This lesson describes how we can use Slime Mold to describe Networked Learning and apply that description to Classroom structure.
Networked Learning
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Brains are quantum pattern recognition engines.
I have come to believe, and current research supports me on this, that our brains are quantum pattern recognition engines. Researchers have known that our brains are pattern recognition engines for as long as I've studying this. But, the current evolution of our...
A Stable Political System can be achieved using Quantum Communication
This lesson suggests that we can create stable Political systems though Quantum Communication.
Ritual Model of Communication – 2023
The ritual model of communication is a communications theory proposed by James W. Carey.
A ritual view of communication holds that we communicate not just to pass information, but more importantly, as a way to connect with others in order to maintain our communities. Updated Sept 2023.
12 Lessons From Some Great Presentators
Embrace the Anxiety A fear of public speaking is not just common; it is innate. Our ancestors had to be accepted into social groups in order to survive, instead of standing out and being alone (and then possibly being a predator’s dinner!). We have to acknowledge our...
Knowledge Models: Their History and Future
The History of Knowledge Models and a description of the current model the Network Model and/or the Fractal Model.
Fractal Model of Communication
The Fractal Model of Communication is the latest obvious evolution of communication Models that began with Aristotle and Shannon. Fractal Model assumes Communication is complex and dynamic, and follows fractal patterns. (Update Sept. 2023)
Successful Communities are built on Continuous Improvement, Collective Responsibility, and Goal Alignment.
This lesson describes why Successful Communities are “Learning Communities.” And describes why a commitment to continuous improvement, the development of collective responsibility, and focusing on goal alignment are so important in building a successful learning community.
Communication Models – Past and Future
This lesson, “Communication Models- Past and Future” provides the necessary background to help us develop Communication “Best Practices” for our 21st Century Hyper-Connected Digital World. (Updated August 2023)
Three Communication Models
A lesson describing the evolution of communication models from a one-way linear model of Aristotle and Claude Shannon, to the Interaction and transactional model of Schramm and Berlo, to the new Iterative Fractal Model.
Double-Helix Communication Model
The Double-Helix Communication Model is a new “Fractal” based communication model that sees communication as iterative.
The Right Tool Can Make A Difficult Problem Easy
I was watching a Photoshop Tutorial and the Instructor said, "I don't have to go to the trouble of selecting those whites and masking them or deleting them. I can just use a blend mode to do that and that's a key concept. Sometimes what...
Communication Models List
A comprehensive list of all the communications models we use to make better decisions and improve our lives. Updated Sept 2023.
21st Century Learning Organizations
A discussion of “Learning Organizations” and how to create them.
First Principles: The Building Blocks of True Knowledge
First-principles thinking is one of the best ways to reverse-engineer complicated problems and unleash creative possibility.
Sometimes called “reasoning from first principles,” the idea is to break down complicated problems into basic elements and then reassemble them from the ground up. It’s one of the best ways to learn to think for yourself, unlock your creative potential, and move from linear to non-linear results.
Being Critical is Not Thinking Critically
The presentation of the TIDAL Approach to Decision Making. The TIDAL approach is designed to mitigate the perceptual limitations caused by the way our brain works. Selective perception, confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, and cultural/linguistic biases are real things that affect our decision-making.
The Social Dilemma Transcript – Main Arguments
Using The Social Dilemma Transcript this lesson tries to understand the influences Social Media has on the community and what should we do about it. This lesson attempts to catalog the evidence presented and validate the main arguments. Updated Oct, 2023
History of Health Misinformation
This lesson on the History of Health Misinformation provides evidence that Health Misinformation has been with us from our beginning.
Evidence of Trump’s Christian Support
This lesson provides Evidence of Trump’s Christian Support. It’s a facegroup that makes it clear that it supports Trump, almost like Jesus himself.
5 Media Literacy Questions
This lesson details the 5 Media Literacy Questions we need to ask every time we consume information to ensure we learn the most from it. Who created this message? Which techniques are used to attract my attention? How might different people interpret this message? Which lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented — or missing? Why is this message being sent? Updated Dec. 2023
21st Century Skills to Master
This lesson describes the 21st Century Skills to Master in order to thrive today in our hyper-connected digital World.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is needed because we cannot learn the skills needed for tomorrow in the static classrooms of today.
Reinforcement Learning
Reinforcement Learning We examine the formation of signaling conventions in a framework of a multi-agent reinforcement learning model. Introducing a population renewal algorithm, which in the presence of superlinear reinforcement, considerably enhances formation of...
The Structure of Virtual Learning Communities
The Structure of Virtual Learning Communities Abstract—Virtual learning communities(VLCs) are an effective way for people to conduct online education. This paper analyzes the basic characteristics of virtual learning community from three dimensions: technology,...
Paul & Elder Critical Thinking Framework
The Paul Elder Critical thinking Framework is another attempt to help us process information better by providing structure to our thinking. Updated Sept. 2023
The Structure of Language
This lesson suggests the more we know about the structure of language the better our communication. (Last Updated Sept 2023)
The Transmission Model of Communication
Description of the Transmission Model of Communication, with a focus on Claude Shannon. Discussions of the components, architecture, constraints, and applications of the Transmission Model of Communication. And, how it has led to the development of the Fractal Model of Communication. Updated March 2023.
What 21st Century Work Requires of 21st Century Education
An Analysis of a 1991 US Labor Dept Report called, “What Work Requires.” This report is evidence to Support my Learning Community Architecture.
Atlantis Learning Community Executive Summary
Atlantis Learning Community Executive Summary Initiative Provide the best flexible, lifelong learning platform through the use of 21st Century technologies. Mission Encourage collaboration Facilitate interoperability Promote best practices for using distributed...
Why and How to Develop a Skills Learning Plan
Lesson on developing a Skills Learning Plan. And suggestions on what factors you need to consider in developing your Skills Learning Plan. (Updated Jan 26, 2023)
3 Ways Learning will Change
3 Ways Learning Will Change This is my periodic visit to the the question: What will learning look like in the future. We will continue to see big changes in both learners and learning environments. The key driver, The Digital Revolution. With omnipresent internet...
5 Things About How We Learn That You Have to Unlearn to Succeed
In order to succeed in the 21st Century there are some important things you need to understand about how we learn. Throughout history, education has been about teaching the next generation to do what the previous generation wants them to do. Here are 5 things you have...
Learning Community Learning Platform
Learning Community Learning Platform Key Drivers: Personalized Learning Plans and Micro-Learning!
Giving Away Knowledge for Free and Only Charging for Knowledge Assessment Is An Online Learning Model Validated by Latest Coursera Moves
A recent move by Coursera, one of the largest Online education providers, validates a new online learning model where knowledge is given away for free, but assessment is paid for. The answer is to separate Knowledge acquisition from knowledge assessment. Essentially...
Cognitive Resonance From Communication
[ted id=2265] Great Video of how we think. Specifically the comments about how we can take very little information and create huge conclusions.
3 Fundmental Functions of Education in the Community
There are 3 fundamental functions of education in every community: 1) Discover new knowledge, 2) Teach skills the community needs to thrive, and 3) Provide an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. The great thing is that these three functions are intimately...
10 Blended Learning Trends
Blended Learning is learning that combines analog and digital, asynchronous and synchronous, mobile and fixed (Physical School), and electronic and human. Blended learning is the 21st Century way to learn!
7 Education Websites that Demonstrate the Power of 21st Century Learning Communities
The instant we domesticated the electron we gave to educators the power to transform 18th Century paper based teacher centered education into 21st Century learning tools. EdTech is what we call this electronic Education Technology. And the world over smart people...
7 Principles of Success from SAP CEO Bill McDermott and What I learned from it!
In his new book Winners Dream: A Journey From Corner Store to Corner Office, SAP CEO Bill McDermott offers his suggestions for 7 Principles of success. (The full post is below). I have my own 7 principles for success. Let me see how well they align. My view is...
Gallup Study found reasons for our failing Education Systems. I Completely Agree with their findings!
A recent Gallup Study gathered some data that pointed to the reasons for our failing Education. Gallup found that those educational institutions that make intentional efforts to embrace the fundamentals of human development will thrive, others will fail badly. While...
5 Reasons Why Schools Can, and should, be different today and why it is Important
I have been either a student or a teacher for most of my life. The way I've taught all my class is with me standing in front of the class and leading the class though a "curriculum." And in most cases, I find it mind-numbingly boring for both the teachers and...
Basic Education Should be Free!
And the Community should be more than happy to pay for it!
Solution Aversion – Why people believe what they believe
The Learning Community is always interested in what causes some to refuse to learn. A recent study on this subject by Troy Campbell and Aaron Kay of Duke University adds an intriguing new idea to the mix: “solution aversion.” Motivated Reasoning is something the...
Net Neutrality is the Perfect Vehicle to Explore the Power of a Learning Community
Because of its technical nature Net Neutrality is perfect for a Learning Community. Net Neutrality encompasses: Technical - What is the Optimal Internet Architecture Economic - What should be the drivers of the Telecommunications Industry Political - What role does...
3 Learning Steps
Step one: gain a complete understanding of the natural laws that govern the thing you are trying to learn. Step two: gain a complete understanding of our own capabilities, aptitudes, skills, and talents for the thing you are trying to learn. Step three: implement...
It is all about Information and our Shared Definitions of That Information
Learning Communication Semantics - Glossary - Definitions Syntactics - Grammar - Pragmatics - Learning Communication Social Rules Prosodic - Meta-Communication, Communication about Communication, Para-communication Idiosyncratic - Using all the above to create...
21st Century “Learning Communication Rules” for Teaching and Learning.
Like all communication, Learning Communication is governed by rules, specific to the context of learning. The more the participants of the learning opportunity understand the rules of Learning Communication the more likely the participants will be able benefit from...
2 Strategies for Improving Educational Performance
Take a look at a photo of a classroom from any time in the past. Compared to a typical classroom today, it's hard to see any substantial differences. The reason for this; the classroom is always going to be a slow adaptor to new ideas. Fortunately there are many...
We need to Seek Understanding First in our efforts in finding Common Ground rather than fight
Bill Maher asked this question, "Do you think social media made us bigger assholes, or we were bigger assholes and it just exposed us as being that?" Maher posed the question to Nerdist Industries CEO, and host of @Midnight on Comedy Central, Chris Hardwick, after...
Another Report on Online Education Benefits
Here is a post from NPR that provides some great facts and conclusions about Online Education Benefits and why it is the wave of the future. Report on Online Education in the US Chasing The Elusive 'Quality' In Online Education by ANYA KAMENETZ June 27, 2014 8:03 AM...
The Difficulty to Building Consensus is on clear display with Religion on Wikipedia. But there are solutions. Like Separating Facts and Conclusions, and transparency to the source.
A interesting post from the Religion New Service (RNS) about the "Edit Wars" on the Religious Pages of Wikipedia clearly demonstrate the difficulty to Building Consensus. But, there is a solution. Clearly identify what are facts and what are conclusions. Then...
Atlantis Learning Community Flips the Traditional Educational Models
Traditional Adult Education has it backwards. Today, we start by paying for a class ($2,000+). Then we read the book or listen to the expert. Finally, we take the assessment. This process should be flipped. We should start with a "FREE" high level assessment. Then...
Education for Life might be possible if it is Subscription based, say 2 Wharton Profs. I agree. And I add to that idea.
I agree with two Wharton Professors; education should be Subscription based. That is the best way to stimulate "Education for Life." And I would add that the various levels of subscription should depend on the amount of effort on the part of the Faculty and...
A Creationist Cartoon Offers an Opportunity for the Learning Community to Understand Confirmation Bias
Someone, most probably a Creationist, at the Henry Grady High School in Atlanta tried to use a cartoon in a freshman biology class that showed evolution, humanism, homosexuality, pornography, racism, euthanasia, divorce and abortion as the work of Satan and at war...
Top 6 Living Skills to Master for 2014 and Beyond
I was cleaning out my email inbox (something I needed to do for a long time) and I came across a report that listed the Top 12 Skills for 2012. It got me thinking what are the top skills one needs to succeed. Using the report as a starting point here is my list....
Story about “Unemployment” Numbers is Opportunity to Find “Actionable” Information
Here is an email I got this morning: Wednesday's ADP number suggested a sub-200K reading for today's May BLS jobs report. That would be a significant disappointment after April's robust 288K. But ADP is far from a flawless indicator. So estimates for today's number...
The Impacts of the Printing Press are: The Reformation and the Age of Enlightenment.
The impacts of the Printing Press are the Reformation and the Age of Enlightenment. In the essay below, Elizabeth L. Eisenstein, presents a thoughtful and I think very important conclusion. As she puts it: The impact of printing, experienced first by literate groups...
The Internet is to our Age as the Printing Press was to the Reformation and Age of Enlightnment
The problem for anyone that locks their world view into the 1st century bible is we live in a 21st century digital age. It is very hard to copy the Torah, it is less hard to copy the Bible, and infinitely easy to copy 21st century digital bits. The fact that we can...
Noise is the Fundamental Obstacle to Learning
Let me go on record and acknowledge that I truly understand that while getting good enough information for learning is fairly easy, getting the “BEST” information for learning is not so easy. The reason is "Noise." There are a number of environmental and biological...
2 Types of Learning: Learning something new and Learning to Change
Of the two types of learning, learning something new is relatively easy compared to learning to change. There are some surface things you may be able to change, but at the core, change is almost impossible. Use the earth as an example. The "Core" changes rarely,...
It is the Guide on the Side; Not the Sage on the Stage
Giving Constructive Feedback without making people angry
A Leadership IQ study found that 81% of leaders avoid giving tough feedback because they’re afraid the recipient will respond will react badly (with anger, denial, blame or excuses). How do we expect our organizations and employees to improve if we’re afraid to give...
Words to Avoid
There are certain words we hear in conversation that can instantly set us off. They're the kind of words that our brains hear as attacks and thus prompt us to react defensively (and sometimes even aggressively). In a recent study, we discovered a whole slew of...
The 8 Key Elements of Highly Effective Speech
The 8 Key Elements of Highly Effective Speech…and why your words barely matter! Published on July 10, 2012 by Mark Waldman and Andrew Newberg, M.D. in Words Can Change Your Brain I’d like you to take a moment to experience the following sentence, taken from a...
An Introduction to the School of Open
Every generation since the beginning of human existence has passed its value system, principles, methodologies, and skillsets on to the next generation. This passing on of information within cultures has been followed by the development of a systematic approach to...
How do you determine if the Story about the Galileo is a “Myth” or not?
I came across the following at http://www.bede.org.uk/sciencehistory.htm written by James Hannam in 2002: The greatest of the secular myths is Galileo Galilei as a martyr for science. The epic battle between the forces of reason and truth and the dark superstitions of...
Change is Needed in Education
Education is hopelessly antiquated and crippled by 1st Century fears and 18th Century assembly-line work rules. Until the religious, political, and economic stranglehold on the world's school's is broken, there is virtually no hope things will change. Teachers should...
There Should be 2 Tests in a Class. One at the beginning of the Class. The other at the end.
Learning is about growth. Learning is about change. While learning should be about meeting a specific goal, it should be measured more by the amount of change. If the test is given at the beginning of the class and at the end of the class, everyone will have a better...
Education should be about “Constructive or Destructive;” Not about “Liberal or Conservative.”
Education should be about solving problems, not about "liberal or Conservative." Education should be about solving problems and making effective predictions. This means that the goals of education have to be completely changed from forcing conformity to a fixed...
5 Reasons Why Schools Can be Different Today and Why it is Important
I have been either a student or a teacher for most of my life. The traditional teaching model is for the teacher to stand in front of the class and work their way though a "curriculum." And in most cases, I find it mind-numbingly boring for both the teachers and...
21st Century Education Suggestion: Forget an Classroom MBA! Get an “Experience MBA!”
Because of our domestication of the electron in the 1800s and the ultimate implementation of that domestication in the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW), we are the first generation that has access to extreme self-education. Proximity to a classroom or a library...
The 15 Lessons Every Entrepreneur Must Learn: Forbes
Forbes | By Steven KotlerPosted: 09/06/2013 3:46 pm EDT In the middle of the economic meltdown that was 2007-2009, James Marshall Reillynoticed a particular new breed of high-minded entrepreneur who, well, didn’t seem to be melting. It was peculiar all right. Not...
10 OpenCourseWare Sites for a Free Education
1. MIT While not the first university to adopt OpenCourseWare (OCW), MIT's initiative started the movement in 2002. Many other universities followed suit. Still one of the best OCW programs out there, MIT offers materials from 2,150 courses in business, engineering,...
Education Secretary: Tech Will Never Replace Great Teachers
nbsp; Everyone wants to hangout with Sal Khan. The popular founder of the innovative Khan Academy is a good person to rub elbows with — even if you're the Obama administration's top education official. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan fielded Khan's questions about...
2 Types of Learning: Learning something new and Learning to Change
Of the two types of learning, learning something new is relatively easy compared to learning to change. Change is very hard. almost impossible.
10 Skills of Confident People
First things first: Confidence is not bravado, or swagger, or an overt pretense of bravery. Confidence is not some bold or brash air of self-belief directed at others. Confidence is quiet: It’s a natural expression of ability, expertise, and self-regard. 1. They take...
Because of 21st Technology – Facts are misleading, Everyone is an Expert, and the Smartest person in the Room can be anywhere in the World!
Because of 21st Century Technology the world of Facts and Conclusions have changed. This is based on the Book Too Big to Know: Rethinking Knowledge Now That the Facts Aren't the Facts, Experts Are Everywhere, and the Smartest Person in the Room Is the Room by by David...
Howard Gardner: Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner initially formulated a list of seven intelligences. His listing was provisional. The first two have been typically valued in schools; the next three are usually associated with the arts; and the final two are what Howard Gardner called ‘personal...
“Singularities” are the Key Challenge in the 21st Century
We know how to build the same widget a billion times over! We know how to do very large stuff really well. We have masters economics of Scale. What we need to learn to do now is the opposite of scaling up; we need to learn to scale down! Dell started it in the 70's...
Phil Jackson Uses “Learning Communities!”
In a Review of Phil Jackson's new book, Eleven Rings (for the 11 championship rings won by Jackson), Dave Logan says, "Jackson was successful because he turned the teams he coached into learning communities." They were learning communities because he learning from...
Is the crowd wiser than a lone genius?
Yes! No! A crowd is not always wiser than a long genius. But, since genius is rare a crowd is often better. A crowd working together could be wiser than a crowd led by an individual. A crowd is not a team, but a team could be a crowd. All things being equal, a team is...
Victor Hugo – An invasion of armies can be resisted; an invasion of ideas cannot be resisted
The star possesses no anger; the dawn bears no malice. Light issatisfied in being light. Light is everything; the human race has no other love. France knows herself beloved because she is good, and...
Brookings Institute – Should Everyone Go to College? Answer No!
Should everyone go to college - A new Report from the Brookings Institute Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill Brookings Institute May 2013 Should Everyone go to College? Of course not! "Everyone" should not do "Something." While, we all know that "on average" going to...