The Future Freaks Me Out: Dear Cis people,

breewriteswords:

We need to stop this.

(Yes, “we,” not “you.” I am one of you and I can’t pretend not to be).

You know why cis people are called cis scum? You know why said scum is supposed to die? And you know why every single one of us is guilty by association?

Because shit like “dearnoncispeople” exists….

I’m not trying to be confrontational or anything here, but I legitimately have comments I think should be addressed re: this blog post. And, before you ask, I did read both the dearcispeople and dearnoncispeople Tumblrs to see a broader perspective of this e-fight, war, etc.

How is labeling people “Cis” and/or “Non-Cis” constructive in any manner at all towards equality? From the submissions on the “dearcispeople” blog, it appears that many, many, transgender, et al, people are trying to break down the existence of dualities by introducing new, encompassing terminology.

It’s one thing to find strength and console in those who are facing similar issues, but to attack and scoff at others to in order lift your personal identity up is wrong. I know the owner of “dearcispeople” also runs an “Ask a Trans Woman” blog, which I applaud. Focus on education. People lash out at others because they don’t understand. Blame people for their lack of education and you get what you get- the blog, “dearnoncispeople”

“Cis people” will never fully understand what “non-cis people” go through. Gender studies scholars, friends, and allies will certainly come very close to understanding, but it’s merely not possible to fully “get” it. You can’t fault someone for not being something. It’s just how it is.

Recognize that social justice isn’t easy and never comes in one stride. It’s 2012 and America is chock full of racial, religious, and gender discrimination. Instead of sectionalizing your group (I’m using your in reference to those who identify as trans, etc.) and trying to be self contained, why not band with other groups who face(d) similar oppressions? The best way to promote your cause, equality and rights is to welcome people into your world, not marginalize them for their misunderstandings. 

I feel strongly about trans-rights, in fact, I have a very good friend who has been transitioning from FTM for the past five years. This kind of stuff does a general disservice to the stead-fast fighters, most of which do not whine, bitch or complain about their struggles to the vacuum of the internet. 

Study Suggests Many Professors Use Interactive Tools Ineffectively in Online Courses

infoneer-pulse:

Professors can choose from a growing palette of Web-based tools to make their online courses more interactive. But a new study suggests that many community-college instructors aren’t taking advantage of those options. Instead, the professors are relying on static course materials that aren’t likely to motivate students or encourage them to interact with each other.

The study, presented here at the annual technology conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College, observed 26 high-enrollment online courses at two community colleges in Virginia last spring. It found that most professors relied on text-based assignments and materials. In the instances when professors did decide to use interactive tools like online video, many of those technologies were not connected to learning objectives, the study found. The findings could help explain how community colleges can structure the selection of technology to improve student-retention rates.

» via The Chronicle of Higher Education (Subscription may be required for some content)

Through my own experiences, I don’t think the majority of professors and staff are prepared to used technology to their advantage. It’s not their fault, though. Post secondary institutions should really be using their capital to teach effective use of technology. I’m not sure how much of an impact it would have, but to be honest, a lot of faculty and staff are technologically inept.