'Learning in a Time of Abundance' (Chpt 3: How Abundance is a Problem for Learning)

The EdTechWeekly gang continues its discussion of Dave's new book, Learning in a Time of Abundance. 
This week: Chapter  - How Abundance is a Problem for Learning

Audio Recording     Transcript

We continue the conversation next week.
June 3, 2300 UTC (7pm EDT)
Global Times

Links Mentioned

Sections (as determined and not-so-accurately described by Zoom's AI)

Summary


The team discussed the challenges and potential solutions in education, focusing on information abundance, decision-making, and the integration of AI. They also explored the transformative impact of social media, the concept of expertise, and the pursuit of reliable information, particularly in the context of solar panel sales. Additionally, they shared personal updates, discussed future plans, and addressed some technical issues related to server maintenance.

Exploring Knowledge Timeliness and Problem-Solving Processes

Jeff, Dave, John, and Jennifer discussed the role of knowledge timeliness and problem-solving processes in education. Dave presented an article from 1958, highlighting the evolution of problem-solving and the influence of early computer models. The group debated the value of intuition versus data-driven decision making in education, with Dave arguing intuition could provide valuable insights, but Jeff suggesting it may result in confirmation bias. John questioned whether relying solely on computational methods could eliminate the potential for intuitive solutions, and the group agreed to continue exploring this topic.

Challenges and Solutions in K-12 Education (From 13:29)

Dave discussed the challenges faced by K-12 teachers in Canada in keeping up with changing issues and language, specifically in the context of removing barriers for trans kids. Jennifer emphasized the need for educators to be comfortable with uncertainty and decision-making, and to persist despite the challenges. Jeff highlighted the shift from content-focused teaching to a more student-centric approach. Dave advocated for demonstrating expertise through live activities in class, such as conducting research and presenting findings. The team also discussed the integration of AI in the classroom and the need for adaptability in assignments.


Challenges in Education System and Teacher Motivation (From 19:31)

Dave highlighted the challenges of implementing changes in the education system, particularly in higher education and K-12, due to the lack of job security and control over curriculum. He mentioned an activity involving teachers researching different ways to conduct their work, highlighting potential biases and the importance of understanding these. John added to this by expressing the sentiment of teachers feeling trapped and sharing his concerns about the emphasis on standardized testing and its impact on student motivation. He also highlighted the emotional attachment students have to their teachers and the end of the school year.


AI Integration and Education Reform (From 22:59)

Jeff, Jennifer, John, and Dave discussed the integration and regulation of AI in education. Jeff uses AI to assist his students' writing and requires them to produce both unassisted and optimized drafts. John emphasized that teachers must determine when AI is acceptable and when it's not, based on factors like age, instructional objectives, and assignment type. Dave highlighted the importance of research skills and questioned the focus on essay writing in schools. They all expressed concern about the current education system's emphasis on standardized testing and admissions based on test scores. The conversation ended with Jeff suggesting a pause to discuss positive changes.

Exploring Knowledge Timeliness and Problem-Solving Processes (From 30:23)

Jeff, Dave, John, and Jennifer discussed the role of knowledge timeliness and problem-solving processes in education. Dave presented an article from 1958, highlighting the evolution of problem-solving and the influence of early computer models. The group debated the value of intuition versus data-driven decision making in education, with Dave arguing intuition could provide valuable insights, but Jeff suggesting it may result in confirmation bias. John questioned whether relying solely on computational methods could eliminate the potential for intuitive solutions, and the group agreed to continue exploring this topic.

Social Media's Impact on Communities and Individuals (From 35:15)

Participants discussed the transformative impact of social media on communities and individuals. Dave outlined the shift from live posting to curated and stylized content, attributing this trend to the "snapchatification" of social media. Jennifer raised concerns about the need for persistence and potential for self-censorship. Dave and others deliberated about the placement of a certain segment in their book, highlighting the implications of abundance and visibility. The evolving culture of social media was discussed, including the rise of 'rage culture', the monetary value placed on clicks, and the changes in information-sharing methods. The conversation ended with contributions from John and Jeff, emphasizing the exclusivity and storytelling aspects of social media.

Expertise, Community, and Decision-Making (From 40:43)

Jennifer and Dave discussed the concept of expertise and the value of putting oneself out as an expert in a field. Dave expressed concerns about how individuals, who are not experts, can navigate and make decisions in fields they're not familiar with, such as science. Jeff then shared his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of community in decision-making, comparing it to the old days when people trusted their local communities for advice. Dave and John further discussed their own reliance on 'online Mildreds' and 'Marthas' for various skills and knowledge.

Dave's Solar Panel and Electric Car Inquiry (From 44:20)

Dave expressed his relentless pursuit to determine the feasibility of installing solar panels on his house and charging an electric car with them. He highlighted his struggle to find reliable information on the topic, which often resulted in conflicting answers from various online sources. Jeff and John proposed that the difficulty in finding accurate information could be due to the nascent stage of solar panel technology and the lack of long-term data. Dave also mentioned that he had not yet made a decision, indicating that he was still gathering information. Jennifer suggested exploring the differences in information-seeking behavior between generations.

Solar Panels, Marketing, and Job Prospects (From 50:06)

The team discussed the challenges and potential solutions in the context of solar panel sales and broader issues of marketing and education. There was a particular focus on the potential impact of AI on the job market and the importance of marketing skills to promote their work. The team also discussed their own job prospects and the potential impact of automation on their employment. The issue of whether the problem of job losses was partially an education problem was raised but remained an open question for future discussion.

Post-show Casual Conversation and Upcoming Plans (From 56:25)

The team had a casual and personal conversation, discussing various topics such as personal and professional updates, and the upcoming conference and meetings. They also discussed some technical issues related to server maintenance and shared hosting. The conversation also touched upon some creative commons licenses and their usage. The team agreed to continue their discussions in future meetings.