Some people have asked me some questions about my odd looking photo as a profile picture. Actually, with a bit of background, you'll find that - while the context is unusual - it's not odd at all.
For many years, the OU held Residential Schools - an opportunity for students to get together and actually spend a week working on projects related to their subject, normally attached specifically to one (or more) modules. This is generally an amazing opportunity for students to meet each other and engage in things like research projects, interaction with professionals in their (and wider fields) and attend special lectures. It is with great sadness that the Open University has decided to move away from running these Residential Schools to be replaced with what is called ALEs (Alternative Learning Experiences) run through Moodle (the OU's adopted Virtual Learning Environment) which is a different kettle of fish*
Now, let's get to the question of why I'm standing in front of a slide projector in a toga.
The 'principle' of the Pyjama Lecture is simple - students and staff alike dress in their pyjamas. I didn't dress in pyjamas, I'll not explain why, so instead I gathered up my bedsheets and produced - a toga of impressive quality (the London College of Fashion, where I'm also appointed, would be proud, I'm sure!).
Students reacted well to the pyjama brief, and came in a range of assorted nightwear. The other lecturers didn't dress in anything (anything, that is, relating to the pyjama theme) - thanks for the show of solidarity guys..
A beautifully designed unofficial poster (created by psychologist Jason Wilson)
The thing that might not be obvious from the initial introduction, and the cartoon like frog advertising the thing, however, is that this lecture is supposed to be utterly serious. I can't be sure of those from previous years, but certainly mine was.
It was for an audience of third year psychology students, looking a human factors and ergonomics in relation to errors and violations in a range of industries based on our understanding of cognition, affect and conation. An interactive discussion followed, looking at the range of acts of omission and commission, from case studies as high tech as nuclear power plant operators being unable to determine what was really happening in the lead up to Chernobyl, to doctors administering intravenous medicines rectally*
I would like to think the huge enthusiasm shown by the students was a reflection of my compelling and charismatic approach to engaging people on a topic area that I found fascinating: which I almost always find when teaching OU students - especially at Residential Schools. But my cause was somewhat helped by the lecture being held on licenced premises, wrapped in a quilt which for most of the lecture seemed to be close to falling apart.
Maybe next time, I'll take the risk, and see whether they like what I'm saying without alcohol, and wearing clothes...
* so seriously in fact, that similar content used for the hour-long (pyjama) lecture, was developed subsequently by me and is now used as the basis for all undergraduate medical teaching at University College, London.