Nova Jackson

I wrote a rebuttal to David Seymour's commentary about the #schoolstrike4climate. It wasn't picked up by Newsroom NZ so I'll post it here, if you're interested. Most concerningly, our Associate Minister of Education was citing someone who didn't finish his university degree, instead of drawing on decades of #climatescience, to inform his debate. That's downright shocking! Instead, let's look at the facts: 1. 195 countries signed an IPCC report last year calling for urgent climate action. The crisis is upon us. Localised action in this decade at the structural systems level is paramount to the #transition. As cognizant global citizens, many young people understand this. 2. #Ecoanxiety is a valid response to #climateeducation and needs to be understood. A recent study* of 10,000 16-25 year old's across 10 countries found that 75% of young people believe “the future is frightening”. If politicians were meeting emissions targets, instead of campaigning to repeal the Zero Carbon Act (like the ACT party did*), youth might relax and not feel the need to protest. 3. Taking action permits #hope to re-emerge for youth. Participating in movements like the #SchoolStrike4Climate enables students to develop social #agency and participate in #democracy. These skills underpin #mentalresilience. By exercising individual agency within a #collectiveresponsibility framework, young people are not skipping school; they are learning important lessons in best-practice education on #civic #engagement*. 4. School strikes expose youth to a wealth of knowledge beyond traditional classroom subjects. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights* specifies, education should encompass the full development of human personality, including the right to protest within a democratic society. Through the school strike movement, youth are shifting political structures and questioning the democratic ideals of our society*. Far from mutilating the economy to save the planet, youth want to #savetheplanet to protect their generation’s access to resources. As such, they are challenging the ideologies of politicians like Mr Seymour. 5. Historical evidence shows that #youthactivism is effective. The Civil Rights Movement and the anti-apartheid movement were both significantly influenced by young activists. In climate action, Greta Thunberg has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize*, teens have filed lawsuits against governments*, and youth have championed climate legislation*. Through this work, youth are rewriting the narrative of environmental activism, challenging systemic injustices, and demanding accountability from those in power. This is important work. Finally, if David Seymour wants to be a credible Associate Minister of Education, he needs to understand that learning is a cumulative process across a lifetime, not the outcome of one week of attendance. Hon Erica Stanford MP - maybe you could let him know? * If you would like the links to references, please just ask.

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TL/DR: What did you eat for breakfast at the weekend? A cohort of tasty designers? Our Sharks did.   Last weekend, 13 of our post-graduate design students completed their 7-week module in Creative Entrepreneurship by facing their deepest fears, and two of New Zealand’s fiercest sharks, in a live Shark Tank experiment.   Each student was given 7 minutes to present an amazing new product or service that incredibly, didn’t exist 7 weeks ago.   Back then, they were asked to cast themselves in the role of founder of a start-up that uses an emerging (or re-emerging) technology to solve a real-world problem in an innovative way.   For emerging technology, think AI, biochemistry, solar, robotics, etc, and for ‘re-merging’ think anything ancient, forgotten, or obsolete.   Then through a process of visioneering, questioning, R&D, prototyping and iterating, they would build their product (or service), develop a business plan, then reveal their immaculately conceived baby to our panel of world-famous sharks (who we’d deliberately starved).   How would the students fare? Would they get ripped to shreds?   Our sharking duo, Simon Coley and Wendy Kerr, are no strangers to this game having survived it in the real world. Simon, founder, the Karma Drinks range, believes in doing good through trade, building bridges (and community), the power of optimism, great design, and the wonderful combination of creativity and stupidity that one must surely possess in order to embark upon any world-changing endeavour. Wendy Kerr, angel investor, C-suite whisperer, in-demand speaker, best-selling author, strategist and FemTech ally, and Icehouse Ventures incubator, has seen it all. Chewed it up. And spat most of it out.   So how did it go? We saw innovations in EdTech, MedTech, more sustainable packing design, gaming at the intersection of fitness, AI-powered apps and services, an intelligent shoe that understands your rheumatic pain, and more. (I took the tough decision not to show the work, lest the students pursue their own IP.)   And the Sharks' reaction? Did they smell the fear? Were they tempted by the fresh meat on offer? Simon: “…it was a pleasure to be able to review the work shared by these budding Creative Entrepreneurs. The standard of ideas that were commercially viable was surprisingly high given the short length of time they’d had to develop. Even more impressive was the common thread of social entrepreneurship running through all the concepts.”   Wendy, on how the business ideas/solutions presented struck a chord: “The way the students have been able to parlay the personal into business opportunities is enviable.”   And on the way the student’s received feedback, took it onboard, and built better because of it: “…Watching all of you being coachable, and being able to learn in the moment…was remarkable.” Now, to the patent office! Kate Humphries Sarah Elsie Baker Media Design School Matthew Stevens Darryn Melrose Scott Thompson-Whiteside #creativity #tech

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"The equation is simple. For audiences to enjoy art, art needs to be made. For art to be made, artists need to be supported." Art isn't free to make. If at least 78% of New Zealanders engage with the arts in some way, how do we ensure that the artists who create that work can sustain a living? The answer isn't simple, but if we want a thriving arts culture, there needs to be a conversation about money. I know times are tough, but I'm always surprised to hear people bemoan the cost of a movie ticket or book, given the time, effort and skill that goes into creating these products - and they often cost less than a night out at the pub or a restaurant. Value for the arts needs to equate to audiences wanting to spend money on the art they consume, and/or having strong systems and structures in place to publicly fund the arts (especially in order to make them accessible to those who genuinely can't afford to pay). We recently launched our Creativity and Culture Strategy for Queenstown Lakes (Aotearoa's second most creative city!), showing our district's commitment to nurturing the arts. Looking forward to seeing what the government's impending national arts strategy looks like, which is expected to be released by the end of the year.

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As some of you may know I have promoted and taught Intelligent Design (I have a whole section on it on my main theology website and around 17 years ago had, I believe, the most popular ID website in Australia). As some of my grandchildren are currently learning about the cell I decided to see what ID resources there might be - this 8 part series of videos on the cell by the famous Michael Behe looks outstanding! https://lnkd.in/gZDmtR4t Also this video (Episode 1 of a series) not only explains the error of arguing that homology is evidence for evolution, but it introduces some logical fallacies such as circular reasoning, cherry picking and confirmation bias. I have long argued that learning about logical fallacies such as the 'straw man' is vital to being a critical and independent thinker: https://lnkd.in/gCy-hKVi These links and more are from: https://lnkd.in/g_hsW6B3 My ID section is here (it's rather dated now though): https://lnkd.in/geHyxFyU

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I am so pleased to announce I have been awarded finalist in the Designers Institute of New Zealand BEST Awards. I would like to thank all of my amazing lecturers for their guidance and support, this achievement would not have been possible without you. Sarah McCallum Tobias Danielmeier ‘The Intermission’ is a transformative vision for 260 Queen Street, where design converges to satisfy two intrinsic human desires; the yearning for a profound connection with nature and the essence of interpersonal relationships. Amidst the towering high rises of the cityscape, this adaptive reuse initiative embraces the challenge of blending natures embrace seamlessly into the urban fabric. In this architectural peice, every space is is a canvas artfully designed to resonate with the diverse dimensions of human existence, fostering connection, introspection, and a profound sense of wellbeing. In a society so accustomed to artificial stimulation, the need for community spaces which allow authentic human experiences is dire. The intermission acts as a haven, allowing freedom and choice in the urban environment while subtly pushing for chance encounters and connection to nature, grounding occupants in their fundamental human nature. This endeavour focuses on enhancing tactility and materiality by crafting captivating, interconnected atmospheres. Rooted in heritage, The Intermission lovingly restores the Italianate Victorian charm of the Former ASB bank building, along with two adjacent structures. The approach ensures occupants are not just spectators but active participants, deeply rooted in their surroundings. The intermission aims to redefine urban living, embracing the past while forging an inherently sustainable and enriching future. Functionality harmonises seamlessly with community cohesion. The spaces are a testament to versatility, intelligently crafted to operate in harmony or in splendid isolation. I have attached a link below if you would like to check out the project.

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Looking to make a real impact with your tender and grant applications? Showcase your organisation's impact with these top strategies: 1. Spin a yarn that grabs attention 📖 2. Back it up with solid data 📊 3. Highlight what makes you a cut above 🌟 4. Paint a clear picture of outcomes 🎯 5. Tailor your pitch to each funder 🎭 Got a top tip or burning question? Drop them in the comments below! #WinningTenders #GrantSuccess #ImpactfulProposals #ImpactfulProposals

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Social and affordable housing is a generational crisis in Australia right now. Please find out how you can support local efforts to plan and provide for adequate housing. Please let politicians know how important this is. #HousingIsAHumanRight #HoisingCrisis

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Our screening of the Purpose film is live! https://lnkd.in/gegu8UUQ If you're someone interested in systems change or wellbeing economies then this could be the film for you. I'm working with a dedicated group of wellbeing-economy enthusiasts to bring this film to Canberra. It's thrilling to be part of a group with a shared purpose, bringing something to the local community. --- The long version (and if economics sounds scary to you!): I'm not one for grand equations, however eonomics has intrigued me ever since I read an article quoting Peter Costello, over 20 years ago now, stating that economics was just psychology on a broad scale - it's about human motivation. In addition, six years of studying Sustainable Development and Community Development (a luxury!) brought home to me the vital importance of localising: building local, circular economies, sharing communities, growing food, sustainable transport (walking or cycling especially), the slow life - are ingredients that contribute to a rich, local, cultural ecosystem - ironically often the kind of community ecosystem we who live in a consumptive economy, travel long distances to get a taste of! (Note that wellbeing economies are differently defined to local economies, but I still wanted to mention them as another tool in the toolkit.) I read economics books such as Kate Raworth 's Doughnut Economics, quickly fan-girling her model which illustrates how we could live within 'the sweet spot' of human and planetary thriving, and retell the economic story. There are solutions found in balance, not too much nor too little. Katherine Trebeck 's own Economics of Arrival generates hope as she and co-author, Jeremy Williams, share tangible evidence of a shifting economic narrative through real world examples. I do feel our economy holds some keys to unravelling, motivating and painting a story of thriving, and I'm perennially keen to learn more, so if you are too, come along! Film by Martin Oetting, graphic below thanks to Rebekah Mewburn! Hosted at at Gang Gang Cafe, Downer. https://lnkd.in/gegu8UUQ

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🚀 AI is the Future: Transforming Academic for Neurodivergent Students and Staff 🚀 “Is this making me more relevant or redundant?” —For me, it’s absolutely about staying relevant and becoming more efficient, especially as someone navigating chronic health conditions, financial instability and the complexities of neurodivergence. Juggling 4 casual roles, and ten tasks at once (minimally), all while battling the constant overwhelm of admin and day-to-day life, AI feels like a lifeline — a way to regain control and move forward with less friction. This is the question we need to ask every time we use AI. Recently, Rushi ‎‎Vyas shared his experience in The Australian Financial Review about how AI is reshaping the future of work and education, and it made me think—how can this revolution change the game for neurodivergent students and staff? The academic world places immense pressure on students with its reliance on rote learning, high-stakes exams, and outdated methods of assessment. For neurodivergent learners, this system is even more overwhelming. But AI? It’s the game-changer we’ve been waiting for. Rushi’s startup What’s On! Campus—built entirely on AI—gave him real-time, personalised support while working on a student budget. Now, imagine that same AI technology helping neurodivergent students receive instant feedback, manage their workload, and relieve some of the anxiety that comes with traditional educational pressures. AI could be the support system that levels the playing field. Dr. Kelsey Burton from UNSW said it best: “We’ve only scratched the surface” of what AI can do. It’s not just about making life easier for neurodivergent students and staff; it’s about fundamentally changing how we think about learning. Why are we still forcing students to memorise for exams when AI could help us shift towards creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving? We need to harness AI for good—to change the narrative of the education system. No more one-size-fits-all approaches. AI can give neurodivergent students the tools they need, on their terms, in real time. 💡 Here’s the challenge: How can we push universities to adopt AI, not just as a life hack but as a means of building inclusion, reducing academic burnout, and fostering genuine learning for everyone? The future of education isn’t about making students fit into the system—it’s about building a system that fits the students. Check out Rushi’s full interview in the comments to see how AI is reshaping work, and let’s start a conversation on how to make education more inclusive and future-focused. Article link: https://lnkd.in/gwtj-Mxd 🔥 Share your thoughts below! Let’s spark this conversation about the revolution of learning! 🔥 #AI #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #StudentExperience #UNSW #EdTech #Innovation #FutureOfWork #AIRevolution #LearningReimagined

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Does anyone intentionally design their job or did your role evolve to fill gaps? This year I did a shortcourse with Curtin University about #workdesign: intentionally creating workplaces to enable employees to thrive. The research found five components: STIMULATING: having variety: not boring, nor repetitive MASTERY: understanding your role, what you’re aiming for, how to get there, and how your performance will be assessed. AGENCY: autonomy, control and influence. Especially relevant for creativity and innovation because it allows for ownership … low control and no influence = stress. RELATIONAL: having connections and support improves well-being. TOLERABLE: tolerable (not overwhelming) time and emotional demands. Incorporating the SMART framework into job descriptions enhances role clarity and helps a design team thrive. It lessens fatigue, burnout and generally poor well-being and, interestingly, is almost the opposite of the job simplification made popular post-Industrial Revolution where complex jobs were broken into simpler, repetitive tasks for peak efficiency. But I digress. Here’s the problem: many creative business founders and managers lead by protecting employees. They ensure their design team have optimal working environments to perform well, and often that comes at their cost because owners pick up the slack, and do roles no-one else wants to do. Instead, what about intentionally designing your work first?

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Once you develop an understanding of settler colonialism (and Australia is a settler colony) it’s clear that this country has racist roots and will continue to be a racist place until we have the courage as a nation to have real conversations about race. What will it take for us to get there?

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We need more than intentions or targets to improve Indigenous student participation in university. There is so much debate and policy discussions to improve Indigenous participation through uncapped places for all Indigenous Australians, irrespective of their postcode. But this is not the first time there have been plans to boost Indigenous enrolment at university. Preparing Indigenous Australian students for university needs to involve recognising and valuing different pathways into higher education. This should include recognising work experience and preparatory programs and participation in pre-university experiences and courses. It also needs to include mentorships, career counselling and work experience in high school. Once students are enrolled, universities need to provide support to Indigenous students throughout their studies. Like including culturally responsive approaches to teaching, access to support services, and nurturing a sense of belonging on campus. Policy changes are only one small part of a larger picture. The whole education sector needs to do more. #education #highered #inclusion

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Capping student places - domestic and international - may not be the best way to achieve Australian government objectives. Getting to 80% tertiary-qualified in the workforce vs capped places? These reforms will also have a significant impact on Australia’s educational quality - as universities are also being discouraged from failing low-SES students who have the highest dropout rate and yet who now will have uncapped places. Confused? Labor’s student cap plan lashed as ‘convoluted’ https://lnkd.in/g6FJs8SY

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When it comes to employee experience, designing onboarding usually takes priority as a starting point. However, in the current market we're seeing people having to turn focus to their offboarding experience. Check out my recent article on how to design your offboarding experience with intention

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As researchers, we often find ourselves overthinking the writing process, letting doubts and fears hold us back. At RMIT University, we've embraced the 'Shut Up and Write' approach—a simple yet effective method to overcome the hesitation and just get words on the page. It's a reminder that the first step is to start writing; refinement comes later. To all fellow researchers and students: let's silence the inner critic, stop overanalysing, and just write!

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Here’s the recent interview I did for LMD - Media Services (Private) Limited International Magazine for their first anniversary edition. Reflecting on the questions, I realized just how much my life has changed over the past three years. I used to be a street fighter, hustling in my venture with a fierce determination to bring about economic prosperity. But as I embraced motherhood and immersed myself in philosophy, my worldview began to shift profoundly. These changes have opened my heart in ways I never imagined, and my readings on philosophy have deepened my understanding of the world. This journey has made me more empathetic, and I now see the urgent need for compassionate actions. I am committed to turning my research, readings, and learnings into real, meaningful actions that can make a difference. Along the way, I have also come to deeply respect and value our rich cultural heritage, which grounds and guides my efforts. I’m a storyteller and a researcher, I aim to use my skills to engage and inspire audiences on critical topics. I am excited to share my new initiatives, Dvolve, where I will continue this journey of empathy and action. Stay tuned as I strive to make a positive impact on our world, honouring our past while forging a sustainable future. #LMDInternational #Climateaction #empathy #reflection #storyteller #research #culturalheritage https://lnkd.in/ghXzhGah

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Interested in AI and images? Come attend or present at this free symposium I'm running in Sydney in November 😃 Image or art: a symposium on GenAI and the history and future of visual culture Saturday, 23 November 2024 The rise of increasingly sophisticated and easily accessible AI image generators such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and others in the last few years has caused much controversy. Concerns have been raised about copyright and ownership, as well as the biases and stereotyping that such images rest upon and perpetuate. Artists have filed lawsuits or incorporated GenAI into their practice. Galleries have replaced works on loan with AI-generated examples, AI-generated images have won prizes, and art competitions have both banned and made categories for them. Before it even became widely available, scholars have called the use of AI in the study of art history as its ‘zombification’ (Hassine & Neeman 2019), and, more recently, developed axioms for its careful and critical use (Drimmer & Nygren 2023). Others have begun to theorise the images themselves in terms of aesthetics and the sublime (eg. Denson 2023; Young 2019). This symposium seeks to explore this emerging corpus of visual culture from different perspectives. 15–20-minute papers are invited which engage with topics such as: What is the relationship of GenAI images and digital art? Is using GenAI for creating art a form of collaboration and what does this mean for the definition of artistic practice? How should GenAI images be curated in galleries, museums, and online? Text prompts vs. ekphrasis What is the place of GenAI images in contemporary visual cultures? Is there a place for GenAI images in a history of art? Please submit a 200-word abstract and a 100-word author bio by: Tuesday, 22 October to alina.kozlovski@une.edu.au This event will be held in person at the University of New England, Sydney campus at Parramatta. This symposium is supported by Strategic Initiative funding in the Department of Archaeology, Classics, and History at the University of New England. The prompt for the pic was: 'cat making cat images with AI'

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When is open not enough? I'll be part of a panel tomorrow organised by Open Access Australasia discussing how open can be used to create inclusive communities, focusing on when it falls short, and offering some strategies. I'm looking forward to hearing from my fellow panellists, there is a great line-up from across the sector. Open and Accessible: When open isn’t enough. https://lnkd.in/griRdbvh Open access is more than just sharing information; it’s a powerful tool for building communities. By removing barriers to knowledge and participation, open access can help make our communities more diverse, equitable, and accessible to all. This panel will explore how open access practices can foster a sense of belonging and empower individuals from all backgrounds. --Teresa Schultz, Associate Professor, Scholarly Communications and Social Sciences Librarian, University of Nevada. --Elena Azadbakht, Associate Professor, Health Sciences Librarian, University of Nevada. --Adrian Stagg, Manager, Open Educational Practice, University of Southern Queensland. --Ash Barber, Academic Librarian, Creator of EmpoweredOER, University of South Australia & CAUL. --Mais Fatayer, LX.Design Manager, Learning Design and Technology Unit, Education Portfolio, University of Technology Sydney. #openeducation #OER #OEP #OpenAccess #opentextbooks

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