Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

I believe one reason conspiracy theories are so rampant is the fun folks get in creating stories.

It is sad that folks are offended by accurate observations.

When one becomes a good critical thinker, they become dangerous in the eyes of many.

I’m increasingly convinced education’s response to generative AI must focus on convincing students that *the skills they hone* are more valuable than the outcomes they achieve. This will require a monumental mind shift in the field.

“I don’t believe in science because they keep changing facts.” Yes it does. That’s the whole point. Be careful, however, because many of the surprising discoveries reported in the news are later rejected. Again, that’s what it’s designed to do.

“If Learning is so natural, why go to school?” I’m not sure educators should ask that question. They may not like the answer.

OK seriously... folks tell me they save time using AI to write emails. I ask them why they don't use templates as they are even quicker than AI. The most common response is "what is a template?"

I told a leader once what my goal was in the organization. She said, “it’s not going to happen here.” I thought she was telling me she wouldn’t allow it. I realize she was warning me about the culture.

Self-directed learning does not mean no role for the teacher.

Someone needs to hear this right now: If you are muted in a Zoom meeting, it's because *you did not unmute yourself.*

An acquaintance interviewed for a position where I work. Part of the process was a open forum. He rejected the offer and told me the primary reason was the toxicity he sensed during the open forum.

Hey IT users: if you refuse to follow IT's recommendations, you cant complain technology doesn't work.

One thing I learned during 35+ yeas in education: What students think they can do is more predictive than what their tests scores are.

Try substituting deliverables that folks outside your classroom would find useful for you typical classroom projects. Students' attention changes.

“AI is going to make curriculum no linear and customizable.” Yeah… it’s not linear in the best classrooms and we’ve heard that before.

Education is one of the few fields where everyone has years of experience, thus they are experts.

#edtech for #edleaders: Internet-only Operating Systems
https://hackscience.education/2019/02/12/edtech-for-edleaders-internet-only-operating-systems/

“Students should learn to thrive in curiosity.”

I can’t argue against that.

Teaching how to think includes practicing empathy. The conclusions we draw when empathetic are often conflated with teaching what to think.

There’s fiction and non-fiction, then there are those books written by experts who provide no examples or supporting references.