As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to advance rapidly, we are approaching a point where we may need to reconsider what it means for something to be conscious or have a mind. Recent large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are able to generate remarkably human-like text, respond intelligently to questions, and even reflect on their…
The internet is constantly evolving. As large, centralized social networks like Twitter come under new ownership, many users look for alternatives that align better with their values. This has sparked renewed interest in an approach called the “fediverse”. You may have heard of sites like Mastodon and wondered what exactly they are. The key is…
In his grand-scale book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, historian Yuval Noah Harari provides a sweeping history of humankind that delves into our evolution, impact, and potential future. This uniquely broad perspective makes it a fascinating read for anyone interested in who we are and how we got here. The book in three sentences…
In Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest, sociologist Zeynep Tufekci examines the intricate relationship between social media and social movements. This timely book provides important insights into how modern protest unfolds with the rise of networked technologies. The book in three sentences: The book examines how social media has changed…
I’m presenting a keynote at the Fostering Creativity and Innovation with Technology in K-12 Education Symposium at The Ohio State Center for Digital Learning and Innovation. You can access my slides here, or embedded in the post below. The outline of this keynote is as follows: Where we’re headed We need to reimagine education to…
Meet John, a high school student graduating this year. They’re a decent student who works hard and gets by. They can solve for x and summarize the main events of the Civil War. With some help from their parents, they wrote an essay and filled out applications to the local state college. This all seems…
The principles of minimal computing encourage us to carefully consider our technology choices and usage. Minimal computing advocates doing the most with the least, prioritizing sustainability, equity, and empowerment. To put these principles into practice, I’ve drafted some questions to critically examine our own technology use. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on these questions…
In recent years, “minimal computing” has emerged as an approach to digital humanities scholarship that favors simplicity, sustainability, and accessibility. Minimal computing encourages asking key questions like “What do we need?” and “What can we do with what we have?” rather than getting caught up in the latest trends or tools. At its core, minimal…
In her insightful book Weapons of Math Destruction, mathematician and data scientist Cathy O’Neil exposes how algorithms and big data can perpetuate inequality and erode democracy. As algorithms increasingly run our lives, this is an important book for understanding their unintended consequences. Weapons of Math Destruction explores how algorithms are being used to make important…
Educational technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, bringing exciting new possibilities into the classroom. Chatbots, virtual reality, and AI-powered tutors promise to revolutionize learning. But, in our eagerness to embrace the latest innovations, are we approaching them with a critical eye? As educators, we must carefully consider not only what we could do…