicated service, we had a gap in the digital eco-system and learners were managed in silo via over complicated workflows and taught on platforms that maybe shouldn’t have been used or weren’t the best for delivering or supporting learning.</p>
<p>Quite a conundrum but not a new one to many of us. Start the business analysis, market analysis, funding applications, procurement and contract sign off (I skipped a lot of steps but that’s another blog) and we get to the fun stuff, implementation.</p>
<p><strong><br />
The services (get ready for learning technology bingo)</strong></p>
<p>The obvious ones are a <strong>Virtual learning environment</strong> so we can facilitate online, hybrid, and in person teaching and learning. The university loves collecting VLEs and at one point I think we had completed the sticker album and had a few swaps available (mostly Moodles). An early decision was to consider a standalone VLE that would separate learners and students and for an institution that has spent years consolidating VLEs this was the first big decision.</p>
<p>It was clear looking at the options this would be more beneficial technically and practically. Technically VLEs all share very similar elements and for short courses we would being use a subset of the tools available but we needed a reliable and stable platform that could support us as the service grew.</p>
<p>Practically we wanted learners to create and manage their own accounts which also reduces the admin burden on courses who may have been managing users manually. Splitting the audience allowed us more flexibility to offer a tailored learning experience to learners but (and its a biggie) we were very wary that we would be introducing a new platform which teachers and administrators would need to learn. This comes back to my initial point VLEs under the hood do have similarities and we understood the risk. We implemented Canvas by Instructure.</p>
<p>We also needed a shopfront which would be a multifaceted tool (the swiz army knife of the overall service) that included (deep breathe):</p>
<ul>
<li>an online tool to advertise the courses</li>
<li>a payment integration</li>
<li>course management tool</li>
<li>order management</li>
<li>user management</li>
<li>access to all the data</li>
<li>all had to be accessible and compliant</li>
</ul>
<p>I won’t list anymore but you hopefully get the gist and understand it was an very important part of the jigsaw. Internally we have referred to this platform as the <strong>user, course, order content management system</strong> (it rolls of the tongue). Looking around we didn’t have anything in house that could do the above so we again did the business analysis, market analysis, spoke to some great institutions to understand products available. We implemented a Eduframe by Drieam which is used by a few other UK Universities.</p>
<p>Eduframe did come with a WordPress based website however my development colleagues flagged concerns (they have been burned by WordPress a few times). We then looked at Drupal (which is used for the University website) however again it didn’t meet are long list of requirements. So we plonked for developing a<strong> bespoke website using the next,js framework</strong>. That will be its own blog like all the other services discussed in this post but a big thank you to Andrew Millington for all his support and advise to get the website off the ground.</p>
<p><strong>What about data!</strong> We love data so needed to ensure we could access all the data to allow for pretty visuals to be created and large numbers to be shared on professional media channels. Eduframe has as set of APIs that have allowed us to a Power BI App (they have their own app but we love developing stuff), Canvas has in product analytics and Canvas Data 2 and we use GA4 for web analytics. Its alot of data.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><figure id="attachment_560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-560" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-560" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg" alt="whiteboard with my brain" width="300" height="226" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-300x226.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-768x578.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2025/08/PXL_20250205_172952694-1275x960.jpg 1275w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560" class="wp-caption-text">Data Data Data brain dump on a whiteboard</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>So how do staff access the platform without needing a separate login or going through a long and convoluted process to get access to the platform? We created a <strong>teacher admin app</strong> using the Eduframe APIs that syncs with the central user management system. This allows admins to enable access to the short course platform with the assurance that when staff leave accounts are updated. Staff login using their UoE account so don’t need to find that bit of paper with a password (I am joking…).</p>
<p>So, to summarise the below are the key services that make up the short course platform.</p>
<ul>
<li>Virtual learning environment</li>
<li>User, course, order content management system</li>
<li>Bespoke website using the next,js framework</li>
<li>Data reporting tools</li>
<li>Teacher admin app</li>
</ul>
<p>This list does not cover the payment integrations, the numerous integrations we have with tools in canvas and the numerous workflows required to support courses (book, apply, private, waiting lists etc) but hopefully it provides an overview of the services we have implemented that allow us to successfully support and manage the short course platform at scale.</p>
<p>So on reflection 3 years ago I was blissfully paddle boarding on Loch Ness not knowing what was lurking beneath, bit like the implementation of any new service.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2025-08-07" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 7, 2025</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/short-courseplatform-implementation-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Failure and me</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:43:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>The past few weeks have reminded me that failure is a part of everything we do. Whether it’s in our professional lives or personal pursuits, from breaking an application to playing a game incorrectly and not winning, failure happens. The term ‘failure’ sounds harsh, but for me, it is about becoming comfortable with it and ensuring we mitigate its effects.</p>
<p>As we approach the launch of a new platform at the university, it is difficult not to reflect on missed opportunities or things we could have done differently. I need to remind myself that when we started, we didn’t have the wealth of knowledge that we have now, gained over the last 18 months. It’s challenging for me not to get caught up in a “failure spiral,” which can have negative consequences both professionally and personally.</p>
<p>I listen to a few sports podcasts, and a quote by Samuel Beckett came up:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better – Samuel Beckett</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I love this quote! Failure, when rolling out not just one, but five new applications, along with brand new processes, creating a new service, introducing new technology, new workflows, training, understanding the present, planning for the future, onboarding, involvement in boards and steering groups, and dealing with compliance—how can we not fail? Therefore, we need to get comfortable with failure, but try to “fail better” by:</p>
<ol>
<li>Accepting that it has happened, and for me, it’s part of the job. Get comfortable.</li>
<li>Reviewing what happened by getting the facts.</li>
<li>Understanding why it happened, which sometimes involves digging deeper than the facts.</li>
<li>Developing new strategies so we do not fail in the same way again or so we can fail better.</li>
<li>Implementing a process or workflow to help us, which is documented.</li>
<li>Communicating consistently in all the above steps. It’s not easy, but it’s key.</li>
</ol>
<p>Obviously, we want to deliver a service that is perfect, but in my 20 years of working in the tech center, I have yet to find an application that hasn’t changed, that hasn’t been rebranded, or that hasn’t required UI changes, that still is exactly the same as it was when it launched. Look at Apple; they love to tell us it’s perfect, but what they define as “flawed perfection” means it’s constantly changing.</p>
<p>Accepting failure doesn’t mean we sit back with popcorn and watch the “wheels fall off.” Failing better, for me, involves a lot of work to ensure we minimize failure (if possible) and are prepared when it happens (again, sometimes we aren’t, as it could be a new workflow, patch, cyber attack, user requirement, or edge case scenario).</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2025-03-13" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 13, 2025</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/failure-and-me/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2024: the year of short courses & the edge!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes. First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey. Second reflection, what a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>This is my reflection on my 2024. It’s for me but you can come along for a few minutes.</p>
<p>First reflection, why have I not blogged more this year! Simple answer its been hectic but I feel like I could have reflected on a more regular basis the 12 month journey.</p>
<p>Second reflection, what a year!</p>
<p>By the end of 2023 we signed the contract with Drieam (who support the learner, course and order management platform called <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Feduframe.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cc57c79c049f74fc4222608dd3536802c%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C638725230381480477%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qiL39YC%2B0JyNdVLoKhQQo%2FHuTFRPszgLbUrHKTbRDpQ%3D&reserved=0">eduframe.com</a>) and Instructure (who host the learning platform called Canvas <a href="https://www.instructure.com">https://www.instructure.com</a>) to help us deliver the new Short Course Platform. It had taken 6 months of procurement and legal wrangling to get the contract sorted but in December 2023 it was finally signed. The short course platform will allow the public to browse courses via a web site, create an account, pay (if costed), enrol, learn, maybe get a digital badge and hopefully come back and repeat the process.</p>
<p>The platform aims to emulate a lot of the learnings from the core VLE projects including a consistent user experience, replacing laborious and admin heavy workarounds and having a clear purpose/strategy/vision. It has been a gap in the learning eco-system for a while and we have seen schools/depts bend tools and policies to meet their needs.</p>
<p>Interestingly with the current issues in HE we are starting to see a few other institutions spin up similar platforms. When we started this journey 2 years ago only a few examples existed but with institutions keen to explore additional revenue tracks we have seen similar platforms come online but that’s a different blog.</p>
<p>Like any new service we are starting fresh, which is great! But as soon as we started to update stakeholders and share the news more widely that we had signed a contract then comes the big questions…..when will it be available? Can we use it? How do I use it? Is it compliant? Will the learners like it? What is a learner? Can I show it to my friends? What is a short course?</p>
<p>It can feel like a landslide but I am lucky to work with people who are very supportive, open to ideas and like me love a plan(ner).The service isn’t just one new service, its 4 new platforms, training, guidance, marketing, communication, stakeholder engagement (one off and ongoing), terms of use, legal, compliant handling, data protection, accessibility, reporting (another new service so make that 5), terminology and the list goes on and on.</p>
<p>Spinning up a new service involves working with colleagues inside the department and making sure we are all confident or if not approachable to ask questions. Sounds easy but it’s probably the toughest part, the people who are the face of change need to speak the same language or stakeholders will lose confidence pretty quickly and that can cause tension in teams (who said what, why, when, did they not read the 1000 page memo).</p>
<p>Change agents also need to change. The ability to listen and change what we have thought about, developed or delivered is also key but with the caveat it must be based on facts. I listen to sports podcasts and was really intrigued by a football manager saying the team needed to focus on the team’s core goals (playing good football) and not be driven by the edge (bad passes and mistakes). That edge in service delivery can sometimes be a blocker to progress especially when creating a new service. Evaluating the use case and categorising it is key to understanding impact and priority especially when deadline is involved.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong use cases generated by stakeholders need to be listened to and evaluated but it’s the teams requirement to review and categories. Sometimes its not popular with stakeholders however I am a firm believer that services are never perfect. They evolve as does the requirements, the users (all of them) and the underlying technology. Services deliver to the masses and aim to meet all requirements however I have struggled to work on a service that doesn’t have a wish list or a product development roadmap.</p>
<p>The quicker you get comfortable with the edge the better.</p>
<p>My role in the project is technical lead but I feel more like a troubleshooter and negotiator. I have had to get to grips with 4 new bit of tech (content management system, payment portal, new VLE, a website developed on Next.js, a user provisioning tools) and help design a 5<sup>th</sup> (data reporting tool), negotiate with others use of the tools, design, onboarding for early adopter, project timelines and I am mentally knackered. Thankfully (again) a good team and me being very open about forgetting stuff and asking for reminders or checking my notes (which have merged into teams chats) has helped keep me on track. A technical lead sounds like someone who knows it all and I don’t but that’s ok. My role is offering workflows and options to a problem whilst speaking to the experts to help me map it out. Last Monday I had no clue on GA4 and now we have a plan to debug tags. Last Jan I started to play with APIs of the new platforms and now not a day goes by when I don’t have postman open and I am trying to figure out something.</p>
<p>2024 has been a blast but it’s been difficult. The projects have been challenging and that’s not just the tech. My confidence has taken a bit of a bashing along the way but its not personal. I will look back when we finally go live in May 2025 and think 2024 is the year we made a lot of decisions, I learned a little bit more about me and I am sharing some with you as it may help and remembe0 for any service its not the destination as there is never a destination, its just one big journey.<br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2024-12-23" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 23, 2024</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2024-the-year-of-short-courses-the-edge/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas UK & Ireland User Group December 2024</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:01:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ai]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[canvas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sd]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>A user group is a great way to get the latest product gossip from the supplier and more importantly other institutions. They are great ways to network, get inspiration from peers and generally gauge where we are in the current implementation compared to others (plus free pastries).<br />The Canvas UK & Ireland user group was hosted by Manchester University. The day covered the Canvas roadmap, rubric adoption at medical schools, institutions migrating to canvas from another suppliers, break out sessions on analytics and administration of a VLE and more however there seemed to be one theme that was ever present in sessions, AI.</p>
<p>The first presenter represented FE and discussed how they had developed AI tools based on the Azure Framework (Microsoft) to create assessment feedback for students, assessment feedback summaries for staff and AI assistants to support students. The session highlighted how coding light tools can be developed using existing frameworks, APIs and a lot of engagement with users. The session generated a lot of questions including environmental impact, opt-in/out, academic integrity, quality and assurance of feedback etc. These questions aren’t new but I feel like we have moved from a space where we questioned AI and how it would be included in education to a new space where institutions themselves are developing tools.</p>
<p>With Open AI and the rapid evolution of LLMs suppliers are rushing to squeeze AI into their applications but at what risk? And why? I feel like we are partly to blame as we like new stuff but also want to improve the staff and student experience. It feels like AI might be the new thing that will solve all our problems (did someone saying Learning Analytics…). Like any new tech and especially with LLMs we also need to factor that these cohorts may have a certain level of expectation that AI is integrated into their professional, academic or learning journey. My fear is where should it be integrated and why?</p>
<p><br />New stuff is always fun for me but as someone who works with technology, I also need to consider the why? What is this bringing to the user’s experience? Do we have a gap? Does it improve the users experience? Any repercussions we need to consider? Speaking to design colleagues and stakeholders should drive the change and with AI I don’t know how much of a conversation is happening with users. Don’t get me wrong we need to start somewhere, and basic support bots being used to support users (like <a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/computing/comms-and-collab/elm">ELM</a> or <a href="https://edhelp.ed.ac.uk/">EDHelp</a>) help us grow knowledge and at the same time they practically allow end-users to interact and maybe think about additional functionality they would like to see included in these tools or where they can envision these tools supporting them.</p>
<p>Instructure will be releasing more AI functionality and already have tools like Insights which utilises aspects of AI so:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>‘buckle your seat Dorothy, cause Kanvas is going bye-bye!’ – Cypher, The Matrix.<br /><br /></p>
</blockquote>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2024-12-09" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 9, 2024</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-uk-ireland-user-group-december-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>2023 Reflection</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[short course platform]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>It has been a while since I sat down with my thoughts. I have been talking about making time to blog and reflect and today is the day! If you’re new here, hello! This will not be an ideological masterpiece or reference books I read related to the role but more a personal reflection for me on me, but you can read it (just don’t tell anyone!).</p>
<p>My 2023 will be the year of procurement, digital badges, and supporting the team (bored reading about AI so omitting it until Jan 2024).<br /><br />I have previously blogged about digital badges and how they have emerged from the pit of edu-tech doom and evolved into something that has value for issuers, earners and anyone else who is interested in the recognition of skills, achievements or competencies. I have also talked about replacing standalone credit that equates to nothing in the real world and longer term how institutions will need to offer digital versions of credit as the death of paper accelerates. I get it that people will still want to frame awards etc I just think that may be a minority.<br /><br />The team has done a fantastic job completing a procurement and establishing a service to support a 3-year pilot which we hope will extend with the pending new fun aka the short course platform. In just over 6 months we have issued over 1.5k badges, created and supported a badge governance process, created numerous guides and snazzy webpages, and planned to experiment with badge pathways in 2024. If you are interested have a peek at the webpage: <a href="https://edin.ac/3Waglnj">https://edin.ac/3Waglnj</a> and yes that is a badger wearing a jacket with badges (they are called Bo the badger).</p>
<p><br />I can only see badge popularity and use cases growing however I have concerns regarding the quality of products in the market, cost (platform prices vary vastly) and openness of underlying badge frameworks and portability. With Instructure hoovering up Badgr and now Parchment a big player is making an early move and the wider impact will be interesting to watch.</p>
<p>Procurements are always interesting and when the outcome is a brand new service it’s even more ‘exciting’. At this point I am going to read your mind, are you thinking something along the lines of…</p>
<p>‘Wow Wow, Myles is that a typo!, has the eggnog gone to your head!’ </p>
<p>The answer is no, in a weird and slightly concerning way it’s been fascinating to work with the project team to collaborate, collate, refine and produce a vision with key stakeholders for a new centrally supported platform that will allow the public to view CPD, PPD and any other short courses. pay (if required) and access a dedicated learning platform or be sent any relevant course information. </p>
<p>Ok, in reality, the devil is in the details and creating clear and concise questions that suppliers need to answer is a challenge. Interpreting those answers and scoring them is a bigger challenge especially then the question set is over 100 questions! Then agreeing to scores and feedback is a bigger challenge! It’s like Mortal Combat but without the combat as that would involve HR (however sometimes I think it would have been quicker to just have the combat).</p>
<p>So why did we need to go into the combat ring of procurement? Currently, these types of courses are delivered via numerous platforms, can be an admin burden to support staff, provide an inconsistent and sometimes poor learner experience and may be breaching software licenses (moving on swiftly). To summarise it’s very Edinburgh. everyone is doing something different. So, we proposed a change as we saw a clear gap and after lots of conversations, papers, presentations, and acronym searching we secured support from senior management and a budget from the institution. Instructure and Drieam won the procurement, and I look forward to working with them in 2024.</p>
<p>I manage a small team and also deputize for the section head. I enjoy both and am fortunate to be surrounded by people I respect and enjoy working with each day but this year has taught me to be a human first and a manager second. Work-life balance has always been important to me, especially with a family and growing up in a family where that balance did not exist and witnessing the impact on people’s mental and physical health has always been a valuable lesson to me.</p>
<p>I work hard as Myles Blaney team manager, technical lead, senior service manager, internal consultant, HR rep for the team, information security rep for the section, procurement mediator, badge specialist, and everything else in between. So, I need time to be Myles Blaney gym enthusiast, bike rider, Newcastle United fan, MMA fan, gamer, husband, dad, son, brother, dad taxi, family event planner, and spectator to name a few. I am lucky to have control of my balance due to my supportive manager but I also need to take control of it when I have it and not to quickly check or reply to a ping in teams.</p>
<p>Lastly, AI! It’s here to stay and we are only at the base of the hype curve. I have dabbled this year with Karen into what other institutions are doing and it’s another blog I will post in Jan 2024. Exciting and terrifying at the same time but not new just quicker, faster and better.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-12-21" itemprop="dateModified">Dec 21, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/2023-reflection/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canvas Credentials: the new open digital badge platform</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:32:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[instructure]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>Finally after months of scoring procurement questions, analysing costs and negotiation I am pleased to announce that we will be providing open digital badges via Canvas Credentials (formally called Badgr).<br /><br />This is the start of a 3 year pilot to understand the value of digital badges for all stakeholders. Obviously for the earners aka the people awarded a badge(s), will it help motivate them? will they share it on digital CVs or social media? will they even click on the email and accept the badge? what about employability? how do they value a digital badge?<br /><br />How about issuers aka the schools that award the badge, is the platform easy to use? does it allow them the flexibility to develop and deliver standalone and badges which are interlinked (like a pathway)? what about resource for managing all things badges? and why bother with badges?<br /><br />Hang on, what about IS (we are people too), how does it affect us as issuer, earners and support? So all of the above plus is the platform robust? does it provide what the issuers and earners need? how will the service grow? will be see a badge bonanza or the butchering of badges?<br /><br />Whatever will happen the next few years will allow us to pilot and review the premium version of canvas credentials. For clarification when I say premium I mean paid for aka we get extra bits and bobs like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lots of Analytics: data, data, data</li>
<li>Organisation Management: aka one admin to rule them all! </li>
<li>Ability to add skills to a badge: I got skills their multiplying!</li>
<li>Ability to add custom fields to a badge: starting to panic about how this could be used!</li>
<li>Pathways: interlinked badges journeys</li>
</ul>
<p>Sounds pretty cool! Pathways are probably the ‘funnest’ (not a word but you know what I mean) premium tool which will allow schools or departments to create open stackable badges or paths (basic, intermediate, high ) to a higher level of achievement (Expert). These can include internal or external open badges so in theory could involve external bodies (e.g. companies, other institutions) and users can track their own progress! (take a breathe!).</p>
<p>And what have we decided to call the new open digital badge pilot/service……(drum roll)……BadgEd! (we got the word badge, we are the University of Edinburgh and we love incorporating Ed into stuff). </p>
<p>Sounds like a busy few years? You interested in finding out some more information? Ain’t you lucky we created this website where you can find out some more information on the <a href="https://edin.ac/40QRuX3">BadgEd webpages.</a></p>
<p><br />Finally this wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work of colleagues who have been exceptional (as usual) to help get from an idea to a live pilot (so thanks goes to Delia, Tracey, Nikki, Karen, Fiona and Ellen). Let the hard (fun) work begin….<br /><br /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-03-30" itemprop="dateModified">Mar 30, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/canvas-credentials-the-new-open-digital-badge-platform/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Badges, not just a pretty picture</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[digital badges]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era). So we all got badges and the value of a […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Digital badges are back! They never went away I hear you say and yes? Of course not but we did enter an odd phase were badges were being issued for anything or everything (I like to refer to this era as the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ era).</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7ZeQBhbVGnELP4bK/giphy.gif" alt="you get a gif" width="480" height="326" /></p>
<p>So we all got badges and the value of a badge declined plus how could we validate the badge, where do we put the badges to promote ourselves? So the badge hype slowly dwindled to some hardcore fans who issued badges sporadically. Badge strategies were forgotten and images of badges were added to email signatures with no ability to validate someones claim to be an Google Cloud wizard. I should also state that the frustration with badges also may be related to lack of platforms to develop and issue plus the limited options for styling, metadata and a space for an earner to host (yes Mozilla backpack was available however if you used it then you would understand it had issues).</p>
<p>I personally worked with badges via Blackboard learn a few years ago and we had some great use cases but the value of badges was not recognized by external institutions or private companies.</p>
<p>Fast forward a few years and the digital badge ecosystem has evolved. IMS open badge standards have been widely adopted by numerous suppliers, the options for badge creation & management is also diverse with open, free and paid for services available and most importantly the understanding that to maintain value for digital badges institution needs to have a strategy for badge creation.</p>
<p>The value aspect is key, speaking to other institutions in the UK and US they have stressed how value can only be maintained by guidance and governance. Guidance ensures standardization of the visual, the metadata and criteria for awarding. The visual is key and in most cases badge consumers (someone who sees a badge on a host platform aka linkedin, personal web page, email signature) will only see a small thumbnail of the image so keeping it clean and not going full Picasso is key. To get around the visual issue the creation of a style guide and a badge template helps subdue any hidden artistic desires.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium aligncenter" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4tV5VQbNScIikY4o/giphy.gif" alt="picasso art" width="480" height="480" /></p>
<p>Metadata is key, its the data/information that provides the context for the badge and includes fields like description, competencies, achievements, award criteria, expiration and the ability for consumers to check validation! Yes, if you have shared a badge I can check if your a world of war craft level 6 orc from the dune sea by clicking on the validate button.</p>
<p>Governance allows users to request a badge and for it to be reviewed by badge champions to ensure we do not create 100 badges for the same thing, ensure badge value is maintained (aka we don’t hurtle back to the Oprah era, PS you get a badge for reading this far!) and badge visuals are maintained (we want the University of Edinburgh badge experience to follow established design guidelines and best practices) . I would stress that governance is a mix of academic and service staff all with a vested interest in the success of digital badges.</p>
<p>So we have a process and some standards so what do we issue badges for? As highlighted earlier they have been issued for everything and we are keen to avoid those dark days. Badges have a place for recognition of extra curricula or non-curricula skills, competencies or achievements that may not be recognized via other awards or even at all. Badges can be used to level up the softer skills that are core to user development or simply recognize the skills, competencies or achievements a user has gained. Badges spans the digital ecosystem and user base and could be issued on a MOOC platform to a user completing the book MOOC or to a member of staff for competing the Information security training.</p>
<p>So I gained a badge what next? How about recommendations for associated badges which can build upon your skills, achievements or competencies gained via a previous badge. Or the ability to share on a host platform (go on be that LinkedIn boaster who announces everything they are doing to the world) or it can be kept private. Even better imagine having a space that is yours for life and doesn’t need you to be registered at the university, your account, your personal email address your in control. Or don’t claim the badge its all up to the earner (They have the power!)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/yhK4PWI9WJ0c/giphy.gif" alt="i have the power" width="320" height="240" /></p>
<p>The good news is that this service will be launching in the academic year 2022-23 and the team will share more thoughts once we pick a platform. The last thing I wanted to share is that whilst we are focusing on non-credit extra/non-curricula skills, achievements and competencies we are starting to hear institution considering issuing badges for UG and PG degree awards which kinda makes sense. Question if you have a degree what do you have to show your awesome achievement? and more importantly where is it? Personally I got a paper certificate and it sits in a cupboard with all my life admin things. Its not visible, its not verifiable and its on a bit of paper which isn’t great for the environment. A digital badge is verifiable and can be shared on numerous professional and/or personal platforms plus no trees were cut down to produce it. Sure the award ceremony might be slightly different however I have a feeling that the digital badge will be more useful to graduates.</p>
<p> <br />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area"><br />
<time datetime="2022-08-09" itemprop="dateModified">Aug 9, 2022</time><br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/digital-badges-not-just-a-pretty-picture/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>My Hybrid Reflections (not yours!)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[mblaney]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:52:18 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dlam-feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hybrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<p>19 months ago the thought of me staying at home for 23hrs for months would have terrified me, however we got out routine sorted which helped a lot, this included Joe Wicks 0900, BoJo presser at 1700 (do this but don’t do this), becoming at P2 teacher 1330-1600 (elbow pads in the post), family walk on the golf course 1600-1700. Throughout that period my working arrangements shifted from room to room as my setup evolved into a desk in my spare bedroom with a large screen and laptop. I have also blogged about the transitions if your interested in the detail but now I am now a hybrid worker.</p>
<p>Hybrid, what’s that? Well it’s kinda like a bit of office working and a bit of home working and for my working situation it makes a lot of common sense. Why does it work for me? The flexibility is something I have craved for years. I worked at home 1 day a week for 13 years, it allowed me to focus on documentation (if you have had the pleasure of working with me you know I love a good process document and making things transparent for anyone involved, who wouldn’t, share the fun), building servers remotely and other individual tasks with maybe the odd phone call to ask people to press a button on campus. Over the 13 years technology has evolved from email, messenger, skype for business (once you got it working) and now teams or Zoom. </p>
<p>Technology evolves and whilst we adapt it seamlessly into our non-working lives, with some of us actively promoting it for work, are 9-5 environment has stagnated due to numerous factors that include open spaces and noise, users unfamiliarity with the technology (e.g. can you hear me, I have poor Wi-Fi. Cat face – to name a few common issues), the technology being regarded as secondary, peoples personal or meeting room hardware setups (some people have vanity lights some people have 3 laptops perched on encyclopaedias). With the tech evolving we can now do remote tasks which now include group work (ability to host or join online meetings), group text chat, drop-ins to chat, share a screen and work through shared documents or issues. </p>
<p>So the technology has evolved (braw!) however the office space hasn’t however what is the office meant to be? I have blogged that people are the campus and they! This has been clearly shown over the numerous lockdowns but as a red brick university the campus is the shop floor for the bulk of roles. IS touch numerous points of campus life (on and remote) and we have shown we can work in extreme circumstances however personally for me I prefer a hybrid work space, which is ultimately a flexible work space.</p>
<p>Home working is great, no trains, no flesh market close steps, no expensive sandwich or coffee shops, work in leisure clothes (bought my first pair of tracksuit bottoms 6 months ago….), no running to meetings basically a lot of good points,. I love my house however I like coming back to it (bit like when you walk in the door post-holiday after sharing a confined space with the hobbits) and I am a strong believer in work life balance. Now for me what work life balance means is ‘give and take’ aka flexibility, managing time/resource, honestly. It may sound preachy but having a young family has taught me to enjoy the time and separate work (like the LTW no comms after 6 policy). I know people who find this impossible and to be honest it freaks me out but it’s their decision. </p>
<p>Working in the office 2 days gives me a bit of separation and allows me to plan 2 different days however I don’t plan them any different and for the foreseeable wont. I come in and work, catch up with folks, meet online or in-person and go home. Currently 2 days is enough and not due to COVID concerns but due to the change in routine (which I am over) and the office feeling different. The space feels subdued and when I come in it’s like a Saturday. It’s quiet for a time however co-ordinating days when others (usually Karen or Nikki) are in helps prioritise tasks for those days, allows us to bounce ideas around (scheduling collaboration and spontaneity on Teams is difficult) and lets me see other people J which I miss. Some of the people I get to work with or share an office with are worth the train fare alone to cheer me up. The human side of work and the office has been something I have blogged about before and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy my job.</p>
<p>So let’s be honest about the office, desk layout isn’t the best for online meetings and mics pick up other conversations pretty quickly. Meeting rooms are quiet but rely heavily on tech working and the building not being full (booking a room prior to COVID was like a playing a game in Squid Games – somebody would die!). If we are to adopt hybrid shared desk arrangements, thinning of the space would help. The creation of more social sitting and printer booth breakout spaces would help the space however my big thing is the noise. We probably need to admit that for a truly hybrid space the open spaces will need to be a bit more nosier due to online meetings held at desk, more collaboration spaces in teams local environments (again noisy) and the acceptance that the office should be a collaboration space and not just a undefined space with a desk with your stuff on it. Making it a collaboration friendly space helps hybrid workers however like we have all gone through over the past months it would require a change and physical office space changes are probably the most difficult to accept.</p>
<p>So hybrid for me works, the tech now allows us the flexibility, management now understand having being entrenched in it during lockdowns but (always a but) the office isn’t configured to support it…yet. My experience of coming into the office isn’t negative however it could be better which I will be feeding back.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2021-11-16" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 16, 2021</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/my-hybrid-reflections-not-yours/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2477 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(186) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/5>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=1s1v51ea2e8l37gsj4ldpeovqv; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(133) "spo_65_fa=0f7d630d117d141812d21fb1aac9607e; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/mylesblaney/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48NAzQkgvtRCmrGO7DSe61JDHmchzwYtSgx1SCnJxerCEfJ-s3BOnuH1KbpAW8n3vbQcs; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:59:32 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""e377c755f5a48243d7f7cd19bd73d3a0""
}
["vary"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(54) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/feed/?tag=dlam-feed"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2474 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2481 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "1s1v51ea2e8l37gsj4ldpeovqv"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2480 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["spo_65_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2482 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "spo_65_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "0f7d630d117d141812d21fb1aac9607e"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2483 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(13) "/mylesblaney/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2484 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48NAzQkgvtRCmrGO7DSe61JDHmchzwYtSgx1SCnJxerCEfJ-s3BOnuH1KbpAW8n3vbQcs"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2485 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546745)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546745)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546745)
}
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663] "Who needs awards anyway!"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=663] "Who needs awards anyway!" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573] "2025: The year SCP took off"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=573] "2025: The year SCP took off" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555] "Short Courses Platform Implementation and Me"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=555] "Short Courses Platform Implementation and Me" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544] "Failure and me"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=544] "Failure and me" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529] "2024: the year of short courses & the edge!"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=529] "2024: the year of short courses & the edge!" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521] "Canvas UK & Ireland User Group December 2024"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=521] "Canvas UK & Ireland User Group December 2024" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497] "2023 Reflection"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=497] "2023 Reflection" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482] "Canvas Credentials: the new open digital badge platform"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=482] "Canvas Credentials: the new open digital badge platform" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455] "Digital Badges, not just a pretty picture"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=455] "Digital Badges, not just a pretty picture" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421] "My Hybrid Reflections (not yours!)"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/mylesblaney/?p=421] "My Hybrid Reflections (not yours!)" is a duplicate of an existing post.
Diag| Polling feed [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed]
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2584 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["expires"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
["cache-control"]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
["pragma"]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
["link"]=>
string(194) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/4>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=idp751d3dhkrpqrtlnhpbm6lc0; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(139) "spo_1225_fa=e9a2fc2dadd47324977d1854fc4d5fc4; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/colouring-books/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48Ri989QBPAe0wAGwi5Zzl9qtzLMarE58p_qgeSVYcrzxqW0w1Y08KA0nKYcLqD6wakIo; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""221cda3f7e784c10bc5b919084bbdff3""
["vary"]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(119818) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<description>The 'we have great stuff' colouring books are openly licensed resources created by University of Edinburgh students and staff for everyone to enjoy.</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<image>
<url>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2020/02/cropped-avatar-roundel-bright-pink-72dpi-32x32.png</url>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<width>32</width>
<height>32</height>
</image>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Colouring Book Volume 3 available on Edinburgh Diamond Service</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jackie Aim]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Edinburgh Diamond]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISBN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISSN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[publishing]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2088</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book Our volume three colouring book ‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ is now available on Edinburgh Diamond, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting Diamond Open Access books and journals. Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond Although we have our books available on the Colouring Books website having them […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Our volume three colouring book <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s2">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’</span></a> is now available on <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/index"><span class="s2">Edinburgh Diamond</span></a>, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_open_access"><span class="s2">Diamond Open Access</span></a> books and journals.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Although we have our books available on the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">Colouring Books</span></a> website having them on Edinburgh Diamond is a more sustainable and long term way of preserving them. Check out our Edinburgh Diamond Catalogue series: <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/series/we-have-great-stuff"><span class="s2">‘We have Great Stuff’</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">To find out more about the Edinburgh Diamond Service visit their <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/research-support/edinburgh-diamond"><span class="s2">University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Diamond website</span></a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Volume 3 colouring book reference</span></h2>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3"><span class="s3"><a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s4">Edinburgh Diamond: We have Great Women in STEM, Volume 3</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li4"><span class="s1">ISBN: 978-1-912669-62-2</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s6">DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622"><span class="s4">https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For the references and more information on volumes one and two please read our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/edinburgh-diamond/">previous blogpost on Edinburgh Diamond</a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">About the</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">This third volume was created by our Interactive Content summer intern Ally McKay, she is studying illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. The images for the book were collated from in person and online workshops Ally held during the summer, and also includes some of her own illustrations. She also met with inspiring women in STEM who work and study in the University.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Ally says about her internship:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Creating the book was such a fun and useful experience for me. As an illustration student, it’s usually me creating the pictures but getting to run workshops and collect submissions from the university of Edinburgh community reminded me how much talent we have in our organization. I loved the opportunity to dig into the history of some of UoE’s women in STEM of the past, and also meet with women doing amazing work in STEM today. The project couldn’t have been possible without support and guidance from Stewart Cromar and Jackie Aim, as well as all the amazing volunteers that submitted work!</span></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Book distribution</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The volume three physical books were printed to coordinate with our Ada Lovelace Day celebration on Tuesday 10th October 2023. They were distributed to various locations including Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square. They are also available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">download</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">We have paper copies of volume three at Argyle House that are freely available to UoE staff and students, please <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk"><span class="s2">email us</span></a> if you would like a copy. We can send them out via internal mail only.</span></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-11-02" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 2, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>We Have Great Women in STEM Colouring Book Out Now!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2049</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>It’s finally here! The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared! This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><h2>It’s finally here!</h2>
<p>The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared!</p>
<p>This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, and employees came together to learn about digital art and highlight our incredible women in stem by contributing illustrations to the colouring book.</p>
<p>There is so much talent here at Edinburgh and I am extremely grateful to all who took time out of their busy schedules to help me with this project.</p>
<p><strong>Huge thank you to our illustrators:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">August Enger</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jackie Aim</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenna Owen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Karen McPhail</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Kirsty Tragis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sharon Chen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Claudia Earl</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Catherine Munn</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Dagmar Danielsen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Ally Mckay</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Alysha Wilson</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maarya Sharif</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mayu Ishimoto</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Wenwen Wang</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Zequn Wang</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>And another huge thank you to all the contributors that made this project possible:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Cait MacPhee</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Estifa’a Zaid</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Frances Blow</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Hannah Shuttleworth</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Holly Bridge</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">JC Denis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenny Gracie</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Lothian Health Services Archive</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maria Fanourgiaki</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Marialuisa Aliotta</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mylaine Holin</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Nisha Grewal</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Orianna Ball</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Rosa Santomartino</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sally Shaw</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sarah Ressel</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to get your copy</h2>
<p>There are a limited number of free copies of the book available at Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square.</p>
<p>If your are University staff and would like a copy or a small box for your department, delivered via internal mail, please get in touch (whilst stocks last).</p>
<p>Please contact: <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">interactive-content@ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3>Online copies</h3>
<p>This publication is also available online at: <a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-book">https://edin.ac/colouring-book</a></p>
<h3>Flickr</h3>
<p>There are high-resolution (300 dpi) colouring book images available for you to download, reuse and share.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507" data-uoe-button="info-sign" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507">Colouring book Flickr album (volume three)</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy colouring!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-16" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 16, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2023 – Book Launch</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:45:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2075</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>At this year's Ada Lovelace Day Ally McKay will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p><strong>On Tuesday 10th October 2023, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2023 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com/">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>.</strong></p>
<p>They have an afternoon of <a href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2023/">talks, activities and training</a> planned for Ada Lovelace Day. This will take place on the first floor of the Main Library (Central Area) from 11:00-17:00 in Room 1.07.</p>
<p>You can confirm your attendance via Event Booking now (open to all University students and staff):</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=showEventDetails&scheduleId=65360&start=&eventssearch=Ada%20Lovelace%20Day&eventStart=0">Book your place</a></p>
<p>P.S. Please do add yourself to the waiting list in case anyone cancels.</p>
<h2>Colouring book launch</h2>
<p>At this event Ally McKay, our very own colouring-in book creator and student intern, will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.</p>
<p>Don’t worry if you can’t attend the event, the openly licenced book will be available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books">download</a> the same day. You will also be able to collect copies from multiple university locations (to-be-announced soon).</p>
<p>Shortly after the launch you will be also able to download high-resolution illustrations from our <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAXbuc">Flickr account</a>.</p>
<h2>Copyright and licence</h2>
<div>
<p>Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2023 CC BY</p>
</div>
<div>This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a></div>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Behind the Scenes of “We Have Great Women in STEM”</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2063</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book. Face the Facts One […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book.</p>
<h2>Face the Facts</h2>
<p>One of the most challenging aspects of creating a colouring book like this was identifying who we wanted to include. Women in STEM tend to not be well recorded or represented in informational databases, and we did encounter some issues finding the women we wanted to illustrate. Luckily, the university’s website provided many great profiles, and we were able to take some great suggestions from colleagues. As I researched, I found more and more women I wanted to include– ending up with over 30 women (and one sheep) in our online database!</p>
<h2>Putting Faces to Names</h2>
<p>Because the project is so visual, it was imperative that I could hunt down open licensed images of these women so that participants could use the images without worrying about copyright. Luckily, some of the women were historical figures, and their images were so old that they entered the public domain.</p>
<div id="attachment_1763" style="width: 234px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1763" class="size-medium wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="224" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1763" class="wp-caption-text">Gertrude Herzfeld: One of the First Female Surgeons</p></div>
<p>For the more modern women, it was trickier as their images were not in the public domain yet. And on top of that, some of the women had no photos taken of them at all!</p>
<p>I spent around three weeks searching, emailing, and scouring for images of these women, and found some gems! Namely, Jessie MacGregor’s incredible portrait with her dog, and Vivien Kellem’s incredible midcentury black and white portraits.</p>
<div id="attachment_1761" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1761" class="size-medium wp-image-1761" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg" alt="Jessie sits at her desk in graduation robes, writing in a book. A scruffy dog sits next to her." width="300" height="210" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-768x538.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1536x1075.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-2048x1434.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1440x1008.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1761" class="wp-caption-text">Jessie MacLaren MacGregor: Fighting for Gender Equality at UoE</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1780" style="width: 251px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1780" class="size-medium wp-image-1780" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg" alt="Vivien reclines on a leather sofa, wearing a fur coat and small hat. Her head is turned, facing left." width="241" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg 241w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-768x955.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1236x1536.jpg 1236w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1440x1790.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems.jpg 1609w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1780" class="wp-caption-text">Vivien Kellems: Engineering Entrepreneur & Women’s Rights Advocate</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1779 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="231" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems.jpeg 512w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I also had a lot of success reaching out to current women in STEM at the University and simply asking for their permission to be in the book, and for them to provide a photo that they held the rights to. Reaching out to University departments also proved quite successful as they usually had photos of notable alumni from previous publications.</p>
<p>Eventually, I was able to source enough photos to compile them into an online database, and publish them ready to be made into illustrations.</p>
<h2>Time to put in the Work(shops)</h2>
<p>To source illustrations, I hosted a series of three workshops during the month of July: a digital illustration workshop, traditional illustration workshop, and an online digital workshop. These were open to all members of the UoE community and held in a variety of locations to allow those in all working situations to join.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 1: Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>The first workshop was held in early July, and we had 8 lovely members of the UoE community come out to help us with the colouring book project. These were mostly ISG interns, who courageously tried their hand at using Sketchpad to create digital artwork- which was no easy feat!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I was so impressed by the group’s creativity and enthusiasm and we got some great submissions. It was also a great way to figure out how to best organise these workshops and effectively teach sketchpad.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 2: Traditional Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>This workshop was hosted at ECA’s Evolution House– handy timing because the infamous Argyle House flood had just taken over the office. Jackie and I arrived armed with pencils, erasers and pens and welcomed 8 more enthusiastic individuals to the workshop. We had a mix of undergraduate students, masters students, professors and employees- and we all got together and bonded over cake, drawing, and women in STEM.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2058" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2057" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 3: Online Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>Another accidentally well-timed workshop– the last one we offered at the end of July was online. We had 5 participants come from across many of UoE’s departments, and since I had already been through the slides for the first workshop, this one ran super smoothly.</p>
<p>We got some great submissions here and had some really dedicated participants who worked on their illustrations after the workshop ended and came up with some incredible work.</p>
<h2>Compiling the Book</h2>
<p>Now that I had so many wonderful submissions from the workshops, I headed to trusty InDesign to start formatting the final book.</p>
<p>I first converted all the photographic submissions into vectors using Adobe Illustrator’s image trace function, or cleaned up any digital submissions that were already vectorised, but just had some missing pieces.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2067 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="349" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Before</strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2066 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png" alt="" width="267" height="378" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>After</strong></p>
<p>I also took a look at the women that we hadn’t gotten any submissions for and made illustrations myself for them.</p>
<p>Following loosely the formatting from previous copies, I set up my file as an A5 booklet, and decided on the fonts “Factoria” and “Video” for body and headings, respectively. I wanted the type to be kind of quirky and create shapes that would be fun to colour in, which is why I went down the sci-fi route and sourced technologically inspired fonts.</p>
<p>From there, I just popped all the final images into their pages and decided which would sit best together on the page. Then, I had two main things to fill in– the cover and the index.</p>
<h2>You Can Judge this Book’s Cover!</h2>
<p>I had two initial concepts for the book cover– one featuring a magnifying glass, and one featuring a female scientist. In the end, my team and I decided that the microscope one was more eye-catching and drew the eye to the center of the page well. I had such a fun time making all the tiny little STEM icons, and took lots of inspiration from the Star Wars edition of “Little White Lies,” incorporating halftones as a way to add contrast without taking away any colouring-in functionality.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2069" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2068" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I made the cover in illustrator, and created the back and front on the same document so that the images would seamlessly flow into each other when the book was opened.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2060 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png" alt="" width="722" height="481" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-768x512.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-2048x1365.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1440x960.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px" /></p>
<h2>The Index <strong>– Celebrating Achievements</strong></h2>
<p>My last hurdle on this project was creating the index. This would go at the back of the book and would store all the information about the illustration’s source images, illustrators, reference photo attribution, and a short piece of biographical info about each women. Due to the subject matter of the book, it was important to my team and I to not just show the likeness of these women in STEM, but celebrate their achievements. Adding this info in the index was a good way to do this without taking away from the illustrations.</p>
<h2><strong>And Voilà!</strong></h2>
<p>Just like that, 10 weeks flew by and the book was all finished! I printed a proof copy, made some adjustments, and awarded prizes to the winners of this year’s call for entries contest. These individuals expressed enthusiasm, were extremely committed to the project, and made some incredible work.</p>
<ul>
<li>August Enger: <em>Jessie MacLaren MacGregor</em></li>
<li>Dagmar Danielsen: <em>Xia Peisu</em></li>
<li>Catherine Munn: <em>Brenda Moon </em>& <em>Jane Hillston</em></li>
<li>Jenna Owen: <em>Chrystal Macmillan, Charlotte Auerbach, Agnes Yewande Savage, </em>&<em> Cristina Cruikshank Miller</em></li>
</ul>
<p>I wish I could give everyone prizes, and want to give a huge thank you to all who helped make this book possible!</p>
<h2>Now What?</h2>
<p>For me, it’s back to school for one more year finishing my illustration degree. For the book, it’s off to the print shop and then it will be distributed to members of the Edinburgh community.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who helped make this book possible. I hope you enjoy colouring in the book as much as I did making it.</p>
<p>Take care,</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Visual Guide: Photos from UoE’s School of Chemistry & School of Biology</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:37:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1975</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July! In response to valuable […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p> </p>
<p>I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July!</p>
<p>In response to valuable feedback from some individuals who expressed their preference for not drawing people, I have worked with individuals across the University to curate a gallery of images featuring the STEM facilities at the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p>All of these images are released under an open license, allowing you to freely use them as references for your entries into the colouring book.</p>
<p>The entry submission period for the colouring book remains open until the 28th of July. We encourage you to carefully review our entry guidelines, which can be found <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/">here.</a></p>
<p>We are immensely grateful for your interest and enthusiasm in this project, and we look forward to receiving your creative contributions. Together, let’s celebrate the wonders of science through the pages of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book!</p>
<p>Remember, the deadline for submissions is the 28th of July. We can’t wait to see your amazing artwork!</p>
<h2>Check out the photos here:</h2>
<p> </p>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9586-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9678/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9678-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9681/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9681-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9677/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9677-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9637/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9637-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9559/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9559-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9667/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9667-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9611/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9611-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9562/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9562-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9700/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9700-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9601/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9601-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9717/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9717-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9639/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9639-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9621/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9621-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9588/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9588-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9642/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9642-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9558/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9558-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9664/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9664-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9641/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9641-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6419/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6419-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6394/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6394-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9704/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9704-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9624/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9624-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9673/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9673-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9560/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9560-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9683/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9683-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9607/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9607-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9648/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9648-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9567/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9567-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9698/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9698-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9695/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9695-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9709/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9709-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9599/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9599-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9616/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9616-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9566/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9566-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9662/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9662-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9663/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9663-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9638/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9638-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9610/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9610-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9618/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9618-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9680/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9680-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9693/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9693-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9715/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9715-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9608/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9608-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9627/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9627-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9623/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9623-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9619/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9619-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9682/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9682-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9635/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9635-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6421/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6421-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<p> </p>
<p>Huge thanks to these individuals for taking the time to give me tours and chat with me:</p>
<p><strong>Jenny Gracie:</strong> Widening Participation and Outreach Officer, School of Chemistry</p>
<p><strong>Sarah Ressel:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Frances Blow:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Maria Fanourgiaki:</strong> Science Communicator, School of Biological Sciences</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy drawing!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Celebrating Women in Physics at the University of Edinburgh</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:12:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1967</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting. A Chat With Professor MacPhee Firstly, I […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1971 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png" alt="" width="328" height="464" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png 2481w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px" /></p>
<h2>A Chat With Professor MacPhee</h2>
<p>Firstly, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cait MacPhee, an accomplished professor in biological physics and experimental molecular biophysics. She is also the co-director of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre. MacPhee, who became the first female professor in the School of Physics at Edinburgh, shared her inspiring journey in STEM:</p>
<blockquote><p>“There is no standard journey. You’ll hear different stories from different people… I initially pursued biology but found it challenging. Eventually, I decided to switch to physics for my Ph.D. as it made more sense to me, and I enjoy working with numbers.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Having been at the University of Edinburgh for 18 years, MacPhee has witnessed significant changes within the department during her tenure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reflecting on the past, MacPhee discussed the absence of maternity policies when she worked at a previous institution and was pregnant with her first child. The department was uncertain about how to address this situation, leading to chaotic circumstances. However, as senior male staff members have began prioritising childcare responsibilities, policies and procedures have been put in place to support out-of-work responsibilities, including childcare. MacPhee acknowledged the progress made, recounting instances of being the only woman in the room or being overlooked by male peers, while emphasising the significant improvements that have taken place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In our conversation, I asked MacPhee about the policies and infrastructure required to encourage women to enter and thrive in STEM fields. She emphasised that real change can be achieved by starting at the grassroots level:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When children are turned off from pursuing sciences, it often happens at an early age, even before they reach secondary school. Thus, a lot of work needs to be done in primary schools, which is a particular passion of mine.”</p></blockquote>
<p>MacPhee noted that girls often receive subconscious messaging in schools that leads to repetitive thought patterns discouraging them from pursuing STEM. With a majority of teachers in arts and humanities, young girls can naturally gravitate towards the arts without proper exposure to sciences in the curriculum. She believes that schools need to empower and train their staff to integrate STEM more closely and equally into their curriculum. This involves empowering teachers to deliver science programs themselves, addressing the lack of confidence often observed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Despite the challenges and obstacles encountered, MacPhee emphasised her deep love for her work:</p>
<blockquote><p>“I genuinely enjoy what I do. I’m amazed that they pay me to do this job. The element of discovery is exhilarating. When you know something that nobody else in the world knows and have figured it out, there’s nothing quite like that feeling.”</p></blockquote>
<p>One of MacPhee’s “lightbulb” moments came during her extensive studies of biofilms, which are slimy nests of organisms found in various environments. Studying their water-repellent mechanisms led her to make ground-breaking discoveries previously unknown in biology.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>A Chat with students and professors in physics</h2>
<p>Our conversation expanded as nine other exceptional women in physics joined us. The array of talent, dedication, and passion they brought to the discussion was truly remarkable. It was an absolute delight to explore their research and experiences and brainstorm ideas on how to encourage women in STEM across the university.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1969" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1440x960.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>
<p>Here is an introduction to the remarkable women who participated in the interview (from left to right, top to bottom):</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mylaine Holin:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Hannah Shuttleworth:</strong> Ph.D. student in physics researching condensed matter and complex systems</li>
<li><strong>Rosa Santomartino:</strong> Leverhulme Early Career Fellow researching astrobiology</li>
<li><strong>Marialuisa Aliotta:</strong> Professor of experimental nuclear astrophysics</li>
<li><strong>Sally Shaw:</strong> Lecturer in experimental particle physics</li>
<li><strong>Orianna Ball:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Estifa’a Zaid:</strong> Ph.D. student studying particle and nuclear physics</li>
<li><strong>Nisha Grewal:</strong> Ph.D. student in the School of Physics and Astronomy</li>
<li><strong>Holly Bridge:</strong> Ph.D. student studying soft matter physics</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why did you choose to pursue STEM?</h2>
<p>To gain insights into their motivations, I asked the group about their journeys into STEM. Marialuisa Aliotta shared that she initially aspired to be a ballerina but her brother’s scientific inclinations inspired her to pursue physics and become an academic. Rosa, driven by her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, embarked on a postdoctoral research journey in astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh. Sally, fascinated by space from a young age, found her perfect blend of astrophysics and particle physics in studying dark matter. Holly’s passion for math led her to begin her Ph.D. in physics, focusing on modelling individual-based simulations for bacteria and wastewater treatment. Hannah conducts experimental high-pressure experiments, simulating conditions akin to the centre of the Earth using diamond-tipped tools. Mylaine’s fascination with the universe’s scale and gas giant planets propelled her to study physics. Orianna, inspired by enthusiastic teachers during her schooling and her sister, conducts research on extreme conditions using the diamond anvil technique. Nisha’s affinity for mathematics led her to pursue astrophysics as a Ph.D. student to deepen her understanding of the world. Estifa’a, driven by her early enjoyment of mathematics, conducts particle physics experiments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When discussing role models, Rosa mentioned having an astronaut living in her building during her childhood, which left an indelible impression. Others agreed that looking up to researchers and teachers played a vital role in encouraging their pursuit of STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Have you encountered any obstacles?</h2>
<p>Our conversation also touched upon the experiences and obstacles faced by these remarkable women in their respective fields. Marialuisa recalled joining the department in 2001 as the sole female staff member in her department at the time:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When I came to Edinburgh in 2001, I was the only female member of staff for the first six years. It felt somewhat lonely, and I struggled to engage with my all-male academic counterparts. However, conditions have significantly improved since then, although challenges still persist.”</p></blockquote>
<p>The group concurred that having mentors and role models is instrumental in achieving success as women in their fields. Nisha emphasized the importance of seeing women in positions of influence and demonstrating that it is possible. Supportive mentors played a vital role in Estifa’a’s journey, instilling confidence and fostering a belief in her capabilities.</p>
<p>The women highlighted community programs like Soapbox Science and the film “Picture A Scientist” as initiatives that encourage and showcase women in STEM fields.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>What advice do you give to the next generation of women in STEM?</h2>
<p>When asked for advice for young women pursuing STEM, Sally advised ignoring anyone who suggests they are just filling a quota, emphasising that they deserve their place. Hannah stressed the importance of not comparing oneself to others, as she had initially viewed certain male counterparts as an elite group. Rosa emphasised that perfection should not be the end goal, encouraging young women to find supportive mentors and acknowledging that imperfection is acceptable.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The women also underscored the significance of forming friendships with fellow women in STEM. Holly noted the positive impact that conversations with peers experiencing similar situations can have, encouraging those who may be shy to push themselves and seek out these connections.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Progress and Persistence</h2>
<p>In conclusion, the experiences, insights, and achievements shared by these incredible women at the University of Edinburgh highlight the progress made and the evolving landscape for women in STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Art Workshop Reflections</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:22:42 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1947</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants. We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants.</p>
<p>We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session focusing on creating digital illustrations using Sketchpad. It was a great success, with 10 individuals participating. I was impressed by the talent and dedication of our participants, especially considering that many of them were creating digital art for the first time.</p>
<p>The workshop began with a short demonstration, followed by an introduction to UoE’s women in STEM. Participants then dove into the world of Sketchpad, learning to master Bezier curves and anchor points. It was no easy feat, but I witnessed their progress firsthand as they gained confidence and created stunning digital illustrations.</p>
<p>While there were a few hiccups during the workshop, overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The participants’ enthusiasm and the quality of their work were truly remarkable.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that the next workshop will be held this Wednesday and will focus on traditional pen-and-ink illustration. Additionally, we have an online digital art workshop planned for next week. In the coming days, I’ll be touring various STEM facilities, capturing photos to showcase the remarkable staff and facilities we have at our university.</p>
<p>Huge thank you to everyone who came along to last week’s workshop, and if you missed it, check out our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/events/">events page</a> to sign up for an upcoming workshop, and don’t forget to enter your submissions before the 28th!</p>
<p>I hope you’re enjoying the summer weather as much as I am. It’s a great time to explore your creativity and dive into the world of art. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring artwork from our workshops.</p>
<p>Take care!<br />
-Ally</p>
<h2>Hard at work!</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png" alt="" width="616" height="462" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png" alt="" width="617" height="463" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 617px) 100vw, 617px" /></p>
<h2>A sneak peak at some submissions:</h2>
<p>Sharon Chen’s incredible portrait of Noreen Murray, co-creator of the world’s first genetically modified vaccine.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> Photograph of Kenneth and Noreen Murray, photographic print, provided by the Murray Archive, University of Edinburgh [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noreen_Murray#/media/File:Noreen_Murray_(cropped).jpg] CC by 3.0</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1771" style="width: 367px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1771" class=" wp-image-1771" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg" alt="Noreen Murray wears a polka dot scarf, hat, and buttoned jacket while she looks ahead." width="357" height="562" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg 558w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped-191x300.jpeg 191w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1771" class="wp-caption-text">Noreen Murray: Co-Creator of the World’s First Genetically Modified Vaccine</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1955 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png" alt="" width="391" height="553" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen-212x300.png 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Margarita Boyko’s beautiful portrait of Jennie Lee, member of parliment.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> 1929, Jennie Lee, photographic print, provided by Illustrated London News Digital Archive via Wikimedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg#/media/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg] Public domain image</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1786" style="width: 286px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1786" class=" wp-image-1786" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" width="276" height="389" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg 515w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-213x300.jpeg 213w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1786" class="wp-caption-text">Jennie Lee: Pioneering Member of Parliament</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1954" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Drawing_1_sketchpad.jpeg" alt="" width="280" height="396" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And I’ve been working on creating colouring pages of the women who don’t have any open licenced images available, starting with Lillian Lindsay, the first female dentist in the UK.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1960" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png" alt="" width="382" height="540" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png 3308w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px" /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-10" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 10, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>“We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book Contest (Call For Entries)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:37 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1901</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Deadline: Friday, July 28th Contest Description This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE). Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h1>Deadline: Friday, July 28th</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Contest Description</h2>
<p style="text-align: start">This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements by creating black and white line drawings inspired by the images published on our online database (longlist). Submit your entry for the chance to be a published illustrator and win prizes!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Keep watching this blog for more information and examples. Here are some previous colouring book pages from the last two editions.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1907" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="335" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg 563w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1904" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg 564w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1905" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg" alt="" width="238" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg 566w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Closing Date</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">Remember, entries are due by the 28th of July!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Don’t miss this great opportunity to contribute to the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series and celebrate women in STEM.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All experiences and abilities are welcome!</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Entry Guidelines</h2>
<ul>
<li>Entrants must utilize the images available on our blog and must not include any copyrighted imagery in their entries.</li>
<li>Submissions must be done in black and white and must be outline only (no shading). See examples here.</li>
<li>Submissions must be A4 (210mm x 297mm), 300dpi</li>
<li>Landscape or portrait will be accepted. · Submissions must be entered online to our submission portal by the 28th of July.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: start">We will attempt to share and publish as many valid entries as possible (i.e. physical book and online repositories), but the final decision will be made by the project team.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Pre-Requisites</h2>
<p>We’ll be providing workshops through the month of July, so feel free to come to those for demonstrations on how to create digital images and an overview of our selected image database. Please note however, that it is not required to attend these in order to enter.</p>
<p>You are welcome to use any method of illustrating you prefer, e.g. Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, but we will be hosting workshops on Sketchpad and traditional illustration.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">2023 Workshops</h2>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 5th: Digital Art Making Workshop (In person, Argyle House, room E13)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 12th: Traditional Art Making Workshop (In person, Evolution House, room 4.10)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 19th: Online Art Making Workshop (Online)</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Prizes</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">There are a host of prizes available to participants, including books, art materials, and exclusive merchandise.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All entrants will have the opportunity to be featured in a published work.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Eligibility</h3>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE staff</li>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE students</li>
</ul>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Image Database</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1746</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths! Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements. STEM Gallery Jun 27, 2023]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths!</p>
<p>Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements.</p>
<h2>STEM Gallery</h2>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/agnessavage-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AgnesSavage-1-e1687266597726-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/annie_numbers-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Annie_Numbers-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Annie Hutton Numbers wears a graduation robe and hat, standing in front of a wooden wall." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/miller-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/miller-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Christina Cruikshank Miller in her graduation robe" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/ella_ferrier_pringle_in_1909-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Ella_Ferrier_Pringle_in_1909-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Isabella Pringle rests her head on her hand. She is wearing graduation robes and her hair is braided." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/elsie_inglis/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglis-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Elsie Inglis looks at the viewer. She is wearing a buttoned jacket, tie, and hat with plaid ribbon." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/jennie_lee-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/gertrude-hertz/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/honor-fell/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/matildajclerk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/MatildaJClerk-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Matilda J Clerk in her graduation gown" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/macmillan_chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Macmillan_Chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Chrystal MacMillan looks into the camera wearing a victorian lace dress with a brooch" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/marionross/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marionross-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Marion Ross sits in a chair" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/auerbach1/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/auerbach1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Charlotte Auerbach sits at her desk with a typewriter and cup of tea" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/1024px-bessie_watson_aged_9/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/1024px-Bessie_Watson_aged_9-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Young Bessie Watson stands wearing a kilt, playing the bagpipes, with a"Votes for Women" sash." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/marybruk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marybruk-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Mary Brück looks through a telescope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/sophia_jex-blake_as_a_young_woman/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Sophia_Jex-Blake_as_a_young_woman-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Sophia Jex Blake as a young woman, writing at her desk" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/brenda_moon/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Brenda_Moon-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Brenda Moon stands with a cane in her garden, touching a rose, wearing a floral dress and smiling." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/profeleanorcampbellmugshot/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/ProfEleanorCampbellmugshot-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Eleanor Campbell smiles into the camera with a body of water and some grass behind her." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13-20-5/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13.20-5-e1687267542904-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Jane wears a red cardigan and glasses." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/devi/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Devi-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Devi stands with arms crossed in front of a purple "Edinburgh International Book Festival" background" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/tarasj/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/taraSJ-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Tara wears her lab coat and lanyard, smiling into camera" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/boden_9539/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Boden_9539-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Lisa Boden smiles into camera" /></a>
<hr />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pixels & Pitfalls: Exploring AI’s Image Generation Struggles</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:25:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1846</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is now […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI).</p>
<p>AI is now touted as the miraculous tool that can enhance productivity, manage schedules, book flights, and even assist in meal planning. However, along with its popularity, AI has sparked significant controversy surrounding its ethical implications. Artists and creatives have expressed valid and pressing concerns about this highly innovative software.</p>
<h2><strong>What’s the Problem with AI? </strong></h2>
<p>One of the early achievements of AI was its ability to create “generative” images, combining various works to create entirely new visuals. While this may seem like a fascinating feat, it becomes problematic when we realize that this process often uses images posted online without consideration for copyright, proper attribution, or ethical compensation to the original artists.</p>
<h2><strong>An Expert Opinion</strong></h2>
<p>As an artist myself, this is a valid concern. Will there be any job opportunities for graduates like me with a design degree, or will they all be taken over by AI bots?</p>
<p>To see if I could incorporate AI into the colouring book, I decided to meet with two AI interns from ISG, Wietske Holwerda and Bartlomeij Pohorecki. Their unanimous response to my query was, “probably not.”</p>
<p>The AI team explained that the current state of AI is not advanced enough to be effectively employed in real projects like our colouring book. The images generated by popular AI tools like Deep AI and Dall-E may lack real-world accuracy, a critical aspect for a project like the colouring book which is centred around real individuals and technologies. Additionally, the sourcing of these AI-generated images raises concerns of copyright infringement, which could have serious consequences for a published open-source work.</p>
<p>However, they encouraged me to experiment and see what I could create.</p>
<h2><strong>Let’s Give it a Try</strong></h2>
<p>First, I tried <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-2">Dall-E</a>, OpenAI’s image generation tool, which was among the first available online. Dall-E utilizes natural language descriptions to generate images based on requests and has been widely used for image creation.</p>
<p>I requested Dall-E to create colouring book pages featuring UoE’s very own Crystal Macmillan. The results were not terrible but fell short of expectations. The software lacked the ability to capture a reference or produce a likeness of a notable individual, making it challenging to use in a book filled with prominent personalities.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1875" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png" alt="" width="2887" height="2119" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png 2887w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-300x220.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1024x752.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-768x564.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1536x1127.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-2048x1503.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1440x1057.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2887px) 100vw, 2887px" /></p>
<p>Another feature of Dall-E is the ability to edit existing images. I uploaded an image of Chrystal Macmillan to Dall-E, resulting in an army of look-alikes but nothing too helpful for the project.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1849" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png" alt="" width="2469" height="543" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png 2469w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-300x66.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1024x225.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-768x169.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1536x338.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-2048x450.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1440x317.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2469px) 100vw, 2469px" /></p>
<p>Thinking that modifying an existing image might be the best approach for this project, I turned to <a href="https://www.adobe.com/sensei/generative-ai/firefly.html">Adobe Firefly</a>, an AI tool currently in beta testing by Adobe, that has been integrated into the latest version of Photoshop. This tool has significantly democratized AI accessibility for designers and creatives who already utilize adobe products every day.</p>
<p>I asked Adobe Firefly to extend a few of my images, and the results were amazing!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="207" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1860" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png" alt="" width="427" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1764" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" width="205" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg 512w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-215x300.jpeg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1862" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png" alt="" width="443" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" /></p>
<p>However, there were some issues when it came to specific details. AI lacks an understanding of space and depth, which led to some peculiar additions to Honor’s lab. Additionally, the tool tended to add creepy humanoid figures, as evidenced by those added to Gertrude and Elsie’s image.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1861" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png" alt="" width="298" height="194" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1863" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png" alt="" width="300" height="193" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1872" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="199" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-300x201.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-768x515.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-2048x1372.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1440x965.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1869" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png" alt="" width="304" height="198" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /></p>
<p>Next, I explored “<a href="https://www.fotor.com/">Fotor</a>,” a free and accessible online platform for AI image generation and manipulation. Fotor offered a remarkable black and white colorization tool, using AI logic to colorize lack and white photos. This worked well on the picture of Charlotte Auerbach but fell short when applied to Jessie MacGregor or Noreen Murray..</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1879" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png" alt="" width="3129" height="1150" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png 3129w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-300x110.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1024x376.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-768x282.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1536x565.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-2048x753.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1440x529.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3129px) 100vw, 3129px" /></p>
<p>In summary, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief. Creatives, your jobs are safe, at least for now. AI is undoubtedly proving to be a powerful tool, but it is not without its complications.</p>
<p>However, there is a world of fun to be had when it comes to creating unusual AI altered images.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1884 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1883 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><em>Dolly and friends travel the world</em></p>
<h2><strong>So, what does this mean for the book?</strong></h2>
<p>When it comes to image generation, it may not be in the project’s best interest to rely too heavily on AI. Not only will it complicate our ability to licence the book’s images, it will produce images that simply aren’t as good as what any of you could come up with.</p>
<p>And when it comes to including AI in University work, the best practice is to of course use the helpful <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/bayes/ai-guidance-for-staff-and-students">AI guidance</a> published onto the University website, which covers use cases, citations, and best practices.</p>
<p>This is why we need participants like you more than ever to help us amplify the stories of UoE’s fantastic women in STEM and create hand-made, ethically sourced illustrations. Stay tuned for information on upcoming events and how to get involved in this project.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-22" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 22, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2596 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "idp751d3dhkrpqrtlnhpbm6lc0"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[1]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2595 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_1225_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "e9a2fc2dadd47324977d1854fc4d5fc4"
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["path"]=>
string(17) "/colouring-books/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
[2]=>
object(WP_Http_Cookie)#2597 (7) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48Ri989QBPAe0wAGwi5Zzl9qtzLMarE58p_qgeSVYcrzxqW0w1Y08KA0nKYcLqD6wakIo"
["expires"]=>
NULL
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
["port"]=>
NULL
["host_only"]=>
bool(true)
}
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2553 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2585 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(119818) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<description>The 'we have great stuff' colouring books are openly licensed resources created by University of Edinburgh students and staff for everyone to enjoy.</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<image>
<url>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2020/02/cropped-avatar-roundel-bright-pink-72dpi-32x32.png</url>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<width>32</width>
<height>32</height>
</image>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Colouring Book Volume 3 available on Edinburgh Diamond Service</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jackie Aim]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Edinburgh Diamond]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISBN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISSN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[publishing]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2088</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book Our volume three colouring book ‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ is now available on Edinburgh Diamond, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting Diamond Open Access books and journals. Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond Although we have our books available on the Colouring Books website having them […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Our volume three colouring book <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s2">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’</span></a> is now available on <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/index"><span class="s2">Edinburgh Diamond</span></a>, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_open_access"><span class="s2">Diamond Open Access</span></a> books and journals.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Although we have our books available on the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">Colouring Books</span></a> website having them on Edinburgh Diamond is a more sustainable and long term way of preserving them. Check out our Edinburgh Diamond Catalogue series: <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/series/we-have-great-stuff"><span class="s2">‘We have Great Stuff’</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">To find out more about the Edinburgh Diamond Service visit their <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/research-support/edinburgh-diamond"><span class="s2">University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Diamond website</span></a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Volume 3 colouring book reference</span></h2>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3"><span class="s3"><a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s4">Edinburgh Diamond: We have Great Women in STEM, Volume 3</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li4"><span class="s1">ISBN: 978-1-912669-62-2</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s6">DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622"><span class="s4">https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For the references and more information on volumes one and two please read our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/edinburgh-diamond/">previous blogpost on Edinburgh Diamond</a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">About the</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">This third volume was created by our Interactive Content summer intern Ally McKay, she is studying illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. The images for the book were collated from in person and online workshops Ally held during the summer, and also includes some of her own illustrations. She also met with inspiring women in STEM who work and study in the University.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Ally says about her internship:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Creating the book was such a fun and useful experience for me. As an illustration student, it’s usually me creating the pictures but getting to run workshops and collect submissions from the university of Edinburgh community reminded me how much talent we have in our organization. I loved the opportunity to dig into the history of some of UoE’s women in STEM of the past, and also meet with women doing amazing work in STEM today. The project couldn’t have been possible without support and guidance from Stewart Cromar and Jackie Aim, as well as all the amazing volunteers that submitted work!</span></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Book distribution</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The volume three physical books were printed to coordinate with our Ada Lovelace Day celebration on Tuesday 10th October 2023. They were distributed to various locations including Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square. They are also available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">download</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">We have paper copies of volume three at Argyle House that are freely available to UoE staff and students, please <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk"><span class="s2">email us</span></a> if you would like a copy. We can send them out via internal mail only.</span></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-11-02" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 2, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>We Have Great Women in STEM Colouring Book Out Now!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2049</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>It’s finally here! The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared! This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><h2>It’s finally here!</h2>
<p>The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared!</p>
<p>This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, and employees came together to learn about digital art and highlight our incredible women in stem by contributing illustrations to the colouring book.</p>
<p>There is so much talent here at Edinburgh and I am extremely grateful to all who took time out of their busy schedules to help me with this project.</p>
<p><strong>Huge thank you to our illustrators:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">August Enger</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jackie Aim</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenna Owen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Karen McPhail</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Kirsty Tragis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sharon Chen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Claudia Earl</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Catherine Munn</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Dagmar Danielsen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Ally Mckay</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Alysha Wilson</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maarya Sharif</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mayu Ishimoto</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Wenwen Wang</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Zequn Wang</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>And another huge thank you to all the contributors that made this project possible:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Cait MacPhee</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Estifa’a Zaid</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Frances Blow</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Hannah Shuttleworth</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Holly Bridge</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">JC Denis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenny Gracie</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Lothian Health Services Archive</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maria Fanourgiaki</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Marialuisa Aliotta</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mylaine Holin</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Nisha Grewal</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Orianna Ball</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Rosa Santomartino</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sally Shaw</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sarah Ressel</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to get your copy</h2>
<p>There are a limited number of free copies of the book available at Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square.</p>
<p>If your are University staff and would like a copy or a small box for your department, delivered via internal mail, please get in touch (whilst stocks last).</p>
<p>Please contact: <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">interactive-content@ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3>Online copies</h3>
<p>This publication is also available online at: <a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-book">https://edin.ac/colouring-book</a></p>
<h3>Flickr</h3>
<p>There are high-resolution (300 dpi) colouring book images available for you to download, reuse and share.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507" data-uoe-button="info-sign" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507">Colouring book Flickr album (volume three)</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy colouring!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-16" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 16, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2023 – Book Launch</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:45:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2075</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>At this year's Ada Lovelace Day Ally McKay will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p><strong>On Tuesday 10th October 2023, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2023 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com/">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>.</strong></p>
<p>They have an afternoon of <a href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2023/">talks, activities and training</a> planned for Ada Lovelace Day. This will take place on the first floor of the Main Library (Central Area) from 11:00-17:00 in Room 1.07.</p>
<p>You can confirm your attendance via Event Booking now (open to all University students and staff):</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=showEventDetails&scheduleId=65360&start=&eventssearch=Ada%20Lovelace%20Day&eventStart=0">Book your place</a></p>
<p>P.S. Please do add yourself to the waiting list in case anyone cancels.</p>
<h2>Colouring book launch</h2>
<p>At this event Ally McKay, our very own colouring-in book creator and student intern, will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.</p>
<p>Don’t worry if you can’t attend the event, the openly licenced book will be available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books">download</a> the same day. You will also be able to collect copies from multiple university locations (to-be-announced soon).</p>
<p>Shortly after the launch you will be also able to download high-resolution illustrations from our <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAXbuc">Flickr account</a>.</p>
<h2>Copyright and licence</h2>
<div>
<p>Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2023 CC BY</p>
</div>
<div>This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a></div>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Behind the Scenes of “We Have Great Women in STEM”</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2063</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book. Face the Facts One […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book.</p>
<h2>Face the Facts</h2>
<p>One of the most challenging aspects of creating a colouring book like this was identifying who we wanted to include. Women in STEM tend to not be well recorded or represented in informational databases, and we did encounter some issues finding the women we wanted to illustrate. Luckily, the university’s website provided many great profiles, and we were able to take some great suggestions from colleagues. As I researched, I found more and more women I wanted to include– ending up with over 30 women (and one sheep) in our online database!</p>
<h2>Putting Faces to Names</h2>
<p>Because the project is so visual, it was imperative that I could hunt down open licensed images of these women so that participants could use the images without worrying about copyright. Luckily, some of the women were historical figures, and their images were so old that they entered the public domain.</p>
<div id="attachment_1763" style="width: 234px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1763" class="size-medium wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="224" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1763" class="wp-caption-text">Gertrude Herzfeld: One of the First Female Surgeons</p></div>
<p>For the more modern women, it was trickier as their images were not in the public domain yet. And on top of that, some of the women had no photos taken of them at all!</p>
<p>I spent around three weeks searching, emailing, and scouring for images of these women, and found some gems! Namely, Jessie MacGregor’s incredible portrait with her dog, and Vivien Kellem’s incredible midcentury black and white portraits.</p>
<div id="attachment_1761" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1761" class="size-medium wp-image-1761" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg" alt="Jessie sits at her desk in graduation robes, writing in a book. A scruffy dog sits next to her." width="300" height="210" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-768x538.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1536x1075.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-2048x1434.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1440x1008.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1761" class="wp-caption-text">Jessie MacLaren MacGregor: Fighting for Gender Equality at UoE</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1780" style="width: 251px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1780" class="size-medium wp-image-1780" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg" alt="Vivien reclines on a leather sofa, wearing a fur coat and small hat. Her head is turned, facing left." width="241" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg 241w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-768x955.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1236x1536.jpg 1236w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1440x1790.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems.jpg 1609w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1780" class="wp-caption-text">Vivien Kellems: Engineering Entrepreneur & Women’s Rights Advocate</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1779 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="231" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems.jpeg 512w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I also had a lot of success reaching out to current women in STEM at the University and simply asking for their permission to be in the book, and for them to provide a photo that they held the rights to. Reaching out to University departments also proved quite successful as they usually had photos of notable alumni from previous publications.</p>
<p>Eventually, I was able to source enough photos to compile them into an online database, and publish them ready to be made into illustrations.</p>
<h2>Time to put in the Work(shops)</h2>
<p>To source illustrations, I hosted a series of three workshops during the month of July: a digital illustration workshop, traditional illustration workshop, and an online digital workshop. These were open to all members of the UoE community and held in a variety of locations to allow those in all working situations to join.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 1: Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>The first workshop was held in early July, and we had 8 lovely members of the UoE community come out to help us with the colouring book project. These were mostly ISG interns, who courageously tried their hand at using Sketchpad to create digital artwork- which was no easy feat!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I was so impressed by the group’s creativity and enthusiasm and we got some great submissions. It was also a great way to figure out how to best organise these workshops and effectively teach sketchpad.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 2: Traditional Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>This workshop was hosted at ECA’s Evolution House– handy timing because the infamous Argyle House flood had just taken over the office. Jackie and I arrived armed with pencils, erasers and pens and welcomed 8 more enthusiastic individuals to the workshop. We had a mix of undergraduate students, masters students, professors and employees- and we all got together and bonded over cake, drawing, and women in STEM.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2058" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2057" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 3: Online Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>Another accidentally well-timed workshop– the last one we offered at the end of July was online. We had 5 participants come from across many of UoE’s departments, and since I had already been through the slides for the first workshop, this one ran super smoothly.</p>
<p>We got some great submissions here and had some really dedicated participants who worked on their illustrations after the workshop ended and came up with some incredible work.</p>
<h2>Compiling the Book</h2>
<p>Now that I had so many wonderful submissions from the workshops, I headed to trusty InDesign to start formatting the final book.</p>
<p>I first converted all the photographic submissions into vectors using Adobe Illustrator’s image trace function, or cleaned up any digital submissions that were already vectorised, but just had some missing pieces.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2067 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="349" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Before</strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2066 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png" alt="" width="267" height="378" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>After</strong></p>
<p>I also took a look at the women that we hadn’t gotten any submissions for and made illustrations myself for them.</p>
<p>Following loosely the formatting from previous copies, I set up my file as an A5 booklet, and decided on the fonts “Factoria” and “Video” for body and headings, respectively. I wanted the type to be kind of quirky and create shapes that would be fun to colour in, which is why I went down the sci-fi route and sourced technologically inspired fonts.</p>
<p>From there, I just popped all the final images into their pages and decided which would sit best together on the page. Then, I had two main things to fill in– the cover and the index.</p>
<h2>You Can Judge this Book’s Cover!</h2>
<p>I had two initial concepts for the book cover– one featuring a magnifying glass, and one featuring a female scientist. In the end, my team and I decided that the microscope one was more eye-catching and drew the eye to the center of the page well. I had such a fun time making all the tiny little STEM icons, and took lots of inspiration from the Star Wars edition of “Little White Lies,” incorporating halftones as a way to add contrast without taking away any colouring-in functionality.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2069" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2068" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I made the cover in illustrator, and created the back and front on the same document so that the images would seamlessly flow into each other when the book was opened.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2060 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png" alt="" width="722" height="481" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-768x512.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-2048x1365.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1440x960.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px" /></p>
<h2>The Index <strong>– Celebrating Achievements</strong></h2>
<p>My last hurdle on this project was creating the index. This would go at the back of the book and would store all the information about the illustration’s source images, illustrators, reference photo attribution, and a short piece of biographical info about each women. Due to the subject matter of the book, it was important to my team and I to not just show the likeness of these women in STEM, but celebrate their achievements. Adding this info in the index was a good way to do this without taking away from the illustrations.</p>
<h2><strong>And Voilà!</strong></h2>
<p>Just like that, 10 weeks flew by and the book was all finished! I printed a proof copy, made some adjustments, and awarded prizes to the winners of this year’s call for entries contest. These individuals expressed enthusiasm, were extremely committed to the project, and made some incredible work.</p>
<ul>
<li>August Enger: <em>Jessie MacLaren MacGregor</em></li>
<li>Dagmar Danielsen: <em>Xia Peisu</em></li>
<li>Catherine Munn: <em>Brenda Moon </em>& <em>Jane Hillston</em></li>
<li>Jenna Owen: <em>Chrystal Macmillan, Charlotte Auerbach, Agnes Yewande Savage, </em>&<em> Cristina Cruikshank Miller</em></li>
</ul>
<p>I wish I could give everyone prizes, and want to give a huge thank you to all who helped make this book possible!</p>
<h2>Now What?</h2>
<p>For me, it’s back to school for one more year finishing my illustration degree. For the book, it’s off to the print shop and then it will be distributed to members of the Edinburgh community.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who helped make this book possible. I hope you enjoy colouring in the book as much as I did making it.</p>
<p>Take care,</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Visual Guide: Photos from UoE’s School of Chemistry & School of Biology</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:37:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1975</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July! In response to valuable […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p> </p>
<p>I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July!</p>
<p>In response to valuable feedback from some individuals who expressed their preference for not drawing people, I have worked with individuals across the University to curate a gallery of images featuring the STEM facilities at the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p>All of these images are released under an open license, allowing you to freely use them as references for your entries into the colouring book.</p>
<p>The entry submission period for the colouring book remains open until the 28th of July. We encourage you to carefully review our entry guidelines, which can be found <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/">here.</a></p>
<p>We are immensely grateful for your interest and enthusiasm in this project, and we look forward to receiving your creative contributions. Together, let’s celebrate the wonders of science through the pages of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book!</p>
<p>Remember, the deadline for submissions is the 28th of July. We can’t wait to see your amazing artwork!</p>
<h2>Check out the photos here:</h2>
<p> </p>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9586-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9678/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9678-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9681/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9681-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9677/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9677-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9637/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9637-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9559/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9559-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9667/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9667-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9611/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9611-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9562/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9562-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9700/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9700-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9601/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9601-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9717/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9717-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9639/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9639-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9621/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9621-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9588/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9588-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9642/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9642-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9558/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9558-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9664/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9664-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9641/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9641-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6419/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6419-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6394/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6394-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9704/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9704-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9624/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9624-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9673/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9673-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9560/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9560-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9683/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9683-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9607/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9607-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9648/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9648-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9567/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9567-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9698/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9698-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9695/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9695-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9709/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9709-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9599/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9599-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9616/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9616-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9566/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9566-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9662/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9662-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9663/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9663-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9638/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9638-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9610/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9610-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9618/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9618-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9680/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9680-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9693/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9693-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9715/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9715-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9608/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9608-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9627/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9627-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9623/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9623-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9619/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9619-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9682/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9682-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9635/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9635-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6421/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6421-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<p> </p>
<p>Huge thanks to these individuals for taking the time to give me tours and chat with me:</p>
<p><strong>Jenny Gracie:</strong> Widening Participation and Outreach Officer, School of Chemistry</p>
<p><strong>Sarah Ressel:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Frances Blow:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Maria Fanourgiaki:</strong> Science Communicator, School of Biological Sciences</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy drawing!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Celebrating Women in Physics at the University of Edinburgh</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:12:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1967</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting. A Chat With Professor MacPhee Firstly, I […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1971 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png" alt="" width="328" height="464" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png 2481w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px" /></p>
<h2>A Chat With Professor MacPhee</h2>
<p>Firstly, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cait MacPhee, an accomplished professor in biological physics and experimental molecular biophysics. She is also the co-director of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre. MacPhee, who became the first female professor in the School of Physics at Edinburgh, shared her inspiring journey in STEM:</p>
<blockquote><p>“There is no standard journey. You’ll hear different stories from different people… I initially pursued biology but found it challenging. Eventually, I decided to switch to physics for my Ph.D. as it made more sense to me, and I enjoy working with numbers.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Having been at the University of Edinburgh for 18 years, MacPhee has witnessed significant changes within the department during her tenure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reflecting on the past, MacPhee discussed the absence of maternity policies when she worked at a previous institution and was pregnant with her first child. The department was uncertain about how to address this situation, leading to chaotic circumstances. However, as senior male staff members have began prioritising childcare responsibilities, policies and procedures have been put in place to support out-of-work responsibilities, including childcare. MacPhee acknowledged the progress made, recounting instances of being the only woman in the room or being overlooked by male peers, while emphasising the significant improvements that have taken place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In our conversation, I asked MacPhee about the policies and infrastructure required to encourage women to enter and thrive in STEM fields. She emphasised that real change can be achieved by starting at the grassroots level:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When children are turned off from pursuing sciences, it often happens at an early age, even before they reach secondary school. Thus, a lot of work needs to be done in primary schools, which is a particular passion of mine.”</p></blockquote>
<p>MacPhee noted that girls often receive subconscious messaging in schools that leads to repetitive thought patterns discouraging them from pursuing STEM. With a majority of teachers in arts and humanities, young girls can naturally gravitate towards the arts without proper exposure to sciences in the curriculum. She believes that schools need to empower and train their staff to integrate STEM more closely and equally into their curriculum. This involves empowering teachers to deliver science programs themselves, addressing the lack of confidence often observed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Despite the challenges and obstacles encountered, MacPhee emphasised her deep love for her work:</p>
<blockquote><p>“I genuinely enjoy what I do. I’m amazed that they pay me to do this job. The element of discovery is exhilarating. When you know something that nobody else in the world knows and have figured it out, there’s nothing quite like that feeling.”</p></blockquote>
<p>One of MacPhee’s “lightbulb” moments came during her extensive studies of biofilms, which are slimy nests of organisms found in various environments. Studying their water-repellent mechanisms led her to make ground-breaking discoveries previously unknown in biology.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>A Chat with students and professors in physics</h2>
<p>Our conversation expanded as nine other exceptional women in physics joined us. The array of talent, dedication, and passion they brought to the discussion was truly remarkable. It was an absolute delight to explore their research and experiences and brainstorm ideas on how to encourage women in STEM across the university.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1969" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1440x960.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>
<p>Here is an introduction to the remarkable women who participated in the interview (from left to right, top to bottom):</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mylaine Holin:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Hannah Shuttleworth:</strong> Ph.D. student in physics researching condensed matter and complex systems</li>
<li><strong>Rosa Santomartino:</strong> Leverhulme Early Career Fellow researching astrobiology</li>
<li><strong>Marialuisa Aliotta:</strong> Professor of experimental nuclear astrophysics</li>
<li><strong>Sally Shaw:</strong> Lecturer in experimental particle physics</li>
<li><strong>Orianna Ball:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Estifa’a Zaid:</strong> Ph.D. student studying particle and nuclear physics</li>
<li><strong>Nisha Grewal:</strong> Ph.D. student in the School of Physics and Astronomy</li>
<li><strong>Holly Bridge:</strong> Ph.D. student studying soft matter physics</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why did you choose to pursue STEM?</h2>
<p>To gain insights into their motivations, I asked the group about their journeys into STEM. Marialuisa Aliotta shared that she initially aspired to be a ballerina but her brother’s scientific inclinations inspired her to pursue physics and become an academic. Rosa, driven by her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, embarked on a postdoctoral research journey in astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh. Sally, fascinated by space from a young age, found her perfect blend of astrophysics and particle physics in studying dark matter. Holly’s passion for math led her to begin her Ph.D. in physics, focusing on modelling individual-based simulations for bacteria and wastewater treatment. Hannah conducts experimental high-pressure experiments, simulating conditions akin to the centre of the Earth using diamond-tipped tools. Mylaine’s fascination with the universe’s scale and gas giant planets propelled her to study physics. Orianna, inspired by enthusiastic teachers during her schooling and her sister, conducts research on extreme conditions using the diamond anvil technique. Nisha’s affinity for mathematics led her to pursue astrophysics as a Ph.D. student to deepen her understanding of the world. Estifa’a, driven by her early enjoyment of mathematics, conducts particle physics experiments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When discussing role models, Rosa mentioned having an astronaut living in her building during her childhood, which left an indelible impression. Others agreed that looking up to researchers and teachers played a vital role in encouraging their pursuit of STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Have you encountered any obstacles?</h2>
<p>Our conversation also touched upon the experiences and obstacles faced by these remarkable women in their respective fields. Marialuisa recalled joining the department in 2001 as the sole female staff member in her department at the time:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When I came to Edinburgh in 2001, I was the only female member of staff for the first six years. It felt somewhat lonely, and I struggled to engage with my all-male academic counterparts. However, conditions have significantly improved since then, although challenges still persist.”</p></blockquote>
<p>The group concurred that having mentors and role models is instrumental in achieving success as women in their fields. Nisha emphasized the importance of seeing women in positions of influence and demonstrating that it is possible. Supportive mentors played a vital role in Estifa’a’s journey, instilling confidence and fostering a belief in her capabilities.</p>
<p>The women highlighted community programs like Soapbox Science and the film “Picture A Scientist” as initiatives that encourage and showcase women in STEM fields.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>What advice do you give to the next generation of women in STEM?</h2>
<p>When asked for advice for young women pursuing STEM, Sally advised ignoring anyone who suggests they are just filling a quota, emphasising that they deserve their place. Hannah stressed the importance of not comparing oneself to others, as she had initially viewed certain male counterparts as an elite group. Rosa emphasised that perfection should not be the end goal, encouraging young women to find supportive mentors and acknowledging that imperfection is acceptable.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The women also underscored the significance of forming friendships with fellow women in STEM. Holly noted the positive impact that conversations with peers experiencing similar situations can have, encouraging those who may be shy to push themselves and seek out these connections.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Progress and Persistence</h2>
<p>In conclusion, the experiences, insights, and achievements shared by these incredible women at the University of Edinburgh highlight the progress made and the evolving landscape for women in STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Art Workshop Reflections</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:22:42 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1947</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants. We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants.</p>
<p>We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session focusing on creating digital illustrations using Sketchpad. It was a great success, with 10 individuals participating. I was impressed by the talent and dedication of our participants, especially considering that many of them were creating digital art for the first time.</p>
<p>The workshop began with a short demonstration, followed by an introduction to UoE’s women in STEM. Participants then dove into the world of Sketchpad, learning to master Bezier curves and anchor points. It was no easy feat, but I witnessed their progress firsthand as they gained confidence and created stunning digital illustrations.</p>
<p>While there were a few hiccups during the workshop, overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The participants’ enthusiasm and the quality of their work were truly remarkable.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that the next workshop will be held this Wednesday and will focus on traditional pen-and-ink illustration. Additionally, we have an online digital art workshop planned for next week. In the coming days, I’ll be touring various STEM facilities, capturing photos to showcase the remarkable staff and facilities we have at our university.</p>
<p>Huge thank you to everyone who came along to last week’s workshop, and if you missed it, check out our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/events/">events page</a> to sign up for an upcoming workshop, and don’t forget to enter your submissions before the 28th!</p>
<p>I hope you’re enjoying the summer weather as much as I am. It’s a great time to explore your creativity and dive into the world of art. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring artwork from our workshops.</p>
<p>Take care!<br />
-Ally</p>
<h2>Hard at work!</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png" alt="" width="616" height="462" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png" alt="" width="617" height="463" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 617px) 100vw, 617px" /></p>
<h2>A sneak peak at some submissions:</h2>
<p>Sharon Chen’s incredible portrait of Noreen Murray, co-creator of the world’s first genetically modified vaccine.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> Photograph of Kenneth and Noreen Murray, photographic print, provided by the Murray Archive, University of Edinburgh [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noreen_Murray#/media/File:Noreen_Murray_(cropped).jpg] CC by 3.0</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1771" style="width: 367px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1771" class=" wp-image-1771" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg" alt="Noreen Murray wears a polka dot scarf, hat, and buttoned jacket while she looks ahead." width="357" height="562" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg 558w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped-191x300.jpeg 191w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1771" class="wp-caption-text">Noreen Murray: Co-Creator of the World’s First Genetically Modified Vaccine</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1955 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png" alt="" width="391" height="553" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen-212x300.png 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Margarita Boyko’s beautiful portrait of Jennie Lee, member of parliment.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> 1929, Jennie Lee, photographic print, provided by Illustrated London News Digital Archive via Wikimedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg#/media/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg] Public domain image</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1786" style="width: 286px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1786" class=" wp-image-1786" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" width="276" height="389" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg 515w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-213x300.jpeg 213w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1786" class="wp-caption-text">Jennie Lee: Pioneering Member of Parliament</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1954" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Drawing_1_sketchpad.jpeg" alt="" width="280" height="396" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And I’ve been working on creating colouring pages of the women who don’t have any open licenced images available, starting with Lillian Lindsay, the first female dentist in the UK.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1960" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png" alt="" width="382" height="540" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png 3308w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px" /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-10" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 10, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>“We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book Contest (Call For Entries)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:37 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1901</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Deadline: Friday, July 28th Contest Description This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE). Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h1>Deadline: Friday, July 28th</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Contest Description</h2>
<p style="text-align: start">This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements by creating black and white line drawings inspired by the images published on our online database (longlist). Submit your entry for the chance to be a published illustrator and win prizes!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Keep watching this blog for more information and examples. Here are some previous colouring book pages from the last two editions.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1907" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="335" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg 563w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1904" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg 564w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1905" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg" alt="" width="238" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg 566w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Closing Date</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">Remember, entries are due by the 28th of July!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Don’t miss this great opportunity to contribute to the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series and celebrate women in STEM.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All experiences and abilities are welcome!</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Entry Guidelines</h2>
<ul>
<li>Entrants must utilize the images available on our blog and must not include any copyrighted imagery in their entries.</li>
<li>Submissions must be done in black and white and must be outline only (no shading). See examples here.</li>
<li>Submissions must be A4 (210mm x 297mm), 300dpi</li>
<li>Landscape or portrait will be accepted. · Submissions must be entered online to our submission portal by the 28th of July.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: start">We will attempt to share and publish as many valid entries as possible (i.e. physical book and online repositories), but the final decision will be made by the project team.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Pre-Requisites</h2>
<p>We’ll be providing workshops through the month of July, so feel free to come to those for demonstrations on how to create digital images and an overview of our selected image database. Please note however, that it is not required to attend these in order to enter.</p>
<p>You are welcome to use any method of illustrating you prefer, e.g. Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, but we will be hosting workshops on Sketchpad and traditional illustration.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">2023 Workshops</h2>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 5th: Digital Art Making Workshop (In person, Argyle House, room E13)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 12th: Traditional Art Making Workshop (In person, Evolution House, room 4.10)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 19th: Online Art Making Workshop (Online)</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Prizes</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">There are a host of prizes available to participants, including books, art materials, and exclusive merchandise.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All entrants will have the opportunity to be featured in a published work.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Eligibility</h3>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE staff</li>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE students</li>
</ul>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Image Database</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1746</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths! Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements. STEM Gallery Jun 27, 2023]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths!</p>
<p>Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements.</p>
<h2>STEM Gallery</h2>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/agnessavage-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AgnesSavage-1-e1687266597726-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/annie_numbers-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Annie_Numbers-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Annie Hutton Numbers wears a graduation robe and hat, standing in front of a wooden wall." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/miller-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/miller-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Christina Cruikshank Miller in her graduation robe" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/ella_ferrier_pringle_in_1909-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Ella_Ferrier_Pringle_in_1909-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Isabella Pringle rests her head on her hand. She is wearing graduation robes and her hair is braided." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/elsie_inglis/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglis-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Elsie Inglis looks at the viewer. She is wearing a buttoned jacket, tie, and hat with plaid ribbon." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/jennie_lee-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/gertrude-hertz/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/honor-fell/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/matildajclerk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/MatildaJClerk-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Matilda J Clerk in her graduation gown" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/macmillan_chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Macmillan_Chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Chrystal MacMillan looks into the camera wearing a victorian lace dress with a brooch" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/marionross/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marionross-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Marion Ross sits in a chair" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/auerbach1/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/auerbach1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Charlotte Auerbach sits at her desk with a typewriter and cup of tea" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/1024px-bessie_watson_aged_9/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/1024px-Bessie_Watson_aged_9-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Young Bessie Watson stands wearing a kilt, playing the bagpipes, with a"Votes for Women" sash." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/marybruk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marybruk-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Mary Brück looks through a telescope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/sophia_jex-blake_as_a_young_woman/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Sophia_Jex-Blake_as_a_young_woman-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Sophia Jex Blake as a young woman, writing at her desk" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/brenda_moon/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Brenda_Moon-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Brenda Moon stands with a cane in her garden, touching a rose, wearing a floral dress and smiling." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/profeleanorcampbellmugshot/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/ProfEleanorCampbellmugshot-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Eleanor Campbell smiles into the camera with a body of water and some grass behind her." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13-20-5/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13.20-5-e1687267542904-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Jane wears a red cardigan and glasses." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/devi/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Devi-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Devi stands with arms crossed in front of a purple "Edinburgh International Book Festival" background" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/tarasj/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/taraSJ-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Tara wears her lab coat and lanyard, smiling into camera" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/boden_9539/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Boden_9539-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Lisa Boden smiles into camera" /></a>
<hr />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pixels & Pitfalls: Exploring AI’s Image Generation Struggles</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:25:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1846</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is now […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI).</p>
<p>AI is now touted as the miraculous tool that can enhance productivity, manage schedules, book flights, and even assist in meal planning. However, along with its popularity, AI has sparked significant controversy surrounding its ethical implications. Artists and creatives have expressed valid and pressing concerns about this highly innovative software.</p>
<h2><strong>What’s the Problem with AI? </strong></h2>
<p>One of the early achievements of AI was its ability to create “generative” images, combining various works to create entirely new visuals. While this may seem like a fascinating feat, it becomes problematic when we realize that this process often uses images posted online without consideration for copyright, proper attribution, or ethical compensation to the original artists.</p>
<h2><strong>An Expert Opinion</strong></h2>
<p>As an artist myself, this is a valid concern. Will there be any job opportunities for graduates like me with a design degree, or will they all be taken over by AI bots?</p>
<p>To see if I could incorporate AI into the colouring book, I decided to meet with two AI interns from ISG, Wietske Holwerda and Bartlomeij Pohorecki. Their unanimous response to my query was, “probably not.”</p>
<p>The AI team explained that the current state of AI is not advanced enough to be effectively employed in real projects like our colouring book. The images generated by popular AI tools like Deep AI and Dall-E may lack real-world accuracy, a critical aspect for a project like the colouring book which is centred around real individuals and technologies. Additionally, the sourcing of these AI-generated images raises concerns of copyright infringement, which could have serious consequences for a published open-source work.</p>
<p>However, they encouraged me to experiment and see what I could create.</p>
<h2><strong>Let’s Give it a Try</strong></h2>
<p>First, I tried <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-2">Dall-E</a>, OpenAI’s image generation tool, which was among the first available online. Dall-E utilizes natural language descriptions to generate images based on requests and has been widely used for image creation.</p>
<p>I requested Dall-E to create colouring book pages featuring UoE’s very own Crystal Macmillan. The results were not terrible but fell short of expectations. The software lacked the ability to capture a reference or produce a likeness of a notable individual, making it challenging to use in a book filled with prominent personalities.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1875" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png" alt="" width="2887" height="2119" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png 2887w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-300x220.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1024x752.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-768x564.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1536x1127.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-2048x1503.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1440x1057.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2887px) 100vw, 2887px" /></p>
<p>Another feature of Dall-E is the ability to edit existing images. I uploaded an image of Chrystal Macmillan to Dall-E, resulting in an army of look-alikes but nothing too helpful for the project.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1849" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png" alt="" width="2469" height="543" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png 2469w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-300x66.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1024x225.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-768x169.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1536x338.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-2048x450.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1440x317.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2469px) 100vw, 2469px" /></p>
<p>Thinking that modifying an existing image might be the best approach for this project, I turned to <a href="https://www.adobe.com/sensei/generative-ai/firefly.html">Adobe Firefly</a>, an AI tool currently in beta testing by Adobe, that has been integrated into the latest version of Photoshop. This tool has significantly democratized AI accessibility for designers and creatives who already utilize adobe products every day.</p>
<p>I asked Adobe Firefly to extend a few of my images, and the results were amazing!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="207" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1860" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png" alt="" width="427" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1764" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" width="205" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg 512w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-215x300.jpeg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1862" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png" alt="" width="443" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" /></p>
<p>However, there were some issues when it came to specific details. AI lacks an understanding of space and depth, which led to some peculiar additions to Honor’s lab. Additionally, the tool tended to add creepy humanoid figures, as evidenced by those added to Gertrude and Elsie’s image.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1861" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png" alt="" width="298" height="194" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1863" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png" alt="" width="300" height="193" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1872" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="199" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-300x201.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-768x515.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-2048x1372.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1440x965.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1869" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png" alt="" width="304" height="198" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /></p>
<p>Next, I explored “<a href="https://www.fotor.com/">Fotor</a>,” a free and accessible online platform for AI image generation and manipulation. Fotor offered a remarkable black and white colorization tool, using AI logic to colorize lack and white photos. This worked well on the picture of Charlotte Auerbach but fell short when applied to Jessie MacGregor or Noreen Murray..</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1879" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png" alt="" width="3129" height="1150" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png 3129w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-300x110.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1024x376.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-768x282.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1536x565.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-2048x753.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1440x529.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3129px) 100vw, 3129px" /></p>
<p>In summary, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief. Creatives, your jobs are safe, at least for now. AI is undoubtedly proving to be a powerful tool, but it is not without its complications.</p>
<p>However, there is a world of fun to be had when it comes to creating unusual AI altered images.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1884 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1883 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><em>Dolly and friends travel the world</em></p>
<h2><strong>So, what does this mean for the book?</strong></h2>
<p>When it comes to image generation, it may not be in the project’s best interest to rely too heavily on AI. Not only will it complicate our ability to licence the book’s images, it will produce images that simply aren’t as good as what any of you could come up with.</p>
<p>And when it comes to including AI in University work, the best practice is to of course use the helpful <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/bayes/ai-guidance-for-staff-and-students">AI guidance</a> published onto the University website, which covers use cases, citations, and best practices.</p>
<p>This is why we need participants like you more than ever to help us amplify the stories of UoE’s fantastic women in STEM and create hand-made, ethically sourced illustrations. Stay tuned for information on upcoming events and how to get involved in this project.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-22" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 22, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(120804) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Connection: close
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Expires: Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT
Cache-Control: no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate
Pragma: no-cache
Link: <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/4>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json"
Set-Cookie: PHPSESSID=idp751d3dhkrpqrtlnhpbm6lc0; path=/; secure; HttpOnly
Set-Cookie: spo_1225_fa=e9a2fc2dadd47324977d1854fc4d5fc4; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/colouring-books/; Secure; HttpOnly
Last-Modified: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 GMT
ETag: "221cda3f7e784c10bc5b919084bbdff3"
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Set-Cookie: RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48Ri989QBPAe0wAGwi5Zzl9qtzLMarE58p_qgeSVYcrzxqW0w1Y08KA0nKYcLqD6wakIo; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" >
<channel>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<atom:link href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<description>The 'we have great stuff' colouring books are openly licensed resources created by University of Edinburgh students and staff for everyone to enjoy.</description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5</generator>
<image>
<url>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2020/02/cropped-avatar-roundel-bright-pink-72dpi-32x32.png</url>
<title>DLAM Feed – Colouring books blog</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books</link>
<width>32</width>
<height>32</height>
</image>
<cc:license >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</cc:license><dc:rights >Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0</dc:rights> <item>
<title>Colouring Book Volume 3 available on Edinburgh Diamond Service</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jackie Aim]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Edinburgh Diamond]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISBN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ISSN]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[publishing]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2088</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book Our volume three colouring book ‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ is now available on Edinburgh Diamond, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting Diamond Open Access books and journals. Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond Although we have our books available on the Colouring Books website having them […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’ colouring book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Our volume three colouring book <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s2">‘We Have Great Women in STEM’</span></a> is now available on <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/index"><span class="s2">Edinburgh Diamond</span></a>, the University of Edinburgh’s digital service for hosting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_open_access"><span class="s2">Diamond Open Access</span></a> books and journals.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Hosting our books on Edinburgh Diamond</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Although we have our books available on the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">Colouring Books</span></a> website having them on Edinburgh Diamond is a more sustainable and long term way of preserving them. Check out our Edinburgh Diamond Catalogue series: <a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/series/we-have-great-stuff"><span class="s2">‘We have Great Stuff’</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">To find out more about the Edinburgh Diamond Service visit their <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/research-support/edinburgh-diamond"><span class="s2">University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Diamond website</span></a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Volume 3 colouring book reference</span></h2>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3"><span class="s3"><a href="https://books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-diamond/catalog/book/ED-9781912669622"><span class="s4">Edinburgh Diamond: We have Great Women in STEM, Volume 3</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li4"><span class="s1">ISBN: 978-1-912669-62-2</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s6">DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622"><span class="s4">https://doi.org/10.2218/ED.9781912669622</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For the references and more information on volumes one and two please read our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/edinburgh-diamond/">previous blogpost on Edinburgh Diamond</a>.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">About the</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">book</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">This third volume was created by our Interactive Content summer intern Ally McKay, she is studying illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. The images for the book were collated from in person and online workshops Ally held during the summer, and also includes some of her own illustrations. She also met with inspiring women in STEM who work and study in the University.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Ally says about her internship:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Creating the book was such a fun and useful experience for me. As an illustration student, it’s usually me creating the pictures but getting to run workshops and collect submissions from the university of Edinburgh community reminded me how much talent we have in our organization. I loved the opportunity to dig into the history of some of UoE’s women in STEM of the past, and also meet with women doing amazing work in STEM today. The project couldn’t have been possible without support and guidance from Stewart Cromar and Jackie Aim, as well as all the amazing volunteers that submitted work!</span></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Book distribution</span></h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The volume three physical books were printed to coordinate with our Ada Lovelace Day celebration on Tuesday 10th October 2023. They were distributed to various locations including Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square. They are also available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books"><span class="s2">download</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">We have paper copies of volume three at Argyle House that are freely available to UoE staff and students, please <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk"><span class="s2">email us</span></a> if you would like a copy. We can send them out via internal mail only.</span></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-11-02" itemprop="dateModified">Nov 2, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/volume-3-on-edinburgh-diamond-service/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>We Have Great Women in STEM Colouring Book Out Now!</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2049</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>It’s finally here! The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared! This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><h2>It’s finally here!</h2>
<p>The third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book has been in the works all summer, and is finally ready to be shared!</p>
<p>This edition has been a huge group effort, and took a lot of collaboration from the Edinburgh community. Over a series of three workshops, UoE students, professors, and employees came together to learn about digital art and highlight our incredible women in stem by contributing illustrations to the colouring book.</p>
<p>There is so much talent here at Edinburgh and I am extremely grateful to all who took time out of their busy schedules to help me with this project.</p>
<p><strong>Huge thank you to our illustrators:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">August Enger</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jackie Aim</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenna Owen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Karen McPhail</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Kirsty Tragis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sharon Chen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Claudia Earl</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Catherine Munn</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Dagmar Danielsen</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Ally Mckay</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Alysha Wilson</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maarya Sharif</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mayu Ishimoto</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Wenwen Wang</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Zequn Wang</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>And another huge thank you to all the contributors that made this project possible:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Cait MacPhee</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Estifa’a Zaid</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Frances Blow</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Hannah Shuttleworth</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Holly Bridge</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">JC Denis</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Jenny Gracie</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Lothian Health Services Archive</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Maria Fanourgiaki</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Marialuisa Aliotta</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Mylaine Holin</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Nisha Grewal</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Orianna Ball</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Rosa Santomartino</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sally Shaw</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Sarah Ressel</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to get your copy</h2>
<p>There are a limited number of free copies of the book available at Argyle House, Residence Life Office and the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square.</p>
<p>If your are University staff and would like a copy or a small box for your department, delivered via internal mail, please get in touch (whilst stocks last).</p>
<p>Please contact: <a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">interactive-content@ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3>Online copies</h3>
<p>This publication is also available online at: <a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-book">https://edin.ac/colouring-book</a></p>
<h3>Flickr</h3>
<p>There are high-resolution (300 dpi) colouring book images available for you to download, reuse and share.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507" data-uoe-button="info-sign" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720311677507">Colouring book Flickr album (volume three)</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy colouring!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-16" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 16, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/we-have-great-women-in-stem-colouring-book-out-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2023 – Book Launch</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:45:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2075</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>At this year's Ada Lovelace Day Ally McKay will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p><strong>On Tuesday 10th October 2023, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2023 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com/">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>.</strong></p>
<p>They have an afternoon of <a href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2023/">talks, activities and training</a> planned for Ada Lovelace Day. This will take place on the first floor of the Main Library (Central Area) from 11:00-17:00 in Room 1.07.</p>
<p>You can confirm your attendance via Event Booking now (open to all University students and staff):</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=showEventDetails&scheduleId=65360&start=&eventssearch=Ada%20Lovelace%20Day&eventStart=0">Book your place</a></p>
<p>P.S. Please do add yourself to the waiting list in case anyone cancels.</p>
<h2>Colouring book launch</h2>
<p>At this event Ally McKay, our very own colouring-in book creator and student intern, will officially launch her brand-new Women in STEM colouring-in book.</p>
<p>Don’t worry if you can’t attend the event, the openly licenced book will be available to <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/colouring-books/download-the-books">download</a> the same day. You will also be able to collect copies from multiple university locations (to-be-announced soon).</p>
<p>Shortly after the launch you will be also able to download high-resolution illustrations from our <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAXbuc">Flickr account</a>.</p>
<h2>Copyright and licence</h2>
<div>
<p>Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2023 CC BY</p>
</div>
<div>This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a></div>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/ada-lovelace-day-2023-book-launch/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Behind the Scenes of “We Have Great Women in STEM”</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2063</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book. Face the Facts One […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 6</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p>By now, you’ve probably heard that the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book is out now, entitled “We Have Great Women in STEM.” This 10-week project was a labor of love, from researching UoE’s women in STEM, hosting art workshops, accepting submissions, to finally compiling the book.</p>
<h2>Face the Facts</h2>
<p>One of the most challenging aspects of creating a colouring book like this was identifying who we wanted to include. Women in STEM tend to not be well recorded or represented in informational databases, and we did encounter some issues finding the women we wanted to illustrate. Luckily, the university’s website provided many great profiles, and we were able to take some great suggestions from colleagues. As I researched, I found more and more women I wanted to include– ending up with over 30 women (and one sheep) in our online database!</p>
<h2>Putting Faces to Names</h2>
<p>Because the project is so visual, it was imperative that I could hunt down open licensed images of these women so that participants could use the images without worrying about copyright. Luckily, some of the women were historical figures, and their images were so old that they entered the public domain.</p>
<div id="attachment_1763" style="width: 234px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1763" class="size-medium wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="224" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1763" class="wp-caption-text">Gertrude Herzfeld: One of the First Female Surgeons</p></div>
<p>For the more modern women, it was trickier as their images were not in the public domain yet. And on top of that, some of the women had no photos taken of them at all!</p>
<p>I spent around three weeks searching, emailing, and scouring for images of these women, and found some gems! Namely, Jessie MacGregor’s incredible portrait with her dog, and Vivien Kellem’s incredible midcentury black and white portraits.</p>
<div id="attachment_1761" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1761" class="size-medium wp-image-1761" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg" alt="Jessie sits at her desk in graduation robes, writing in a book. A scruffy dog sits next to her." width="300" height="210" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-300x210.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-768x538.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1536x1075.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-2048x1434.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/GD1_53_2_2-Jessie-Macgregor-1440x1008.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1761" class="wp-caption-text">Jessie MacLaren MacGregor: Fighting for Gender Equality at UoE</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1780" style="width: 251px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1780" class="size-medium wp-image-1780" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg" alt="Vivien reclines on a leather sofa, wearing a fur coat and small hat. Her head is turned, facing left." width="241" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-241x300.jpg 241w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-768x955.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1236x1536.jpg 1236w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems-1440x1790.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/VivienKellems.jpg 1609w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1780" class="wp-caption-text">Vivien Kellems: Engineering Entrepreneur & Women’s Rights Advocate</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1779 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="231" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems-300x231.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Vivien_Kellems.jpeg 512w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I also had a lot of success reaching out to current women in STEM at the University and simply asking for their permission to be in the book, and for them to provide a photo that they held the rights to. Reaching out to University departments also proved quite successful as they usually had photos of notable alumni from previous publications.</p>
<p>Eventually, I was able to source enough photos to compile them into an online database, and publish them ready to be made into illustrations.</p>
<h2>Time to put in the Work(shops)</h2>
<p>To source illustrations, I hosted a series of three workshops during the month of July: a digital illustration workshop, traditional illustration workshop, and an online digital workshop. These were open to all members of the UoE community and held in a variety of locations to allow those in all working situations to join.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 1: Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>The first workshop was held in early July, and we had 8 lovely members of the UoE community come out to help us with the colouring book project. These were mostly ISG interns, who courageously tried their hand at using Sketchpad to create digital artwork- which was no easy feat!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>I was so impressed by the group’s creativity and enthusiasm and we got some great submissions. It was also a great way to figure out how to best organise these workshops and effectively teach sketchpad.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 2: Traditional Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>This workshop was hosted at ECA’s Evolution House– handy timing because the infamous Argyle House flood had just taken over the office. Jackie and I arrived armed with pencils, erasers and pens and welcomed 8 more enthusiastic individuals to the workshop. We had a mix of undergraduate students, masters students, professors and employees- and we all got together and bonded over cake, drawing, and women in STEM.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2058" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6405-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2057" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_6401-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Workshop 3: Online Digital Illustration Workshop</strong></p>
<p>Another accidentally well-timed workshop– the last one we offered at the end of July was online. We had 5 participants come from across many of UoE’s departments, and since I had already been through the slides for the first workshop, this one ran super smoothly.</p>
<p>We got some great submissions here and had some really dedicated participants who worked on their illustrations after the workshop ended and came up with some incredible work.</p>
<h2>Compiling the Book</h2>
<p>Now that I had so many wonderful submissions from the workshops, I headed to trusty InDesign to start formatting the final book.</p>
<p>I first converted all the photographic submissions into vectors using Adobe Illustrator’s image trace function, or cleaned up any digital submissions that were already vectorised, but just had some missing pieces.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2067 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="349" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/IMG_20230731_122147-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Before</strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2066 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png" alt="" width="267" height="378" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/JennaOwen-CharlotteAuerbach-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>After</strong></p>
<p>I also took a look at the women that we hadn’t gotten any submissions for and made illustrations myself for them.</p>
<p>Following loosely the formatting from previous copies, I set up my file as an A5 booklet, and decided on the fonts “Factoria” and “Video” for body and headings, respectively. I wanted the type to be kind of quirky and create shapes that would be fun to colour in, which is why I went down the sci-fi route and sourced technologically inspired fonts.</p>
<p>From there, I just popped all the final images into their pages and decided which would sit best together on the page. Then, I had two main things to fill in– the cover and the index.</p>
<h2>You Can Judge this Book’s Cover!</h2>
<p>I had two initial concepts for the book cover– one featuring a magnifying glass, and one featuring a female scientist. In the end, my team and I decided that the microscope one was more eye-catching and drew the eye to the center of the page well. I had such a fun time making all the tiny little STEM icons, and took lots of inspiration from the Star Wars edition of “Little White Lies,” incorporating halftones as a way to add contrast without taking away any colouring-in functionality.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2069" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2068" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-768x994.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-1440x1864.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/MicrosoftTeams-image-copy-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I made the cover in illustrator, and created the back and front on the same document so that the images would seamlessly flow into each other when the book was opened.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2060 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png" alt="" width="722" height="481" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-300x200.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-768x512.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-2048x1365.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/08/mockup1-1440x960.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px" /></p>
<h2>The Index <strong>– Celebrating Achievements</strong></h2>
<p>My last hurdle on this project was creating the index. This would go at the back of the book and would store all the information about the illustration’s source images, illustrators, reference photo attribution, and a short piece of biographical info about each women. Due to the subject matter of the book, it was important to my team and I to not just show the likeness of these women in STEM, but celebrate their achievements. Adding this info in the index was a good way to do this without taking away from the illustrations.</p>
<h2><strong>And Voilà!</strong></h2>
<p>Just like that, 10 weeks flew by and the book was all finished! I printed a proof copy, made some adjustments, and awarded prizes to the winners of this year’s call for entries contest. These individuals expressed enthusiasm, were extremely committed to the project, and made some incredible work.</p>
<ul>
<li>August Enger: <em>Jessie MacLaren MacGregor</em></li>
<li>Dagmar Danielsen: <em>Xia Peisu</em></li>
<li>Catherine Munn: <em>Brenda Moon </em>& <em>Jane Hillston</em></li>
<li>Jenna Owen: <em>Chrystal Macmillan, Charlotte Auerbach, Agnes Yewande Savage, </em>&<em> Cristina Cruikshank Miller</em></li>
</ul>
<p>I wish I could give everyone prizes, and want to give a huge thank you to all who helped make this book possible!</p>
<h2>Now What?</h2>
<p>For me, it’s back to school for one more year finishing my illustration degree. For the book, it’s off to the print shop and then it will be distributed to members of the Edinburgh community.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who helped make this book possible. I hope you enjoy colouring in the book as much as I did making it.</p>
<p>Take care,</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-10-04" itemprop="dateModified">Oct 4, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/behind-the-scenes-of-we-have-great-women-in-stem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Visual Guide: Photos from UoE’s School of Chemistry & School of Biology</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:37:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1975</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span> I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July! In response to valuable […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p> </p>
<p>I am excited to share that progress on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book series is steadily moving forward. As we continue to work on this project, we want to remind you that entries for the book are still open until the 30th of July!</p>
<p>In response to valuable feedback from some individuals who expressed their preference for not drawing people, I have worked with individuals across the University to curate a gallery of images featuring the STEM facilities at the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p>All of these images are released under an open license, allowing you to freely use them as references for your entries into the colouring book.</p>
<p>The entry submission period for the colouring book remains open until the 28th of July. We encourage you to carefully review our entry guidelines, which can be found <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/">here.</a></p>
<p>We are immensely grateful for your interest and enthusiasm in this project, and we look forward to receiving your creative contributions. Together, let’s celebrate the wonders of science through the pages of the “We Have Great Stuff” colouring book!</p>
<p>Remember, the deadline for submissions is the 28th of July. We can’t wait to see your amazing artwork!</p>
<h2>Check out the photos here:</h2>
<p> </p>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9586-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9678/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9678-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9681/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9681-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9677/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9677-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9637/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9637-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9559/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9559-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9667/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9667-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9611/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9611-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9562/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9562-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9700/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9700-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9601/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9601-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9717/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9717-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9639/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9639-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9621/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9621-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9588/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9588-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9642/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9642-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9558/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9558-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9664/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9664-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9641/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9641-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6419/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6419-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6394/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6394-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9704/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9704-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9624/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9624-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9673/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9673-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9560/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9560-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9683/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9683-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9607/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9607-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9648/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9648-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9567/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9567-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9698/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9698-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9695/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9695-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9709/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9709-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9599/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9599-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9616/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9616-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9566/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9566-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9662/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9662-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9663/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9663-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9638/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9638-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9610/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9610-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9618/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9618-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9680/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9680-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9693/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9693-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9715/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9715-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9608/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9608-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9627/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9627-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9623/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9623-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9619/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9619-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9682/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9682-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_9635/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9635-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/img_6421/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6421-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<p> </p>
<p>Huge thanks to these individuals for taking the time to give me tours and chat with me:</p>
<p><strong>Jenny Gracie:</strong> Widening Participation and Outreach Officer, School of Chemistry</p>
<p><strong>Sarah Ressel:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Frances Blow:</strong> Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Infection and Immunology Research</p>
<p><strong>Maria Fanourgiaki:</strong> Science Communicator, School of Biological Sciences</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy drawing!</p>
<p>-Ally</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/on-campus-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Celebrating Women in Physics at the University of Edinburgh</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:12:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1967</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting. A Chat With Professor MacPhee Firstly, I […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with ten exceptional women in the field of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. During our conversation, we discussed their experiences, research, and remarkable achievements. I want to extend a special thanks to Jean-Christophe Denis, who organised this meeting.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1971 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png" alt="" width="328" height="464" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait.png 2481w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Kait-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px" /></p>
<h2>A Chat With Professor MacPhee</h2>
<p>Firstly, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cait MacPhee, an accomplished professor in biological physics and experimental molecular biophysics. She is also the co-director of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre. MacPhee, who became the first female professor in the School of Physics at Edinburgh, shared her inspiring journey in STEM:</p>
<blockquote><p>“There is no standard journey. You’ll hear different stories from different people… I initially pursued biology but found it challenging. Eventually, I decided to switch to physics for my Ph.D. as it made more sense to me, and I enjoy working with numbers.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Having been at the University of Edinburgh for 18 years, MacPhee has witnessed significant changes within the department during her tenure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reflecting on the past, MacPhee discussed the absence of maternity policies when she worked at a previous institution and was pregnant with her first child. The department was uncertain about how to address this situation, leading to chaotic circumstances. However, as senior male staff members have began prioritising childcare responsibilities, policies and procedures have been put in place to support out-of-work responsibilities, including childcare. MacPhee acknowledged the progress made, recounting instances of being the only woman in the room or being overlooked by male peers, while emphasising the significant improvements that have taken place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In our conversation, I asked MacPhee about the policies and infrastructure required to encourage women to enter and thrive in STEM fields. She emphasised that real change can be achieved by starting at the grassroots level:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When children are turned off from pursuing sciences, it often happens at an early age, even before they reach secondary school. Thus, a lot of work needs to be done in primary schools, which is a particular passion of mine.”</p></blockquote>
<p>MacPhee noted that girls often receive subconscious messaging in schools that leads to repetitive thought patterns discouraging them from pursuing STEM. With a majority of teachers in arts and humanities, young girls can naturally gravitate towards the arts without proper exposure to sciences in the curriculum. She believes that schools need to empower and train their staff to integrate STEM more closely and equally into their curriculum. This involves empowering teachers to deliver science programs themselves, addressing the lack of confidence often observed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Despite the challenges and obstacles encountered, MacPhee emphasised her deep love for her work:</p>
<blockquote><p>“I genuinely enjoy what I do. I’m amazed that they pay me to do this job. The element of discovery is exhilarating. When you know something that nobody else in the world knows and have figured it out, there’s nothing quite like that feeling.”</p></blockquote>
<p>One of MacPhee’s “lightbulb” moments came during her extensive studies of biofilms, which are slimy nests of organisms found in various environments. Studying their water-repellent mechanisms led her to make ground-breaking discoveries previously unknown in biology.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>A Chat with students and professors in physics</h2>
<p>Our conversation expanded as nine other exceptional women in physics joined us. The array of talent, dedication, and passion they brought to the discussion was truly remarkable. It was an absolute delight to explore their research and experiences and brainstorm ideas on how to encourage women in STEM across the university.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1969" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_9586-1440x960.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>
<p>Here is an introduction to the remarkable women who participated in the interview (from left to right, top to bottom):</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mylaine Holin:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Hannah Shuttleworth:</strong> Ph.D. student in physics researching condensed matter and complex systems</li>
<li><strong>Rosa Santomartino:</strong> Leverhulme Early Career Fellow researching astrobiology</li>
<li><strong>Marialuisa Aliotta:</strong> Professor of experimental nuclear astrophysics</li>
<li><strong>Sally Shaw:</strong> Lecturer in experimental particle physics</li>
<li><strong>Orianna Ball:</strong> Ph.D. student studying extreme conditions</li>
<li><strong>Estifa’a Zaid:</strong> Ph.D. student studying particle and nuclear physics</li>
<li><strong>Nisha Grewal:</strong> Ph.D. student in the School of Physics and Astronomy</li>
<li><strong>Holly Bridge:</strong> Ph.D. student studying soft matter physics</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why did you choose to pursue STEM?</h2>
<p>To gain insights into their motivations, I asked the group about their journeys into STEM. Marialuisa Aliotta shared that she initially aspired to be a ballerina but her brother’s scientific inclinations inspired her to pursue physics and become an academic. Rosa, driven by her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, embarked on a postdoctoral research journey in astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh. Sally, fascinated by space from a young age, found her perfect blend of astrophysics and particle physics in studying dark matter. Holly’s passion for math led her to begin her Ph.D. in physics, focusing on modelling individual-based simulations for bacteria and wastewater treatment. Hannah conducts experimental high-pressure experiments, simulating conditions akin to the centre of the Earth using diamond-tipped tools. Mylaine’s fascination with the universe’s scale and gas giant planets propelled her to study physics. Orianna, inspired by enthusiastic teachers during her schooling and her sister, conducts research on extreme conditions using the diamond anvil technique. Nisha’s affinity for mathematics led her to pursue astrophysics as a Ph.D. student to deepen her understanding of the world. Estifa’a, driven by her early enjoyment of mathematics, conducts particle physics experiments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When discussing role models, Rosa mentioned having an astronaut living in her building during her childhood, which left an indelible impression. Others agreed that looking up to researchers and teachers played a vital role in encouraging their pursuit of STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Have you encountered any obstacles?</h2>
<p>Our conversation also touched upon the experiences and obstacles faced by these remarkable women in their respective fields. Marialuisa recalled joining the department in 2001 as the sole female staff member in her department at the time:</p>
<blockquote><p>“When I came to Edinburgh in 2001, I was the only female member of staff for the first six years. It felt somewhat lonely, and I struggled to engage with my all-male academic counterparts. However, conditions have significantly improved since then, although challenges still persist.”</p></blockquote>
<p>The group concurred that having mentors and role models is instrumental in achieving success as women in their fields. Nisha emphasized the importance of seeing women in positions of influence and demonstrating that it is possible. Supportive mentors played a vital role in Estifa’a’s journey, instilling confidence and fostering a belief in her capabilities.</p>
<p>The women highlighted community programs like Soapbox Science and the film “Picture A Scientist” as initiatives that encourage and showcase women in STEM fields.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>What advice do you give to the next generation of women in STEM?</h2>
<p>When asked for advice for young women pursuing STEM, Sally advised ignoring anyone who suggests they are just filling a quota, emphasising that they deserve their place. Hannah stressed the importance of not comparing oneself to others, as she had initially viewed certain male counterparts as an elite group. Rosa emphasised that perfection should not be the end goal, encouraging young women to find supportive mentors and acknowledging that imperfection is acceptable.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The women also underscored the significance of forming friendships with fellow women in STEM. Holly noted the positive impact that conversations with peers experiencing similar situations can have, encouraging those who may be shy to push themselves and seek out these connections.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Progress and Persistence</h2>
<p>In conclusion, the experiences, insights, and achievements shared by these incredible women at the University of Edinburgh highlight the progress made and the evolving landscape for women in STEM.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-17" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 17, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/celebrating-women-in-physics-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Digital Art Workshop Reflections</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:22:42 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Digital Skills]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1947</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants. We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>Welcome back to another update on the third edition of the “We Have Great Stuff” coloring book series. I’m excited to share the highlights of our recent workshop and give you a glimpse of the incredible artwork created by our participants.</p>
<p>We kicked off our month of coloring book workshops with the first session focusing on creating digital illustrations using Sketchpad. It was a great success, with 10 individuals participating. I was impressed by the talent and dedication of our participants, especially considering that many of them were creating digital art for the first time.</p>
<p>The workshop began with a short demonstration, followed by an introduction to UoE’s women in STEM. Participants then dove into the world of Sketchpad, learning to master Bezier curves and anchor points. It was no easy feat, but I witnessed their progress firsthand as they gained confidence and created stunning digital illustrations.</p>
<p>While there were a few hiccups during the workshop, overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The participants’ enthusiasm and the quality of their work were truly remarkable.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that the next workshop will be held this Wednesday and will focus on traditional pen-and-ink illustration. Additionally, we have an online digital art workshop planned for next week. In the coming days, I’ll be touring various STEM facilities, capturing photos to showcase the remarkable staff and facilities we have at our university.</p>
<p>Huge thank you to everyone who came along to last week’s workshop, and if you missed it, check out our <a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/events/">events page</a> to sign up for an upcoming workshop, and don’t forget to enter your submissions before the 28th!</p>
<p>I hope you’re enjoying the summer weather as much as I am. It’s a great time to explore your creativity and dive into the world of art. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring artwork from our workshops.</p>
<p>Take care!<br />
-Ally</p>
<h2>Hard at work!</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1951" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png" alt="" width="616" height="462" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6317-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1952" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png" alt="" width="617" height="463" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318.png 4032w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-300x225.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1024x768.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-768x576.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1536x1152.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-2048x1536.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/IMG_6318-1440x1080.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 617px) 100vw, 617px" /></p>
<h2>A sneak peak at some submissions:</h2>
<p>Sharon Chen’s incredible portrait of Noreen Murray, co-creator of the world’s first genetically modified vaccine.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> Photograph of Kenneth and Noreen Murray, photographic print, provided by the Murray Archive, University of Edinburgh [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noreen_Murray#/media/File:Noreen_Murray_(cropped).jpg] CC by 3.0</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1771" style="width: 367px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1771" class=" wp-image-1771" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg" alt="Noreen Murray wears a polka dot scarf, hat, and buttoned jacket while she looks ahead." width="357" height="562" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped.jpeg 558w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Noreen_Murray_cropped-191x300.jpeg 191w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1771" class="wp-caption-text">Noreen Murray: Co-Creator of the World’s First Genetically Modified Vaccine</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1955 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png" alt="" width="391" height="553" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/SharonChen-212x300.png 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Margarita Boyko’s beautiful portrait of Jennie Lee, member of parliment.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Photo credits:</strong> 1929, Jennie Lee, photographic print, provided by Illustrated London News Digital Archive via Wikimedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg#/media/File:Jennie_Lee.jpg] Public domain image</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_1786" style="width: 286px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1786" class=" wp-image-1786" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" width="276" height="389" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1.jpeg 515w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-213x300.jpeg 213w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1786" class="wp-caption-text">Jennie Lee: Pioneering Member of Parliament</p></div>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1954" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Drawing_1_sketchpad.jpeg" alt="" width="280" height="396" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And I’ve been working on creating colouring pages of the women who don’t have any open licenced images available, starting with Lillian Lindsay, the first female dentist in the UK.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1960" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png" alt="" width="382" height="540" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally.png 3308w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-212x300.png 212w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-724x1024.png 724w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-768x1086.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1086x1536.png 1086w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1448x2048.png 1448w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/lillianlindsay-byally-1440x2036.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px" /></p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-07-10" itemprop="dateModified">Jul 10, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/digital-art-workshop-reflections/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>“We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book Contest (Call For Entries)</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:37 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1901</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>Deadline: Friday, July 28th Contest Description This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE). Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><h1>Deadline: Friday, July 28th</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Contest Description</h2>
<p style="text-align: start">This is your chance to be a part of the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series! We’re looking for illustrations inspired by the incredible women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Help us to highlight exceptional women and their extraordinary achievements by creating black and white line drawings inspired by the images published on our online database (longlist). Submit your entry for the chance to be a published illustrator and win prizes!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Keep watching this blog for more information and examples. Here are some previous colouring book pages from the last two editions.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1907" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="335" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c.jpg 563w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/51591208796_241bbfef12_c-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1904" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c.jpg 564w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248315_d03491be93_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1905" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg" alt="" width="238" height="336" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c.jpg 566w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/46763248715_7729430d4d_c-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Closing Date</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">Remember, entries are due by the 28th of July!</p>
<p style="text-align: start">Don’t miss this great opportunity to contribute to the We Have Good Stuff Colouring Book series and celebrate women in STEM.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All experiences and abilities are welcome!</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Entry Guidelines</h2>
<ul>
<li>Entrants must utilize the images available on our blog and must not include any copyrighted imagery in their entries.</li>
<li>Submissions must be done in black and white and must be outline only (no shading). See examples here.</li>
<li>Submissions must be A4 (210mm x 297mm), 300dpi</li>
<li>Landscape or portrait will be accepted. · Submissions must be entered online to our submission portal by the 28th of July.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: start">We will attempt to share and publish as many valid entries as possible (i.e. physical book and online repositories), but the final decision will be made by the project team.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">Pre-Requisites</h2>
<p>We’ll be providing workshops through the month of July, so feel free to come to those for demonstrations on how to create digital images and an overview of our selected image database. Please note however, that it is not required to attend these in order to enter.</p>
<p>You are welcome to use any method of illustrating you prefer, e.g. Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, but we will be hosting workshops on Sketchpad and traditional illustration.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2 style="text-align: start">2023 Workshops</h2>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 5th: Digital Art Making Workshop (In person, Argyle House, room E13)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 12th: Traditional Art Making Workshop (In person, Evolution House, room 4.10)</li>
<li style="text-align: start">Wednesday, July 19th: Online Art Making Workshop (Online)</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Prizes</h3>
<p style="text-align: start">There are a host of prizes available to participants, including books, art materials, and exclusive merchandise.</p>
<p style="text-align: start">All entrants will have the opportunity to be featured in a published work.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: start">Eligibility</h3>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE staff</li>
<li style="text-align: start">All UoE students</li>
</ul>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/colouring-book-contest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Image Database</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1746</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths! Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements. STEM Gallery Jun 27, 2023]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute</span></span><p>Use this image bank to discover some of the University of Edinburgh’s wonderful women in science, technology, engineering, and maths!</p>
<p>Click on each photo to find out more about each woman’s career and achievements.</p>
<h2>STEM Gallery</h2>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/agnessavage-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AgnesSavage-1-e1687266597726-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/annie_numbers-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Annie_Numbers-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Annie Hutton Numbers wears a graduation robe and hat, standing in front of a wooden wall." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/miller-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/miller-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Christina Cruikshank Miller in her graduation robe" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/ella_ferrier_pringle_in_1909-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Ella_Ferrier_Pringle_in_1909-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Isabella Pringle rests her head on her hand. She is wearing graduation robes and her hair is braided." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/elsie_inglis/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglis-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Elsie Inglis looks at the viewer. She is wearing a buttoned jacket, tie, and hat with plaid ribbon." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/jennie_lee-2/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Jennie_Lee-1-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Black and white yearbook photo of Jennie Lee" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/gertrude-hertz/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/honor-fell/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/matildajclerk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/MatildaJClerk-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Matilda J Clerk in her graduation gown" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/macmillan_chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Macmillan_Chrystal_1908-1914_22704149049-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Chrystal MacMillan looks into the camera wearing a victorian lace dress with a brooch" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/marionross/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marionross-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Marion Ross sits in a chair" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/auerbach1/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/auerbach1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Charlotte Auerbach sits at her desk with a typewriter and cup of tea" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/1024px-bessie_watson_aged_9/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/1024px-Bessie_Watson_aged_9-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Young Bessie Watson stands wearing a kilt, playing the bagpipes, with a"Votes for Women" sash." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/marybruk/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/marybruk-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Mary Brück looks through a telescope" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/sophia_jex-blake_as_a_young_woman/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Sophia_Jex-Blake_as_a_young_woman-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Sophia Jex Blake as a young woman, writing at her desk" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/brenda_moon/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Brenda_Moon-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Brenda Moon stands with a cane in her garden, touching a rose, wearing a floral dress and smiling." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/profeleanorcampbellmugshot/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/ProfEleanorCampbellmugshot-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Eleanor Campbell smiles into the camera with a body of water and some grass behind her." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13-20-5/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Photo-on-26-03-2020-at-13.20-5-e1687267542904-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Jane wears a red cardigan and glasses." /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/devi/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Devi-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Devi stands with arms crossed in front of a purple "Edinburgh International Book Festival" background" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/tarasj/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/taraSJ-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Tara wears her lab coat and lanyard, smiling into camera" /></a>
<a href='https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/boden_9539/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/07/Boden_9539-150x150.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="Lisa Boden smiles into camera" /></a>
<hr />
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-27" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 27, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/women-in-stem-image-database/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pixels & Pitfalls: Exploring AI’s Image Generation Struggles</title>
<link>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/</link>
<comments>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[amckay10]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:25:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Colouring books]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[internship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[STEM]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1846</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span> As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is now […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span><p> </p>
<p>As we prepare to bring you the third edition of the We Have Great Stuff colouring book series, we are considering new ways to update the format and reflect changing technology. This year’s theme, STEM, naturally lends itself to the incorporation of the buzz word of the year– Artificial Intelligence (AI).</p>
<p>AI is now touted as the miraculous tool that can enhance productivity, manage schedules, book flights, and even assist in meal planning. However, along with its popularity, AI has sparked significant controversy surrounding its ethical implications. Artists and creatives have expressed valid and pressing concerns about this highly innovative software.</p>
<h2><strong>What’s the Problem with AI? </strong></h2>
<p>One of the early achievements of AI was its ability to create “generative” images, combining various works to create entirely new visuals. While this may seem like a fascinating feat, it becomes problematic when we realize that this process often uses images posted online without consideration for copyright, proper attribution, or ethical compensation to the original artists.</p>
<h2><strong>An Expert Opinion</strong></h2>
<p>As an artist myself, this is a valid concern. Will there be any job opportunities for graduates like me with a design degree, or will they all be taken over by AI bots?</p>
<p>To see if I could incorporate AI into the colouring book, I decided to meet with two AI interns from ISG, Wietske Holwerda and Bartlomeij Pohorecki. Their unanimous response to my query was, “probably not.”</p>
<p>The AI team explained that the current state of AI is not advanced enough to be effectively employed in real projects like our colouring book. The images generated by popular AI tools like Deep AI and Dall-E may lack real-world accuracy, a critical aspect for a project like the colouring book which is centred around real individuals and technologies. Additionally, the sourcing of these AI-generated images raises concerns of copyright infringement, which could have serious consequences for a published open-source work.</p>
<p>However, they encouraged me to experiment and see what I could create.</p>
<h2><strong>Let’s Give it a Try</strong></h2>
<p>First, I tried <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-2">Dall-E</a>, OpenAI’s image generation tool, which was among the first available online. Dall-E utilizes natural language descriptions to generate images based on requests and has been widely used for image creation.</p>
<p>I requested Dall-E to create colouring book pages featuring UoE’s very own Crystal Macmillan. The results were not terrible but fell short of expectations. The software lacked the ability to capture a reference or produce a likeness of a notable individual, making it challenging to use in a book filled with prominent personalities.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1875" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png" alt="" width="2887" height="2119" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp.png 2887w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-300x220.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1024x752.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-768x564.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1536x1127.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-2048x1503.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/AI-images-comp-1440x1057.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2887px) 100vw, 2887px" /></p>
<p>Another feature of Dall-E is the ability to edit existing images. I uploaded an image of Chrystal Macmillan to Dall-E, resulting in an army of look-alikes but nothing too helpful for the project.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1849" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png" alt="" width="2469" height="543" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09.png 2469w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-300x66.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1024x225.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-768x169.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1536x338.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-2048x450.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-21-at-11.47.09-1440x317.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2469px) 100vw, 2469px" /></p>
<p>Thinking that modifying an existing image might be the best approach for this project, I turned to <a href="https://www.adobe.com/sensei/generative-ai/firefly.html">Adobe Firefly</a>, an AI tool currently in beta testing by Adobe, that has been integrated into the latest version of Photoshop. This tool has significantly democratized AI accessibility for designers and creatives who already utilize adobe products every day.</p>
<p>I asked Adobe Firefly to extend a few of my images, and the results were amazing!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1763" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png" alt="Gertrude Hertz wears a lab coat and points to a scientific figure on a black board." width="207" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz.png 978w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-224x300.png 224w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-763x1024.png 763w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-768x1030.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1860" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png" alt="" width="427" height="278" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertz-edit-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1764" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg" alt="Honor Fell sits smiling at her microscope" width="205" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell.jpeg 512w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-215x300.jpeg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1862" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png" alt="" width="443" height="286" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-fell-expanded-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" /></p>
<p>However, there were some issues when it came to specific details. AI lacks an understanding of space and depth, which led to some peculiar additions to Honor’s lab. Additionally, the tool tended to add creepy humanoid figures, as evidenced by those added to Gertrude and Elsie’s image.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1861" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png" alt="" width="298" height="194" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit1-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1863" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png" alt="" width="300" height="193" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2.png 1110w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-300x194.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-1024x661.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/honor-felledit2-768x495.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1872" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="199" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-300x201.jpg 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-768x515.jpg 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-2048x1372.jpg 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/Elsie_Inglisedit3-scaled-e1687440057218-1440x965.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1869" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png" alt="" width="304" height="198" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2.png 2016w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-300x195.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1024x666.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-768x500.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1536x1000.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/gertrude-hertzedit2-1440x937.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /></p>
<p>Next, I explored “<a href="https://www.fotor.com/">Fotor</a>,” a free and accessible online platform for AI image generation and manipulation. Fotor offered a remarkable black and white colorization tool, using AI logic to colorize lack and white photos. This worked well on the picture of Charlotte Auerbach but fell short when applied to Jessie MacGregor or Noreen Murray..</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1879" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png" alt="" width="3129" height="1150" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2.png 3129w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-300x110.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1024x376.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-768x282.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1536x565.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-2048x753.png 2048w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/comp2-1440x529.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3129px) 100vw, 3129px" /></p>
<p>In summary, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief. Creatives, your jobs are safe, at least for now. AI is undoubtedly proving to be a powerful tool, but it is not without its complications.</p>
<p>However, there is a world of fun to be had when it comes to creating unusual AI altered images.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1884 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets4-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1883 alignnone" src="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png" alt="" width="333" height="227" srcset="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1.png 1536w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-300x204.png 300w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1024x697.png 1024w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-768x523.png 768w, https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-content/uploads/sites/1225/2023/06/DollyTriplets3-1-1440x981.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><em>Dolly and friends travel the world</em></p>
<h2><strong>So, what does this mean for the book?</strong></h2>
<p>When it comes to image generation, it may not be in the project’s best interest to rely too heavily on AI. Not only will it complicate our ability to licence the book’s images, it will produce images that simply aren’t as good as what any of you could come up with.</p>
<p>And when it comes to including AI in University work, the best practice is to of course use the helpful <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/bayes/ai-guidance-for-staff-and-students">AI guidance</a> published onto the University website, which covers use cases, citations, and best practices.</p>
<p>This is why we need participants like you more than ever to help us amplify the stories of UoE’s fantastic women in STEM and create hand-made, ethically sourced illustrations. Stay tuned for information on upcoming events and how to get involved in this project.</p>
<span class="uoe-published-time uoe-seo-hidden-area">
<time datetime="2023-06-22" itemprop="dateModified">Jun 22, 2023</time>
</span>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/pixels-pitfalls-exploring-ais-image-generation-struggles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2586 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(12) {
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:05 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["expires"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 19 Nov 1981 08:52:00 GMT"
}
["cache-control"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(35) "no-store, no-cache, must-revalidate"
}
["pragma"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(8) "no-cache"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(194) "<https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/wp-json/wp/v2/tags/4>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
}
["set-cookie"]=>
array(3) {
[0]=>
string(62) "PHPSESSID=idp751d3dhkrpqrtlnhpbm6lc0; path=/; secure; HttpOnly"
[1]=>
string(139) "spo_1225_fa=e9a2fc2dadd47324977d1854fc4d5fc4; expires=Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:49:05 GMT; Max-Age=1800; path=/colouring-books/; Secure; HttpOnly"
[2]=>
string(125) "RCKBMHKB=027ff8be59-56fd-48Ri989QBPAe0wAGwi5Zzl9qtzLMarE58p_qgeSVYcrzxqW0w1Y08KA0nKYcLqD6wakIo; path=/; SameSite=None; Secure"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:18:03 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""221cda3f7e784c10bc5b919084bbdff3""
}
["vary"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(15) "Accept-Encoding"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(58) "https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/feed/?tag=dlam-feed"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2579 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(3) {
["PHPSESSID"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2590 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(9) "PHPSESSID"
["value"]=>
string(26) "idp751d3dhkrpqrtlnhpbm6lc0"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2589 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546746)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546746)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546746)
}
["spo_1225_fa"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2591 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(11) "spo_1225_fa"
["value"]=>
string(32) "e9a2fc2dadd47324977d1854fc4d5fc4"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2592 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(6) {
["expires"]=>
int(1780548545)
["max-age"]=>
int(1780548546)
["path"]=>
string(17) "/colouring-books/"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["httponly"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546746)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546746)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546746)
}
["RCKBMHKB"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie)#2593 (5) {
["name"]=>
string(8) "RCKBMHKB"
["value"]=>
string(85) "027ff8be59-56fd-48Ri989QBPAe0wAGwi5Zzl9qtzLMarE58p_qgeSVYcrzxqW0w1Y08KA0nKYcLqD6wakIo"
["attributes"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2594 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(4) {
["path"]=>
string(1) "/"
["samesite"]=>
string(4) "None"
["secure"]=>
bool(true)
["domain"]=>
string(14) "blogs.ed.ac.uk"
}
}
["flags"]=>
array(4) {
["creation"]=>
int(1780546746)
["last-access"]=>
int(1780546746)
["persistent"]=>
bool(false)
["host-only"]=>
bool(true)
}
["reference_time"]=>
int(1780546746)
}
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2088] "Colouring Book Volume 3 available on Edinburgh Diamond Service"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2049] "We Have Great Women in STEM Colouring Book Out Now!"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2075] "Ada Lovelace Day 2023 – Book Launch"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=2063] "Behind the Scenes of “We Have Great Women in STEM”"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1975] "A Visual Guide: Photos from UoE’s School of Chemistry & School of Biology"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1967] "Celebrating Women in Physics at the University of Edinburgh"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1947] "Digital Art Workshop Reflections"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1901] "“We Have Great Stuff” Colouring Book Contest (Call For Entries)"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1746] "Women in STEM Image Database"
Diag| Considering item [https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/colouring-books/?p=1846] "Pixels & Pitfalls: Exploring AI’s Image Generation Struggles"
Diag| Polling feed [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/]
Diag====| HTTP [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/] ⌈ array(7) {
["timeout"]=>
int(20)
["redirection"]=>
int(5)
["headers"]=>
array(1) {
["Accept"]=>
string(185) "application/atom+xml, application/rss+xml, application/rdf+xml;q=0.9, application/xml;q=0.8, text/xml;q=0.8, text/html;q=0.7, unknown/unknown;q=0.1, application/unknown;q=0.1, */*;q=0.1"
}
["user-agent"]=>
string(162) "FeedWordPress/2024.1119 (aggregator:feedwordpress; WordPress/6.8.5 + SimplePie/1.8.0; Allow like Gecko; +http://feedwordpress.radgeek.com/) at blogs.ed.ac.uk/dlam"
["authentication"]=>
NULL
["username"]=>
string(0) ""
["password"]=>
string(0) ""
}
Diag====| HTTP [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/] ⌉ array(6) {
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Utility\CaseInsensitiveDictionary)#2627 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(8) {
["date"]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:06 GMT"
["server"]=>
string(6) "Apache"
["x-powered-by"]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
["link"]=>
string(216) "<https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/wp/v2/categories/137>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
["upgrade"]=>
string(6) "h2,h2c"
["last-modified"]=>
string(29) "Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 GMT"
["etag"]=>
string(34) ""73d9558cd7872bd946c3eb48a143a90b""
["content-type"]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
}
["body"]=>
string(11532) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>ALD24 – Ada Lovelace Day</title>
<atom:link href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day</link>
<description>A celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>
<item>
<title>Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/edinburgh-women-in-stem-trail/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[cromans]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:29:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ALD]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women in STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600</guid>
<description><![CDATA[If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. Visit the Curious Edinburgh webpage …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. </p>
<p>The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/" data-type="link" data-id="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/">Curious Edinburgh</a> webpage or get the app to see the tour in its new home.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="875" src="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-601 size-full" srcset="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg 1024w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-300x256.jpg 300w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-768x656.jpg 768w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24.jpg 1219w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>
<p> What do a riot-causing medical student, a famous entomologist, a best-selling author-astronomer, an adventurous botanist and a pioneer of genetic engineering have in common? They are all women you can find out about in this tour, which features locations in Edinburgh connected to amazing women in STEM. Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button" href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/"><strong>See the Edinburgh Women in STEM trail</strong></a></div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace on BBC Countryfile</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-on-bbc-countryfile/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[BBC]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Countryfile]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Culbone Wood]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Exmoor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[woodland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace. BoB video clip (7m 7s) Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BoB video clip (7m 7s)</h2>
<iframe src="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/embed/clip/255747" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" style="width:640px;height:360px"></iframe>
<p>Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media archive service. BoB is available to all members of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/ucreate/multimediafacilities/box-of-broadcasts/entitlement">How to access the service</a> (within UK only)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Video summary</h3>
<p>Lucy Shipley, a Historic Environment Record Officer at Exmoor National Park tells us that all this woodland used to be owned by Ada Lovelace, and they are now trying to recreate the vision Ada had for this woodland.</p>
<p>This includes reinstating and restoring five one-mile long footpaths, stone walls and viewpoints.</p>
<p>Woodland officer Graeme McVittie details conservation work of the rare whitebeam tree and their attempts to propagate (Sorbus Margaretae) one particular mature specimen located at a focal point overlooking the Bristol Channel.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alternative viewing options</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0022v6f/">View Countryfile on BBC iPlayer</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Image and video credits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BBC Countryfile</h3>
<p>‘Clip from Countryfile: West Exmoor (Ada Lovelace)’, Countryfile, West Exmoor, 19:00 08/09/2024, BBC1 London, 60 mins. 00:38:56-00:46:03. <a href="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161">https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161</a> (Accessed 09 Sep 2024)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">View towards Foreland Point from Selworthy.jpg</h3>
<p>Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_towards_Foreland_Point_from_Selworthy.jpg">Wikimedia Commons file (download, summary, licensing)</a></p>
<p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC BY-SA 3.0 licence description</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you</h2>
<p>Many thanks to my friend Fiona MacPhee who kindly brought this feature to my attention.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2024</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/</link>
<comments>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ewan McAndrew]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[booking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book. As usual, we will have an afternoon of …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>. All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book.</strong></p>
<p>As usual, we will have an afternoon of talks, activities and training planned for Ada Lovelace Day. Confirmed speakers:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.edinburgh-robotics.org/academics/helen-hastie">Professor Helen Hastie</a> – Professor of Human-Robot Interaction, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/people/victoria-martin">Professor Victoria Martin</a> – Professor in Particle Physics, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://informatics.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/student-inspired-by-tragedy-begins-robot-trial">Ebtehal Alotaibi</a> – Artificial Intelligence and Robotics PhD student, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jeh/">Professor Jane Hillston</a> – Professor of Quantitative Modelling, University of Edinburgh</li>
</ul>
<p>Activities will include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Women in STEM colouring in</li>
<li>Badge and sticker making</li>
<li>Program your own robot in uCreate</li>
<li>uCreate MakerSpace induction (<a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=book&scheduleId=74431">Book your place – separate to overall booking</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>We’ll also have a Robotics themed Wikimedia Editathon after the talks in the afternoon.</p>
<p>Activities will start at 11, lunch at 12, talks at 12.30 and the editathon will start at 2.30.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?eventssearch=Ada+Lovelace+Day&event=search&eventStart=0&eventProviderId=&cw_inChannelLink=1&cw_passThrough=marked">Book your place now!</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["response"]=>
array(2) {
["code"]=>
int(200)
["message"]=>
string(2) "OK"
}
["cookies"]=>
array(0) {
}
["filename"]=>
NULL
["http_response"]=>
object(WP_HTTP_Requests_Response)#2626 (5) {
["data"]=>
NULL
["headers"]=>
NULL
["status"]=>
NULL
["response":protected]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response)#2628 (10) {
["body"]=>
string(11532) "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>ALD24 – Ada Lovelace Day</title>
<atom:link href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day</link>
<description>A celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>
<item>
<title>Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/edinburgh-women-in-stem-trail/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[cromans]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:29:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ALD]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women in STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600</guid>
<description><![CDATA[If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. Visit the Curious Edinburgh webpage …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. </p>
<p>The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/" data-type="link" data-id="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/">Curious Edinburgh</a> webpage or get the app to see the tour in its new home.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="875" src="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-601 size-full" srcset="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg 1024w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-300x256.jpg 300w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-768x656.jpg 768w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24.jpg 1219w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>
<p> What do a riot-causing medical student, a famous entomologist, a best-selling author-astronomer, an adventurous botanist and a pioneer of genetic engineering have in common? They are all women you can find out about in this tour, which features locations in Edinburgh connected to amazing women in STEM. Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button" href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/"><strong>See the Edinburgh Women in STEM trail</strong></a></div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace on BBC Countryfile</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-on-bbc-countryfile/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[BBC]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Countryfile]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Culbone Wood]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Exmoor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[woodland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace. BoB video clip (7m 7s) Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BoB video clip (7m 7s)</h2>
<iframe src="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/embed/clip/255747" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" style="width:640px;height:360px"></iframe>
<p>Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media archive service. BoB is available to all members of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/ucreate/multimediafacilities/box-of-broadcasts/entitlement">How to access the service</a> (within UK only)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Video summary</h3>
<p>Lucy Shipley, a Historic Environment Record Officer at Exmoor National Park tells us that all this woodland used to be owned by Ada Lovelace, and they are now trying to recreate the vision Ada had for this woodland.</p>
<p>This includes reinstating and restoring five one-mile long footpaths, stone walls and viewpoints.</p>
<p>Woodland officer Graeme McVittie details conservation work of the rare whitebeam tree and their attempts to propagate (Sorbus Margaretae) one particular mature specimen located at a focal point overlooking the Bristol Channel.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alternative viewing options</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0022v6f/">View Countryfile on BBC iPlayer</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Image and video credits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BBC Countryfile</h3>
<p>‘Clip from Countryfile: West Exmoor (Ada Lovelace)’, Countryfile, West Exmoor, 19:00 08/09/2024, BBC1 London, 60 mins. 00:38:56-00:46:03. <a href="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161">https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161</a> (Accessed 09 Sep 2024)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">View towards Foreland Point from Selworthy.jpg</h3>
<p>Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_towards_Foreland_Point_from_Selworthy.jpg">Wikimedia Commons file (download, summary, licensing)</a></p>
<p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC BY-SA 3.0 licence description</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you</h2>
<p>Many thanks to my friend Fiona MacPhee who kindly brought this feature to my attention.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2024</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/</link>
<comments>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ewan McAndrew]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[booking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book. As usual, we will have an afternoon of …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>. All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book.</strong></p>
<p>As usual, we will have an afternoon of talks, activities and training planned for Ada Lovelace Day. Confirmed speakers:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.edinburgh-robotics.org/academics/helen-hastie">Professor Helen Hastie</a> – Professor of Human-Robot Interaction, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/people/victoria-martin">Professor Victoria Martin</a> – Professor in Particle Physics, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://informatics.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/student-inspired-by-tragedy-begins-robot-trial">Ebtehal Alotaibi</a> – Artificial Intelligence and Robotics PhD student, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jeh/">Professor Jane Hillston</a> – Professor of Quantitative Modelling, University of Edinburgh</li>
</ul>
<p>Activities will include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Women in STEM colouring in</li>
<li>Badge and sticker making</li>
<li>Program your own robot in uCreate</li>
<li>uCreate MakerSpace induction (<a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=book&scheduleId=74431">Book your place – separate to overall booking</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>We’ll also have a Robotics themed Wikimedia Editathon after the talks in the afternoon.</p>
<p>Activities will start at 11, lunch at 12, talks at 12.30 and the editathon will start at 2.30.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?eventssearch=Ada+Lovelace+Day&event=search&eventStart=0&eventProviderId=&cw_inChannelLink=1&cw_passThrough=marked">Book your place now!</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["raw"]=>
string(12065) "HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:06 GMT
Server: Apache
X-Powered-By: PHP/8.3.31
Link: <https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/wp/v2/categories/137>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json"
Upgrade: h2,h2c
Connection: Upgrade, close
Last-Modified: Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 GMT
ETag: "73d9558cd7872bd946c3eb48a143a90b"
Transfer-Encoding: chunked
Content-Type: application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>ALD24 – Ada Lovelace Day</title>
<atom:link href="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day</link>
<description>A celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</description>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-GB</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>
hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>
1 </sy:updateFrequency>
<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>
<item>
<title>Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/edinburgh-women-in-stem-trail/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[cromans]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:29:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ALD]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women in STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600</guid>
<description><![CDATA[If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. Visit the Curious Edinburgh webpage …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>If you’re looking forward to next week’s Ada Lovelace Day 2024 events, here’s an appetiser for you. </p>
<p>The Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail created for the University’s Ada Lovelace Day 2023 event has a new home on Curious Edinburgh, which offers mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage. </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/" data-type="link" data-id="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/">Curious Edinburgh</a> webpage or get the app to see the tour in its new home.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="875" src="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-601 size-full" srcset="https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-1024x875.jpg 1024w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-300x256.jpg 300w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24-768x656.jpg 768w, https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/Curious-Edinburgh-Women-in-STEM-ALD24.jpg 1219w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>
<p> What do a riot-causing medical student, a famous entomologist, a best-selling author-astronomer, an adventurous botanist and a pioneer of genetic engineering have in common? They are all women you can find out about in this tour, which features locations in Edinburgh connected to amazing women in STEM. Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button" href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/"><strong>See the Edinburgh Women in STEM trail</strong></a></div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace on BBC Countryfile</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-on-bbc-countryfile/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[BBC]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Countryfile]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Culbone Wood]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Exmoor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[woodland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace. BoB video clip (7m 7s) Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>The BBC Countryfile programme recently visited Culbone Woods on the north coast of Exmoor. Culbone Wood is part of the estate of Ashley Combe House, which Ada moved to after she married William King, who later becomes Lord Lovelace.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BoB video clip (7m 7s)</h2>
<iframe src="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/embed/clip/255747" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" style="width:640px;height:360px"></iframe>
<p>Box of Broadcasts (BoB) is an off-air recording and broadcast media archive service. BoB is available to all members of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/ucreate/multimediafacilities/box-of-broadcasts/entitlement">How to access the service</a> (within UK only)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Video summary</h3>
<p>Lucy Shipley, a Historic Environment Record Officer at Exmoor National Park tells us that all this woodland used to be owned by Ada Lovelace, and they are now trying to recreate the vision Ada had for this woodland.</p>
<p>This includes reinstating and restoring five one-mile long footpaths, stone walls and viewpoints.</p>
<p>Woodland officer Graeme McVittie details conservation work of the rare whitebeam tree and their attempts to propagate (Sorbus Margaretae) one particular mature specimen located at a focal point overlooking the Bristol Channel.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alternative viewing options</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0022v6f/">View Countryfile on BBC iPlayer</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Image and video credits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BBC Countryfile</h3>
<p>‘Clip from Countryfile: West Exmoor (Ada Lovelace)’, Countryfile, West Exmoor, 19:00 08/09/2024, BBC1 London, 60 mins. 00:38:56-00:46:03. <a href="https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161">https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/255747?bcast=141716161</a> (Accessed 09 Sep 2024)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">View towards Foreland Point from Selworthy.jpg</h3>
<p>Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_towards_Foreland_Point_from_Selworthy.jpg">Wikimedia Commons file (download, summary, licensing)</a></p>
<p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC BY-SA 3.0 licence description</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you</h2>
<p>Many thanks to my friend Fiona MacPhee who kindly brought this feature to my attention.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ada Lovelace Day 2024</title>
<link>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/</link>
<comments>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ewan McAndrew]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[ALD24]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[booking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book. As usual, we will have an afternoon of …]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an <a href="https://findingada.com">international celebration day</a> of the achieveme</strong><strong>nts of women in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science,_technology,_engineering,_and_mathematics">science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>. All based in the Main Library, details will be confirmed when you book.</strong></p>
<p>As usual, we will have an afternoon of talks, activities and training planned for Ada Lovelace Day. Confirmed speakers:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.edinburgh-robotics.org/academics/helen-hastie">Professor Helen Hastie</a> – Professor of Human-Robot Interaction, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/people/victoria-martin">Professor Victoria Martin</a> – Professor in Particle Physics, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://informatics.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/student-inspired-by-tragedy-begins-robot-trial">Ebtehal Alotaibi</a> – Artificial Intelligence and Robotics PhD student, University of Edinburgh</li>
<li><a href="https://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jeh/">Professor Jane Hillston</a> – Professor of Quantitative Modelling, University of Edinburgh</li>
</ul>
<p>Activities will include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Women in STEM colouring in</li>
<li>Badge and sticker making</li>
<li>Program your own robot in uCreate</li>
<li>uCreate MakerSpace induction (<a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?event=book&scheduleId=74431">Book your place – separate to overall booking</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>We’ll also have a Robotics themed Wikimedia Editathon after the talks in the afternoon.</p>
<p>Activities will start at 11, lunch at 12, talks at 12.30 and the editathon will start at 2.30.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.events.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?eventssearch=Ada+Lovelace+Day&event=search&eventStart=0&eventProviderId=&cw_inChannelLink=1&cw_passThrough=marked">Book your place now!</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/ada-lovelace-day-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
"
["headers"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Response\Headers)#2629 (1) {
["data":protected]=>
array(8) {
["date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:19:06 GMT"
}
["server"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "Apache"
}
["x-powered-by"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "PHP/8.3.31"
}
["link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(216) "<https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/>; rel="https://api.w.org/", <https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/wp-json/wp/v2/categories/137>; rel="alternate"; title="JSON"; type="application/json""
}
["upgrade"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(6) "h2,h2c"
}
["last-modified"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(29) "Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:51:08 GMT"
}
["etag"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) ""73d9558cd7872bd946c3eb48a143a90b""
}
["content-type"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(34) "application/rss+xml; charset=UTF-8"
}
}
}
["status_code"]=>
int(200)
["protocol_version"]=>
float(1.1)
["success"]=>
bool(true)
["redirects"]=>
int(0)
["url"]=>
string(66) "https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/category/ald24/feed/"
["history"]=>
array(0) {
}
["cookies"]=>
object(WpOrg\Requests\Cookie\Jar)#2625 (1) {
["cookies":protected]=>
array(0) {
}
}
}
["filename":protected]=>
NULL
}
}
Diag| Considering item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600] "Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=600] "Edinburgh Women in STEM Trail" is a NEW POST.
Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "ALD24" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "ALD24" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "ALD" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "ALD" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "ALD" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "ALD" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "Women in STEM" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Women in STEM" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Women in STEM" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Women in STEM" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag====| Category: MAPPED term names ["ALD24","ALD","Women in STEM"] to IDs: null
Diag====| Category: MAPPED term names [] to IDs: null
Diag| Considering item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574] "Ada Lovelace on BBC Countryfile"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=574] "Ada Lovelace on BBC Countryfile" is a NEW POST.
Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "ALD24" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "ALD24" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "News" with result: {"term_id":"108","term_taxonomy_id":"108"}Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "News" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: trueDiag====| Assigned category "News" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: {"term_id":"108","term_taxonomy_id":"108"}Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "BBC" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "BBC" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "BBC" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "BBC" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "Countryfile" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Countryfile" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Countryfile" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Countryfile" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "Culbone Wood" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Culbone Wood" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Culbone Wood" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Culbone Wood" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "Exmoor" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "Exmoor" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "Exmoor" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "Exmoor" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "woodland" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "woodland" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "woodland" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "woodland" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag====| Category: MAPPED term names ["ALD24","News","BBC","Countryfile","Culbone Wood","Exmoor","woodland"] to IDs: null
Diag====| Category: MAPPED term names [] to IDs: null
Diag| Considering item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561] "Ada Lovelace Day 2024"
Diag========| SQL: SELECT wp_30_posts.ID, wp_30_posts.guid, wp_30_posts.post_modified_gmt, wp_30_posts.post_name FROM wp_30_posts LEFT JOIN wp_30_postmeta EO_META ON EO_META.meta_key = 'ease_only' AND EO_META.post_id = wp_30_posts.ID WHERE 1=1 AND ((guid = 'https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561')) ORDER BY wp_30_posts.post_date DESC
Diag====| Item [https://thinking.is.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/?p=561] "Ada Lovelace Day 2024" is a NEW POST.
Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "ALD24" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "ALD24" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "ALD24" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "News" with result: {"term_id":"108","term_taxonomy_id":"108"}Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "News" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: trueDiag====| Assigned category "News" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: {"term_id":"108","term_taxonomy_id":"108"}Diag========| CHECK existence of category: "booking" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "booking" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "booking" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "booking" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag========| CHECK existence of category: "event" with result: null
Diag========| CHECK existence of post_tag: "event" with result: null
Diag========| CHECKED familiarity of term "event" across {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: falseDiag====| Assigned category "event" by feed; checking {"1":"category","2":"post_tag"} with result: nullDiag====| Category: MAPPED term names ["ALD24","News","booking","event"] to IDs: null
Diag====| Category: MAPPED term names [] to IDs: null
All the edtech shenanigans that's fit to print
This February I was back at the PHPUK conference in London. The venue this year was 1 America Square with a historic wall through the middle of one of the rooms. There were three tracks to follow so unfortunately we couldn’t go to all the talks, but managed to cover two thirds. It Depends – […]
Diag| Memory: Current usage: 10 MB
Diag| Memory: Peak usage: 10 MB
Hi Jackie, This sounds like an exciting creative project. Designing and animating custom stick figures from scratch is not that…
This is fascinating, particularly the idea of "coding without writing a single line." It really highlights the potential of prompt…
N.B. Closing date now extended to 23:59 on Wednesday, 4th of March.
Thanks Stewart for your encouragement!
Thank you Miki. I very much enjoyed reading this with my morning coffee. It was lovely to have such a…