Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of profiles on the instructors at Camosun College. This issue, we talked to Camosun prof Helen Lansdowne about keeping engaged, being technologically inept, and concern over the future of post-secondary.
1. What do you teach at Camosun?
I teach Asian studies, gender studies, and one course in sociology.
2. What do you get out of teaching?
Teaching keeps me engaged with ideas and the world around me, including the ideas of my students.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
That I’m in love with learning, particularly learning about the world outside of where I live.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
That I am technologically inept—although I think probably a few of my students are well aware of my failings in that area.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
When students get turned on to the subject that we’re discussing and want to pursue it further.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
The cutting of several of my courses due to budget cuts.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
I see technology taking over, and the actual old-fashioned way of sharing ideas and engaging in intellectual conversations face to face will be compromised. It worries me, as I’m a great believer in the Socratic method of learning.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I go up to my home on Gabriola Island and spend time hiking, gardening, reading, and eating.
9. What is your favourite meal?
Italian pasta or Thai curry or French cheeses… too many favourites.
10. Your biggest pet peeve?
Drivers who don’t give cyclists the time of day; I ride to work every day and believe that everyone should share the road.