Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)
Date: September, 2025.
Length: Approx. 50 min.
Theme: Distance, learning, storytelling, and a dash of archaeology
Julie and Jim in Oxford, UK. July 2025
Episode Summary
Welcome to the very first episode of Distant Yarnings! In this debut, Julie and Jim introduce the heart of their podcast — built around “yarning” (the art of meaningful, narrative-rich conversation) and the many meanings of “distance” in modern education.
“It’s not about being physically present — it’s about bridging the distance between where you are and what you want to learn.”
Tune in as Julie and Jim explore:
- The history and cultural depth of the word yarning in Australia and the UK
- The ever-evolving landscape of online learning and student engagement
- The personal and systemic challenges of distance education, including accessibility, regulation, and motivation
- Whether assessments still serve us — and if learning can be more meaningful without them
- Why passion projects (like archaeology and rose gardening!) matter just as much as formal study
There’s also plenty of reflection on universal design, asynchronous learning, AI in education, and how students’ needs – and reasons for showing up – are more complex than ever.
Also: Animal intruders, Cyberpunk-themed gaming chairs, and what digging (literally) can teach us about learning.
Resources & Mentions
- The Tyranny of Distance by Geoffrey Blainey
- Beyond Blended Guide (JISC, UK)
- University of Southern Queensland (Australia)
- University of Northampton (UK)
- Constructing Modern Knowledge (Italy-based conference in 2025)
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Reggio Emilia approach to education
What’s Next?
In future episodes, Julie and Jim will explore student voice, asynchronous design, micro-credentials, academic freedom, and what happens when universities prioritize outcomes over discovery.
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