by Benjamin Chong, University of Leeds, UK.
Reading Meraki, the University of Leeds’ first open Pressbook, was a deeply personal and transformative experience. Initially set aside due to other commitments, the book eventually drew me in with its unique blend of creativity, authenticity, and relevance. Each section resonated with my own experiences as an educator and lifelong learner, prompting a rich process of reflection.
The book’s innovative features, like the AI Meraki Podcast, immediately stood out. It inspired me to consider embedding similar podcast-style introductions into my own teaching materials. A poem at the beginning felt like a creative map, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
One section mirrored my current work with unpaid internships, affirming my belief in structured, meaningful learning experiences. It also highlighted the importance of guided choice, likening unstructured freedom to fireworks – beautiful but potentially dangerous without care.
Another part’s message on embracing mistakes was both comforting and empowering. It reminded me of the advice I give my students and how I, too, need that same reassurance. The emphasis on conversation over grades reinforced my commitment to building strong, human connections with students – even in large classes.
The book explored the evolving role of technology and assessment. I resonated with the idea of being a multimodal learner and educator, embracing GenAI as a tool to enhance creativity and engagement. These insights challenged me to rethink traditional assessments and explore more diverse, meaningful formats.
Later sections prompted a deeper examination of reflective practice and the ethical use of GenAI. A personal experience with criticism over AI-generated images echoed the themes of transparency and resilience. I was reminded that ethical, thoughtful use of GenAI should be celebrated, not feared.
The final reflections emphasised community, collaboration, and the power of sharing. A metaphor of tomatoes ripening at different stages beautifully captured the diversity of our learning journeys. The closing thoughts reaffirmed my belief in the value of co-reflection and collective growth.
This journey through Meraki has been more than just an academic exercise – it has been a mirror, a guide, and a source of inspiration. It validated many of my current practices while challenging me to grow further. The book’s themes of creativity, reflection, and ethical innovation align closely with my own values as an educator.
It also reminded me of the importance of vulnerability and openness. Sharing my reflections, embracing imperfection, and learning from others are not just beneficial – they are essential. The book’s collaborative spirit has reignited my passion for reflective practice and reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education.
Moving forward, I am committed to deepening my reflective practice and fostering more meaningful connections with students and colleagues. I plan to:
- Integrate podcast-style introductions into my teaching materials.
- Continue offering flexible, guided learning experiences like internships.
- Rethink assessment strategies to include more diverse and engaging formats.
- Encourage ethical, creative use of genAI in both teaching and learning.
- Promote co-reflection as a regular practice among peers and students.
Most importantly, I will give myself the time and space to reflect – just as I have done through this review. Meraki has reminded me that learning is a shared journey, and by embracing creativity, connection, and reflection, we can all grow together.
To the contributors of Meraki: thank you for your generosity and insight. Your work has sparked not only reflection but also action.
Author
Dr Ben Chong is an FHEA and Lecturer in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds and Academic Lead for Reflective Practice.
Passionate about authentic, tech-enhanced learning, he blends industry insight with innovative pedagogy to empower students through reflective practice, creativity, and real-world application.
Meraki was published by the University of Leeds Open Books , a library-led diamond open access publishing service launched in January 2025. The initiative began with a funding call inviting University educators to develop open textbooks. Grant recipients were joined by other passionate authors through the Libraries Open Book Programme—a series of workshops, guidance, and one-to-one support designed to help authors bring their ideas to life. All contributors are committed to sharing their work openly, ensuring free and unrestricted access – Open Education in action!
This service empowers authors by making it easy to publish high-quality, accessible books. Using the Pressbooks platform, authors can write, edit, format, and export their work in multiple formats—including EPUB—while ensuring proper metadata and attribution.
