Lauran Kerr-Heraly, Ph.D. | Altering Course

Inaugural class earning the Foundations of Making digital badge. My history students conducted research then worked with the West Houston Institute to create an artifact in the IdeaStudio maker space.

#EduSky

At the Houston Community College "Faculty Forward" conference last Friday with a full panel of faculty as we discussed a variety of Co-Curricular Initiatives we are engaged with system-wide, including Civic Engagement, Reading Culture, and Back to the Foodture.

#communitycollege #highered

Historians Defend the National Endowment for the Humanities and American Public Culture - AHA The AHA has released a statement condemning the evisceration of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The AHA has released a statement condemning the evisceration of the National Endowment for the Humanities. “This frontal attack on the nation’s public culture is unpatriotic, anti-American, and unjustified.” 🗃️

YouTube video by Paramount Plus I Love Lucy | Lucy And Ethel At The Chocolate Factory (S2, E1) | Paramount+

I've been showing this clip during my 1950s unit for years, and it always kills. Literally one student had heard of I Love Lucy before today. Every single one laughed.

youtu.be/AnHiAWlrYQc

#EduSky #Skystorians

Took my classes into the #makerspace on my campus to learn how to use laser cutting and 3-D printing machines. They will be creating artifacts based on their historical research.

#EduSky

The ten minutes between classes can be the most taxing. It's when students get the bravery to tell you what's going on with them. You have to listen, support them, maintain boundaries, and get yourself together for the next lesson.

#EduSky

Being present in my work is much easier when I *actually* take a break during spring break.

HCCTV Up To The Minute: February 24, 2025 YouTube video by Houston Community College

New interview on HCC TV. I talk about starting our medical humanities badge, being a public historian, and continuing innovative projects.

www.youtube.com/live/Ftw5PCA...

Ooh cool! I made some "I voted" buttons for students who voted for the first time in the general election. Lasts longer than a sticker!

Comparing early drafts of the Declaration of Independence as well as translations to understand the evolution of and reactions to the document.

#skystorians #edusky

Thanks to the Texas Medical Center Library for hosting me today to share my research on the history of Black physicians and hospitals in Houston.

#blackhistorymonth

YouTube video by Houston Community College Explore the past and shape the future with the HCC History program #houstoncommunitycollege #shorts

A fun reel Houston Community College made about my history course.

youtube.com/shorts/3q0HI...

AHA–OAH Statement on Executive Order “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooling” The American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians (OAH) have released a joint statement on the presidential executive order “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooli...

The AHA & the @oah.org have released a joint statement on the presidential executive order “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooling.” “We reject the premise that it is ‘anti-American’ or ‘subversive’ to learn the full history of the United States.” 🗃️

Looking through historic menus on the @nypl.bsky.social site in my U. S. History food emphasis class. Students always enjoy that!

#EduSky

Happy #communitycollegeday from this former CC student and current CC prof.

Teaching with Integrity: Historians Speak - AHA Teaching with Integrity: Historians Speak This video features seven historians describing how exploring America's past honestly in the classroom benefits the nation's students, and how the freedom to ...

"Seven historians [describe] how exploring America's past honestly in the classroom benefits the nation's students, and how the freedom to learn also strengthens our shared democracy."

www.historians.org/why-history-...

Taking a few minutes in class today to show students how to use their textbook. I never assume they know how to do this (even in college). And everyone learns a good strategy or two regardless.

#EduSky

I told my classes today that whatever their identity or immigration status, they are welcome and to consider me a safe source.

Some cried.

Students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe.

#EduSky

Must Know Monday and How it Improves Academic Performance Discover how "Must-Know Monday" transforms student engagement and performance in community college. This weekly initiative provides essential updates, fosters connections, and enhances organization, e...

"Must-Know Monday" is a weekly initiative designed to enhance communication and support my students in managing their coursework, jobs, and personal responsibilities. Read on for how to easily implement it.

#EduSky #onlineteaching

www.alteringcourse.com/blog/must-kn...

Yes! They keep me in touch with new stuff!

Students create a music playlist for each class by adding songs they like.

I have heard of zero of these songs.

#EduSky

Second day slump:

When you are so excited and energetic during the first day of classes but you're exhausted on the second and things don't go as you planned.

#EduSky

Twist on an icebreaker:

Say “I’m probably the only one in the room who…” then tell a unique fact about yourself. See if anyone shares it. Move on to someone else.

A new student showed me this drawing they did of me. Another brought me a cupcake. Good first day of class.

#EduSky

Remembering to start every message with "welcome to the class!" even when students launch into a complaint or issue right away. It's part of tone-setting and modeling.

#EduSky

Prepping for the start of the semester. I've aligned each week with an #executivefunction skill so that I can integrate them without changing my course structure or lesson plans.

#EduSky

Stressed? Writing down a to-do list might help If you find it hard to get to sleep, then a solution might be at hand – a pen and paper.

This is what I'm always saying to students. If it's not written down, it's vague and your brain will respond with anxiety instead of accountability.

#communitycollege #professorlife #teacherhacks

www.bbc.com/future/artic...

Did I go to a history conference and spend a free evening attending a Broadway musical about woman suffrage with other historians?

Obviously.

Hey #AHA25, want to talk pedagogy, micro-badging, executive function, podcasting or book publishing? Let’s meet up!

Instead of resolutions I set intentions, choosing a value to focus on. I encourage students to do the same at the start of term.

My 2025 word is “recognition”. What’s yours?