Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

One thing I learned during 30 years as a teacher: some learning can be “accelerated,” some cannot. Awareness can be accelerated almost always, but awareness isn’t really what we should be after.

The goal of deeper learning? Students who more clearly understand the curriculum and are more able to transfer skills and knowledge to different situations. #TransferableSkills #teaching #education #edchat

New information technologies (including hardware and software) emerge very quickly compared to the periodicity of schools. This rapid change requires teachers to adopt and adapt to these technologies constantly. #edtech

Which #edtech tools get used? Teachers are more likely to use technologies that are easier to use than existing technologies. Simplicity drives adoption!

When selecting tools, teachers favor technologies that are more effective than existing technologies. Effectiveness is a key factor in successful integration of new technology.

Because new technologies appear several times during a typical school year, teachers are under constant pressure to adopt and adapt. This highlights the ongoing need for educator support. #Teaching

A blog post, now with audio, describing characteristics of #edtech that are likely to be used:
https://hackscience.education/2018/11/26/which-edtech-tools-get-used/

A post on cloud computing, intended for those preparing for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam:
https://hackscience.education/2025/09/20/cloud-computing/

A post for students in one of my classes:
https://hackscience.education/2025/09/20/the-linux-operating-system/

"Our curriculum is not political."

Yeah, actually it is... it should be... it must be.

Grading schemes... the games students play to get grades... that's what they really learn!

"There are misconceptions about grades and what they really tell us."

Ya think?

Relevance... its not just for adult learners.

I don’t care what the research says, I’m more productive when my office is filled with Bach.

“It’s not like it was when I was younger.”

This isn’t the string evidence you think it is.

I’m at the age at which I most value even-keeled colleagues and supervisors. Let’s improve where we are and what we do everyday. Let’s put bad days into a larger context and not bully ourselves over situations over which we likely had no control.

Is everyone safe?
Are all actions legal?
Is everyone getting paid?

If the answer is “yes” to all. Then it’s a minor technology problem.

I worked with manufacturing faculty for several years during which I came to understand how they conceptualize and achieve quality.

Educators: Please do not use their language or emulate their practices.

What they are doing is much different that what you are doing. #edchat

Great data. How do you know it’s valid?

Let’s all start asking “data-driven” folks this question.

Why are you using that technology and not another?