I started my journey into academic blogging at Penn State University in 2011. I was participating in the Teaching with Technology Certificate program, and one of the requirements was to blog during the program about educational technology. I enjoyed writing and posting on my PSU site so much, that I continued to do so after completing the certificate.

Fast-forward to 2013, when the American Geophysical Union (AGU), an international organization for earth and space scientists, invited me to join their online community (the “Blogosphere”) as their solo geoscience education blogger. From May 2014 through December 2023, GeoEd Trek was where I blogged about pedagogy, educational technology, and science communication. I authored >400 posts and received 28,000-40,000+ page views each year.

The AGU Blogosphere closed at the end of 2023. I am very appreciative of the time I had blogging for AGU and the amazing connections I was able to make, as well as the opportunities to share my blogging experiences. Not wanting to lose the years of work writing these posts and documenting classroom innovations, conference connections, and more, I worked with AGU to move GeoEd Trek over to this site. All of the blog entries are now archived here.

The following are the posts within the top 25 number of page views during my time on the AGU Blogosphere. I am happy that these posts have made an impact with readers. Again, these posts and all of the ones that appeared on the original GeoEd Trek are available at this site (https://geoedtrek.org/) – I encourage you to explore!

Posts on pedagogical approaches and classroom practices

• Pronouns in the classroom… to ask, or not to ask, and how to ask
• Graphic syllabus and outcomes map – new additions to your fall syllabus?
• Student collaborative note taking during lecture – encourage or discourage?
• Are you looking for a CURE? (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience)

Posts on diversity, equity, and inclusion

• What it means to students when you can pronounce their names – and when you can’t
• Online is a good time to start calling the “office hour” by another name
• To adopt or not adopt a textbook
• Check for gender bias in letters of recommendation

Posts on faculty development, mentoring, and issues in higher education

• Teaching with technology philosophy statement
• What does it mean to be a “Fellow” of a professional organization?
• My year as Faculty Senate Chair: reflection and suggestions
• Advocacy and activism – what they mean, why they matter