Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

Humans have a long history with technology. It is reasonable to conclude that humans and their technologies cannot be separated. Without our tools, our species would not have become the Earth-altering species we have become.

I'm amazed at the number of folks who think surveys are the best way to measure everything.

"Hey, let's disaggregate the data into groups so small we can all figure out who the respondents are."

Leaders: Here is some data that will not help you. Plan how you can improve your performance.
Workers: Um... it really can't it is very much removed from our work and goals.
Later...
Leaders: Can you explain why we don't see any improvements in these data? We asked you how to fix it, and you didn't.

We always assume we are certain of the goal. That is a mistake.

“The central purpose of technologies has not been to provide necessities, such as food and shelter, for humans had achieved these goals very early in their existence.” -David Nye

Spend as much time thinking about what might go wrong as you spend thinking about what might "will" right.

"No other technology ever took over every job."
But there is always a first time.

"AI won't take over the world."

But maybe we should think about the possibility... becasue it is... you know... a possibility.

In Western cultures, the history of education is marked by a differentiation between everyday experiences and the explanations and language used in schools.

Whch of your problem are tame? Which are wicked? Once you recognize them, you can start addressing them.

Hey IT users: "The thing broke again" doesn't really help us.

we are at that time of the year when the "it's in the syllabus" crowd are sending email asking how to do the things in the "course set up guide" they all received a week ago.

Educational reform in the last several decades has been horizontal as schools commonly jump from one initiative to another with little reason.

In cultures with primary orality, formal education is offered through apprenticeships. Through these educational systems, young people learn the skills, knowledge, activities, and interactions that are necessary for participation in complex endeavors.

What exactly do we mean by "learning?"

If you can't adapt to new situations, you missed and essential part of your education.

All of those benefits your predict... many won't happen... and many problems you never thought of will affect your success as welll.

“Yes, remembering information is important, but if your students only remember what you tell them to, they will be poorly prepared for their future.”

Imagine education that emphasizes complex problem solving which requires learners to apply what they have learned in unfamiliar situations.