teaching

Why Don’t Schools Teach “X”?

/ Dave Eberwein / 6 Comments

I love the fall — it’s an exciting time of renewal — a new school year with shiny floors and everyone looking refreshed and energized. It is also a time when I hear lots of suggestions about what we should be teaching. Here are some of my all-time favourites:

  • changing a flat tire
  • surviving in the wild
  • negotiating a contract
  • filling out a federal tax form
  • growing vegetables
  • performing basic pet care
  • displaying manners such as holding a door
  • investing in stocks and bonds
  • sewing on a button

‘Basic pet care’ was new to me this year. Not sure what that means beyond feeding your dog, putting out some fresh water, going for walks, and taking them to the vet when they need it … but I digress. That’s not really the point.

More on Page 2

Pages: 1 2

Disruptive Technology

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

An innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers or systems like K-12 education operate. Disruptive technologies sweep away the processes they replace because they have attributes that are significantly superior.

We live in a world where changes are the norm — and they are happening at a pace that is often mind-boggling.

Some changes are thrust upon us:

  • Inflation / Consumer Price Index changes
  • New Taxes
  • Daylight Savings Time
When a Pumpkin Spice Latte was all the rage

… while other changes may be optional:

  • EVs (Electric vehicles)
  • Seasonal coffee flavours at Starbucks (still have to try the pumpkin spice latte)
  • New slip-on shoes without shoelaces (these seem like a great new idea, but are they cool?)

When its technology we’re talking about, change typically occurs because the new tech is faster, more user friendly or perhaps even cheaper:

  • LIGHT BULBS … replaced candles
  • AUTOMOBILES … replaced the horse & buggy
  • CALCULATORS … replaced the slide rule
  • The INTERNET … replaced encyclopedias

In all of these cases the technology change was DISRUPTIVE — the new tech replacing, or disrupting, the existing technology. Transition to the new tech was slow and somewhat predictable over time.

Today, there is a new disruptive tech that is sweeping the planet — and it has been an overnight sensation. Hundreds of millions of users ‘signed on’ in just a couple of months. It has both captivated the world and at the same time created a bit of fear with its insurgence.

Welcome to ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

(More on Page 2)

Pages: 1 2

“Why Don’t You Tweet (X?) More, Dave?”

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

A communication platform needs to be informative, timely and respectful.

Back in 2017 I thought I found one with Twitter.

I started using it in early 2017 determined to make it a significant part of my communication toolbox — a new way of connecting with others in my community on topics of interest in a way that I had not used. I wanted something that was instantaneous, as well as something where respectful dialogue could take place. Platforms such as the nightly news and periodicals provided one-way information flow. Twitter was poised to be my new two-way communication tool.

I was excited and up for the challenge.

I started out pretty strong too, but faded in my use of it over the first year. Today, in 2024, I still use Twitter …. I mean “X” … but do so sparingly. What I’ve found is that what is often presented on it as ‘fact’ is often just unsubstantiated opinion filled with negative and demeaning commentary.

That is not what I want or need from a professional communication tool.

It used to be a wonderful place to share thoughts and build understanding. And while there is still some of that within it, it is often punctuated with insults, accusations, political rhetoric and hyperbole.

I have pretty much lost interest in it as a reliable, professional communication tool.

(More on Page 2)

Pages: 1 2