Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

What We Can Learn from George
https://hackscience.education/2019/10/16/what-we-can-learn-from-george/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

The more experience students have in laboratories, workshops, studios, and similar spaces, the better their education.

While “struggle” is a necessary component of learning, too much leads to frustration which inhibits learning.

Thinking About Jerome Bruner Again
https://hackscience.education/2019/10/10/thinking-about-jerome-bruner-again/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

“We haven’t been able to do it, but AI can.”

This seems a dangerous attitude.

If an adult is controlling it all, then learning is not happening.

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Remember that when using data.

Just because you’ve made lots of money you are not an expert on what schools should do.

Some terms demonstrate you lack understanding. “AI-induced natural selection” is an example.

It’s possible to improve test scores without improving capacity for students to understand and use the knowledge tested.

Importance and ease of measurement are almost always inversely proportional.

“Let’s have AI vet search results.” Sure. There isno chance that could go wrong.

Remember when everyone freaked out that Channel One wanted to show commercials in schools. Now, everyone pulls up YouTube regularly.

Conspiracies are real, but not every event is the result of one.

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
― Carl Sagan

In the decades I have work in schools have taught me anything it is that learning requires effort. Teachers' first job is to motivate and nurture curiosity.

I taught middle school for years. I am very familiar with the rantings of folks who did not do the reading and are just trying to sound like they know what they are talking about.

How is this for a business plan?
Write a test and convince folks it means something.
Sell a curriculum that "prepares students for the test."
Have them pay to administer the test.
Ensure students fail the test.
Sell "improved" curriculum.

Truisms. Most of them are false.

I changed my ISP. My connection goes out for about 6 hours every afternoon. I seriously think I should get to deduct 25% from my bill and I should be paid for the time I troubleshoot it. Yes, I know, folks would game the system, but it really ticks me off.