“Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs” is a fascinating journey through space, time, and scientific disciplines. The central thesis revolves around Randall’s idea that a disk of dark matter in our Milky Way galaxy could have disturbed the orbit of a comet from the outer solar system, sending it crashing into Earth 66 million years ago…
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The Role of Education and Research in Confronting Harmful Discourses
In recent years, dominant narratives presented through various media channels have increasingly perpetuated racism, religious intolerance, sexual assault, misogyny, xenophobia, and a disregard for science and the environment. These harmful discourses, rooted in fear and prejudice, are not only damaging but also breed discrimination and division within our societies. Alarmingly, digital platforms and social media…
The Case for Running AI/ML Models Locally
Most importantly, I want to learn. I like trying to stay one step ahead of the field and make this understandable for others. With machine learning (ML) and AI, it’s a bit easier than many other areas I’ve studied. This is because I can use AI tools to help me understand and troubleshoot my work.…
The Art of Serial Focusing: Mastering One Thing at a Time
In an era where multitasking is often hailed as a superpower, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously equates to productivity. However, research has repeatedly shown that multitasking can actually decrease productivity and increase stress levels. Enter the art of serial focusing, a powerful alternative that encourages focusing…
Navigating New Realms: Generative AI and Literacy Education
How is AI changing the way we teach and learn? In an interactive webinar, I joined Samantha L. Bart-Addison, Raúl Alberto Mora, and Peggy Semingson to discuss the applications for—and implications of—bringing generative AI and the tools it powers, such as ChatGPT, into schools and classrooms. We identified the knowledge needed to effectively incorporate generative…
Unmasking AI: How Intelligence is Molded and the Traps it Conceals – A Review of ‘Atlas of AI’
Kate Crawford’s “Atlas of AI” presents a unique perspective on artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than focusing solely on its technical aspects, she delves into the often-overlooked societal implications of AI, including its environmental footprint, political consequences, and ethical dilemmas. The Book in Three Sentences “Atlas of AI” by Kate Crawford is an insightful exploration of…
Archiving Your WordPress Blog: A Smoother Transition to Obsidian with ChatGPT
As a content creator, I know the importance of preserving and making my blog posts accessible and integrated into my broader knowledge management workflow. My goal was to archive my WordPress blog posts seamlessly, have them readily available in my commonplace book, and leverage the power of an AI assistant to enhance my ability to…
Leveraging Generative AI for STEAM Education: A Wicked Problem Assignment
In the dynamic realm of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, educators continually seek innovative teaching methods that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One approach I’ve adopted in one of my classes involves students tackling “wicked problems” using a STEAM lens. This unique assignment leverages generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and models…
Redefining Education – Equipping Students for a Complex Future
The world is becoming more complicated daily, with new challenges constantly emerging. To equip students for such a future, we must introduce them to these problems early on and provide them with the tools to approach them systematically and informally. This includes understanding technological advancements, being able to use digital tools effectively, and having a…
The Paradox of White Racial Resentment: A Review of ‘Dying of Whiteness’
Author Jonathan M Metzl, a psychiatrist and sociologist, delves into the health implications of certain political ideologies and policies on white working-class Americans. In particular, he examines the impact of conservative politics on their health outcomes. “Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland” is an in-depth exploration of race…