EdTechTalk Discussion of 'Learning in a Time of Abundance' (Introduction)
The EdTechWeekly gang reconvenes to discuss Dave's new book, Learning in a Time of Abundance.
We continue the conversation next week.
Chapter 1: Change Has Never Been a Bargain
May 6 2300 UTC (7pm EDT)
Global Times: https://t.ly/Cj4sL
Sections (as determined and not-so-accurately described by Zoom's AI)
Discussing Dave's Book and Ed Tech Talk Community
Jeff, John, and Jennifer, who are experienced Ed tech talkers, gathered to discuss Dave's new book, "Learning in a Time of Abundance." They shared their backgrounds and discussed the evolution of the Ed tech talk community. John, a technology specialist, emphasized his focus on the impact of technology on teaching and learning, while Dave Cormier , a learning specialist, shared his diverse background in education and technology. Dave explained the reasons behind writing the book, including his desire to present complex concepts in a less confined format than his blog and his hope to influence policy. The group also discussed the differences between writing for a blog and writing a book.
Audio Issues, Feedback, and Relatable Writing From 11:30
The team discussed John's audio issues, the importance of constructive feedback, and the significance of their project's dedication to their mothers. They also engaged in light-hearted moments, sharing personal anecdotes about their mothers. A key discussion centered around Dave's approach to writing complex educational concepts in a relatable manner for a general audience, which Jennifer appreciated and mentioned as an intentional style to create engagement and conversation. The team also discussed the value of this approach through examples of readers engaging with the content in their own ways.
Education, Real Life, and Abundance From 20:00
Dave, Jeff, and John discussed the relationship between education and real life, with Dave asserting that education should not be separate from the rest of life and that technology has significantly altered the way we learn. He described the current situation as an 'abundance' of information and connection, which has changed the way we interact with each other. Jennifer sought clarification on Dave's concept of 'abundance', emphasizing the profound shift it represents in information availability and connection. Both Dave and Jennifer discussed the implications of this new reality for younger generations, who have grown up with these tools, and invited further discussion on the subject.
Patients, Doctors, and Information Overload From 25:10
The group discussed the changing relationship between patients and doctors due to the abundance of information available. Dave emphasized that patients now have access to a variety of information sources, which can lead to self-diagnosis and reinforce incorrect beliefs. Jennifer introduced the concept of learning in the context of an information overload, highlighting the need for educators to prepare learners for this new reality. The group agreed on the need to address issues surrounding the interpretation of information, the role of anxiety in decision-making, and the need for a competency-based approach to education. Dave suggested that doctors need to expand their knowledge beyond basic medical information to manage the complexity of modern healthcare and that human decision-making is essential, particularly in social and negotiation aspects of healthcare.
Fact-Checking, Reliability, and Learner Perception From 40:50
Dave, Jennifer, and John discussed the challenges of fact-checking, identifying reliable sources of information, and the role of expertise in determining truth. They acknowledged the complexity and abundance of information sources, and the potential for attack on any single source, along with the existence of groups with contradictory beliefs. Dave expressed optimism about the potential for data analysis to provide useful insights into poverty, but cautioned that it may not provide a reliable or meaningful understanding due to the concept's complexity and variations in context and measurement. The group also discussed the importance of developing critical thinking skills, the correlation between learner perception, satisfaction, and objective measures of learning, and the impact of gender and data abundance on these findings. The theme of uncertainty was introduced and its impact on decision-making in various aspects of life was highlighted.
Discussing Marketing Influence and Nudge Techniques From 57:20
Jeff and Dave discussed the growing influence of marketing and corporate interests in modern society, with a particular focus on the impact of technology. They explored how companies and governments use subtle advertising techniques to manipulate public perception and shape societal values. The concept of 'nudge marketing' was introduced, with Dave noting its varied implementation across governments, and Jeff questioning the definition of 'good' in this context. The discussion underscored the complexity and pervasiveness of marketing and persuasion efforts in contemporary society.
Presentation Review and CMS Experiences From 1:01:00
The team, led by Jennifer, discussed the presentation and answered questions from the chat room, including a query about marketing techniques. They also talked about their personal experiences with content management systems, with Jeff sharing his experiment with Drupal 8 and his plans to switch to WordPress.com. Dave complimented WordPress's features, advising that it takes time to adapt but is ultimately beneficial. John shared his approach to blog management, emphasizing the simplicity of content creation. The team agreed to reconvene the following week to discuss Chapter one.
Education, Technology, and Younger Educators From 1:05:50
The team discussed the topic of education and technology, focusing on the younger generation of educators. Dave shared his experiences with his students and noted the shift in communication towards shorter, more story-based posts. John highlighted the changing landscape of education conferences, with more emphasis on smaller, local events. The team also discussed the concern of leaving a permanent record of professional posts, with Jennifer sharing her experiences of being cautious about what she posts online. The team agreed that their discussions were valuable and decided to continue them in future meetings.
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