Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

The fact that science changes its mind is exactly why we should follow its advice.

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
― Isaac Asimov

"If the curriculum is “too easy” or “too hard,” students pay little attention and make little progress. When the curriculum is “just right,” students “get it.”

Political problems are resolved by debate and discussion and, frequently, compromise. Political discussion and debate can be driven entirely by opinion; no participant is compelled to be accurate in the arguments being made and any interpretation of evidence is permitted.

Most "data-driven" leaders are really engaged in political argumentation .

For generations, a fundamental purpose of schools has been to give students experience using the dominant information technology and data sources. When we ban the emergent technologies (most recently this is AI), we are ignoring this important role.

An Experiment with AI https://hackscience.education/2024/10/06/an-experiment-with-ai/

Just because a digital device is observed as part of the lesson, that does not mean that it is being used to affect students’ understanding.

What if technology is helping us do things that don't matter?

One thing I learned during 30 years using, teaching, managing, researching technology... it rarely has the effects you predict.

I paid to attend a conference this fall. Virtual conference and in-person for one price. Turns out, I can't attend the in-person and most of the virtual presenters are not showing up. Guess who won't pay an attendance fee (virtual or in-person) next year.

My professional organization used a new platform to host their conference program this year. it was terrible.

The reason I don't use AI to improve my writing of, say, emails is that no one would believe it came from me were there no typos.

Every group of students is unique, and lessons don’t transfer in the way teachers believe .

The most flawed educational proposals proceed from the position that education is an engineering problem, thus we can build educational systems can be built to create systems that produce measurable achievement reliably.

“Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.”
― Eric Hoffer

“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
― Eric Hoffer

"I can't explain it" doesn't prove it can't be. I just means *you* can't explain it. It might be that you are not be that smart.

The more diverse your team, the better your decisions.

“Fire is an external stomach” sure makes sense.

The smartest people ask the best questions.