Authentic Learning

07/29/2023

Friends and colleagues,

Yesterday afternoon I wrapped up a weeklong space exploration camp I’d created for the nonprofit InfoAge Science & History Museums. One of the interesting conversations I had with our young explorers was what impact AI might have on future space missions. It’s a topic that’s pretty inescapable.

A few hours later, I found out that a TEDx presentation I’d done on AI and learning went live on TED’s YouTube platform! You can access it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjDPtzJQnyM&t=20s

The talk captures the philosophical essence of what I’ve been thinking, doing, and sharing about technology for quite some time. And since ChatGPT went live last November, I’ve been speaking at various venues and facilitating workshops on what it all means-- not only how we can survive AI, but how to take advantage of it.

AI's impact certainly goes beyond education, but that’s where my passions lie. I hope having this video online will help broaden and deepen the discussion. I ask you to take the 10 minutes to give it a view, pass it on, and share what you think. In the next week or so, I’ll post an article at www.authenticlearningLLC.com based on these experiences that includes research and references, expanding on and putting into practice what’s alluded to in the TEDx.

Thank you!

Is AI the Future of Education or Its Demise? Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and education in this engaging TEDx talk. The speaker dives ...

09/21/2022

Not all first year teachers have access to the level of support in their schools that they need to succeed. Fortunately for them, generosity and sharing are the Tao of Teaching. Professional learning communities improve not only student outcomes and teacher efficacy, but the institution of education.
https://authenticlearningllc.com/professional-learning-communities

Professional learning communities diversify your toolbox, connect you to colleagues who’ve got your back, and promote shared goals and accountability.

08/09/2022

Not surprisingly, these past few years have prompted record retirements and resignations in schools. Coupled with historically low enrollment in teacher prep programs, this will be another incredibly challenging year for those committed to staying in the classroom or as school leaders. We have the skills, but do we still have the will?
We’re now past emergency management and on to post-disaster recovery. Global experiences in this area may provide lessons for moving forward.

Disaster recovery and emergency management experience may be just the right guidance for schools working to grow past the pandemic.

07/18/2022

Does it ever feel as a parent/educator that you're in an escalating battle with tech companies for your children's/students' minds? Which do you think has the more altruistic motives?

Social media companies must address platforms' impact on kids' mental health and data privacy, educators say.

06/26/2022

Another beautiful day at the Jersey shore. What better way to spend a chunk of it than participating in Day 1 of the 2022 conference?! 😎

04/19/2022

Few would question that physical activity is good for the body as well as the mind. Research shows moving also promotes learning. This isn’t a leap of faith, jumping to conclusions, or me running my mouth! There are hundreds of ways to incorporate movement intentionally in our work with students and through interactions with our own children to help them grow. https://authenticlearningllc.com/minds-and-movement

Research shows movement is not only good for the body and spirit. When used mindfully and intentionally in classrooms, it can help us learn.

03/31/2022

What’s more productive (and healthy) than the American lifestyle of go, go, go? There’s a process for everything, even putting our brains on pause. Sharing research on reflective practice, aka critical reflection, at

Reflective practice is a continuous cycle of assessment and action leading to personal growth and improved teaching and learning

01/04/2022

I took a few months off from blogging after I started teaching two college courses this past semester for new and prospective teachers (which has been a lot of fun!). When the holiday break came up, something struck me: for three decades, as our new year began September 1 (the start of the school calendar), the annual student learning and life goals we write are a lot like New Year’s resolutions. And so, during the break in writing curriculum and content for college students, I’ve written a new post on setting goals that I think everyone, beyond teachers and school administrators, will be able to relate to.
https://authenticlearningllc.com/goal-setting-the-educator-way/

May your 2022 be happy, healthy, and productive – and not just relative to this past year (which seems a pretty low bar)!

The annual process of developing school goals can be helpful for both educators and anyone looking to make a positive change in their lives.

08/19/2021

Helping children learn (especially now) can be challenging enough. Doing it in a pandemic? Like working with one hand tied behind your back. Creating and teaching lessons that are authentic, active, and personalized every day? Odds seem as good as winning the daily trifecta at Monmouth Park. But there are ways to hedge that bet.

Authentic, active, and personalized are the trifecta of learning.

08/05/2021

When I was a new teacher and signed on to do curriculum work in the summer, I was handed a form and a new textbook and was tasked with turning the text into a “scope and sequence.” In other words, the book was the curriculum. I soon realized we had it backwards: decide what’s important first, find the right resources second. Turns out, there is also a curriculum beyond what’s written.

Curriculum may be written, hidden, or null, but it should always be living. Educators must provide regular care to help it evolve.

07/22/2021

What if every student had a plan that captured and capitalized on their strengths, interests, background, and aspirations to improve their learning experience? Is it even possible to personalize school for every child, in large and small, remote and in person classrooms? I know it is.

personalized learning individualized learning personal learning plans