What Grading SHOULD Look like… Over the years I have found that talking about grading practices that need to be retired is not enough. Many have thought that Standards-based grading was the answer, but unfortunately too many outdated grading practices are carried over. Conceptually, I have explained for years what a mastery-based system can look…
In my earlier post on Apple’s negligence of the iPadOS, I described how even the newest iPad Pros with fantastic hardware are limited by Apple’s software decisions in the operating system. I am frustrated by the massive increase in costs for the Pro lineup, so I decided I will wait for upgrades to either iPad…
Like most people, I have been using cell phones for quite a few years. I don’t renew my phone very often, typically every 3-5 years. I have had enough accidental phone drops to know I need some protection beyond a bare phone. I have several generations of cases. The last few have been the clear…
Here are three thought provoking podcasts worth checking out. The ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast: Helping Inquiring Minds Learn podcast I particularly enjoyed his quick breakdown of different types of inquiry and his points about efficiency vs. depth of understanding: Inquiry might seem less efficient but leads to deeper learning. "I really believe the true measure of…
I’ve Reached My Limit of Tracking This is Part 2 of a Series. Part 1 | Part 2 Part 2 So when is enough? It is very difficult to remove yourself entirely from all services without retreating to a cabin in the woods. But I am consciously looking for ways to reduce my “signals” to…
I’ve Reached My Limit of Tracking This is Part 2 of a Series. Part 1 | Part 2 I have followed closely for years the increasing levels of tracking and surveillance by large tech/communication/transportation companies, data brokers, and now more and more from our government. This is a difficult topic for me as I am…
What Can AI Do? While there is disagreement/confusion of what constitutes being called AI, let’s delineate common tasks people use AI to solve: Let’s compare and contrast AI services hands-on Ramifications of AI for Education
Ramifications of AI for Education This is Part 3 of a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 When working with students on AI, there are several important considerations to incorporating AI in the learning process. If implemented correctly, AI can be an exceptional tool for learning–at all levels, not just upper grades….
Let’s compare and contrast AI services hands-on This is Part 2 of a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 I keep a page for organizing AI web services as I learn about them: https://lenniesymes.me/ai It is by no means a complete list, but we will use it today to help with your…
This is Part 1 of a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 I’ve consumed a lot of tech press over the years. There are plenty of new technologies that drum up hype for the sake of getting people’s attention, but are not worthy of our time. There are others worthy of our…
Schools Find It Difficult to Change Without Compelling Reasons (and Even With Compelling Reasons) … When discussing the need for change in schools, educators can get in a rut of justifying current practice even when it does not deserve to be defended. That perpetuates status quo with little or no justification because it is the…
Why Motivation Theory Is Absolutely Crucial to Educators Part 3: SDT Provides Specific Answers This is Part 3 of a Series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Self Determination Theory (SDT) helps educators fill the gaps in our understanding in two broad ways: 1) providing specifics on what truly taps intrinsic motivation within…
Often during the school year it is hard to find the time and quiet to do professional close-reading, especially when you need to focus and concentrate. I would offer these recent articles and podcasts are deep but rich. Set aside time to dig in and enjoy: Articles: How mastery-based learning helps every student succeed https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/how-mastery-based-learning-helps-every-student-succeed/…
Why Motivation Theory Is Absolutely Crucial to Educators Part 2: The Journey to Understanding Motivational vs Behavioral Psych This is Part 2 of a Series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 My journey with deciphering which instructional practices help learner motivation is long and winding. My personal struggle of teaching within traditional systems…
Why Motivation Theory Is Absolutely Crucial to Educators Part 1: Schools Find It Difficult to Change Without Compelling Reasons (and Even With Compelling Reasons) This is Part 1 of a Series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 The Default Always Wins Understanding Self Determination Theory(SDT), the branch of psychology that researches intrinsic motivation,…
I am a heavy iPad user, ever since the original iPad. My current iPad is 6 years old and showing its slowness with age. I paid more than I wanted for the 2018 iPad Pro so it would last as long as possible, and that goal was successful. I also bought the Pro believing Apple…
More and more educators are needing to create electronic content for learners, and connecting with video-conferencing. When I went independent for my work, developing my workstation to fit my needs was crucial. My budget was limited, so I couldn’t get everything at once. When you build incrementally, that means you have to wait for some…
Have you wished for a guide to help educators make transitions in instructional practice and systems structure? So have I. For the last few years I have been developing and refining a framework for educators taking my class for their Masters degree program. As I reflected over the years when I worked to help schools…
I find the implications of the NYTimes lawsuit against OpenAI so disheartening for education. It’s not that OpenAI is the angelic victim while the NYTimes is the evil predator—OpenAI is far from innocent in their dealings. Rather, this appears to be a money-grab maneuver with complete disregard to the broad impact for copyright and fair…
It’s hard not to feel, as educators, left out of the conversation when apple announces a new product that will sell for $3500—clearly not targeted for schools! But rather than ignore it as another MacPro device that schools will never see within their four walls, we should pay attention to what this product can do….
Many of us are bewildered by the “tribalism” of current politics. Those of us who have been involved in the tech industry a long time have experienced the precursor for this behavior: all-or-nothing embracing of computer platforms and later smartphone platforms. All my life I approached technology as an “agnostic.” Certainly you embrace the platform…