Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

Style guides are collection of rules for standardizing writing so it is easier to understand (we avoid the hassle of inferring the authors' meaning). They play an important role in certain types of writing.

Curriculum should challenge and necessitate hard work without overwhelming learners. Curriculum that is too easy is generally perceived to be boring, and curriculum that is too complex is perceived to be incomprehensible.

Learners must find an emotional connection to what is being studied. Humans attend to novelty and to that which are judged to be relevant by our emotions. Without emotional connection, we don't care, we don't pay attention, we don't learn.

Learning is an inherently social activity. Although reflection is an essential part of education, and learners must internalize knowledge, human brains are adapted for social interaction and they learn well while participating in social groups.

Students must be active. The word “active” in active learning is a cognitive activity as much as a physical activity. Students must participate in the learning, including self-regulation (deciding what and how to study as well as assessing their understanding).

Sound conclusions are based on multiple data sources. If you use only one measure, your conclusuons are not to be trusted.

Research seeks to answer a question. If you don't start with one, you aren't going to get very far.

“Socially and economically disadvantaged students are more likely to have uncertified teachers.” Is anyone surprised?

If it’s not in the textbook, it’s not taught. Sad reality.

Some Technology Decisions are Permanent in Schools https://hackscience.education/2023/12/31/some-technology-decisions-are-permanent-in-schools/

Schools tend to be very localized technology environments. Budgetary limits, the expertise of local personal, and the overall leadership structure of schools influence the infrastructure found in schools.

""Every technical hierarchy, in time, develops a competence inversion." Putt's Corollary is always true. When leaders and managers recognize it, they can minimize the damage, but they rarely have that insight,.

I recently learned or the passing of someone I though was long dead... such is life in your late 50's.

I miss HyperCard.

A librarian and I once found a 25-year old Oregon Trail CD. we were surprised to find it worked when we installed it. The middle school English teacher was excited to use it in here classes!

If you “know” the answer, you are a careless observer and thinker.

If your idea lacks a causal mechanism, they are not worth others’ attention.

A good theory will help you learn more.

Remembering. Understanding. Discovering. All have a place in curriculum.

Understanding is grounded in knowing when your generalizations will fail.