Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

If you claim to have proof, then you are obligated to share it.

IT professionals often say "that's the way we do it." At least they have a reason as the IT they add often depends on the IT they have.

So many things that occupy our time in education are red herrings.

I started working at the supermarket in 1981. Guess what the assistant manager said to me. Yup, “I’m glad you came. No one wants to work anymore.” Now those people who didn't want to work have spent the past few decades complaining "no one wants to work anymore."

I don’t disagree that devices are a significant source of students being disengaged in school. Split attention, FOMO, the rewards they give. Yes, they are all real effects. I taught long before these devices arrived. Students were disengaged back then too.

“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.

“I don’t believe in x,” where x is a well-documented phenomenon is not a sign of strength.

It’s strange that so many “smart” people don’t realize diverse groups make better decisions.

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

I’ve recently challenged one of those leaders who creates a toxic culture with their incessant snarky and critical comments. I’m convinced they honestly see the comments as helpful.

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.

So, machine learning is based on training data and answers we provide it. The technology finds the relationships. This seems a perfect situation to realize GIGO.

Many teachers believe they were great from the start, and they can point to the fact they’ve never updated a lesson as proof.

I base almost all decisions on the assumption I’m working with incomplete information, so I expect to be wrong frequently.

In schools, I have seen narcissistic cliques among adults for decades. They always turn on each other in time. It’s funny, until you realize they are educators.

Just because you have an opinion does not mean I’m obligated to give it serious consideration… especially if I am an educator.

“Continuous improvement” is based on the idea that we knew what we needed when we started and the system was the path to it. “Design” is based on the idea that we evaluate our goals and the systems as we “improve.”

It isn’t “unfairness” that I cause my to ignore your quacky ideas, it’s “reason.”

I can respect your right to an opinion while disregarding your opinion.